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Factor Launcher, a minimalist interface for those who miss Windows Phone

A new launcher begins its journey as early access: Factor Launcher is now available on the Google Play Store. Of course, the aesthetics is not exactly new since it makes use of the tiles of Windows Phone; while maintaining a minimalist design and away from superfluous options.

The launchers They are a type of Android application that not only offers high customization capacity, they also use include tools that enhance the use of the device. Interfaces with memory management tools, battery or launchers that offer access to hidden parts of the system are not uncommon. And then there are the apps that flee from the superfluous to exclusively facilitate the launch of apps. Factor Launcher is one of these.

Modern UI is still very functional on mobile

It is enough to see the appearance of the interface so that the design awakens similarities with Windows computers. And it is not surprising since Factor Launcher is based on Modern UI, the evolution of the Metro interface that brought Windows Phone to life and that ended up inheriting both Windows for mobile phones and computers.

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Minimalism runs wild by Factor Launcher: the base of the application is offer the most important accesses on the front page, all with tiles of three sizes: square (1: 1), rectangular (2: 1) and double rectangular (2: 2). Simply select which app to move to the desktop from the list on the right so that access is anchored to the main desktop.

Factor Launcher offers direct access to apps and also notifications. Both in the form of a balloon (with counter) and showing the text of the warnings if the tile is rectangular. What do you like to see what happens at a glance in your important apps? Create rectangular tiles and you will be able to read their notices without entering the applications.

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Factor Launcher is an application that is currently in beta, this is a detail to take into account. Under our tests it works correctly, although we would like it to include some function that seems basic to us; like creating folders and miniature tiles (to make a 1: 1 tile with four shortcuts, for example). Possibilities will surely be added in future updates.

It is not the first Windows Phone-looking launcher, surely not the last. Still, it offers more than enough service without including any ads or in-app purchases. What’s more, Launcher factor is very light: 1.8 MB download and about 11 MB once installed on the phone.