We have an Interesting Windows Launcher for Android [With a Risk?]

The Android ecosystem is filled with a plethora of custom launchers. While Nova used to be the de facto choice, due to its development being stopped, users are now looking for alternatives. Truth be told, we still have quite a few noteworthy players, including the likes of Smart, Niagra, and Lawnchair , among others. But if you wish to deviate from the usual and wish to try out something unique, then this Windows-inspired Android launcher might be your best bet.

• We have an Interesting Windows Launcher for Android [With a Risk?]
• Screenshots Start Menu Desktop Internet Explorer Browser Minesweeper and Solitaire Games Display Properties
• Is it Safe The Goods The Not-So Good
• Download Windows Launcher for Android

We have an Interesting Windows Launcher for Android [With a Risk?]

The Play Store already has quite a few Windows launchers, so how does it stand out from the crowd? Well, it beholds a slew of intriguing features up its sleeves, and some of them aren’t there on any other Windows-based launchers. On that note, here are some of its unique features that deserve your attention:

• Themes of both Windows 98 and Windows XP
• Windows Classic flavors include 95, 98, ME, and 2000 (each with its own welcome screen, music, startup/shutdown sounds, and start menu banner)
• Working home screen, with desktop icons that can be renamed and changed (included are a bunch of icons from the era)
• Working start menu as an app launcher
• Gestures: Swipe down on the desktop to open the notification bar Swipe up on the desktop to open the start menu in search mode Swipe right on the desktop to open a favorite app (set via the start menu)
• Included wallpapers from the era, a 3D pipes screen saver, and customization options
• Included retro apps, all coded from scratch to be as close as possible to the original, but work on modern phones: IE 6 – works as a browser (hold the homepage button to set the current page as the homepage) Winamp – plays local files Notepad – for storing notes, but included tabs as well Phone Dialer – working phone with basic features and speed dial Registry Editor – to check locally stored settings, modify, export/sync to your Google Drive to later restore easily 2 games: Minesweeper & Solitaire
• Calendar & Weather Integration
• Windows Update (just checks my server for a new APK version and lets you download it)

Screenshots

A picture speaks a thousand words, so have a look at them and then mould your installation decision accordingly.

Start Menu

Desktop

Internet Explorer Browser

Minesweeper and Solitaire Games

Display Properties

Is it Safe

Now comes the most important part: is the launcher safe to install? Well, there are two sides to this story, and I’ll paint the complete picture so that you can then make your decision accordingly.

The Goods

• The developer, Gorjan Jovanovski, is an entrepreneur and software engineer, and has previously developed a mobile app with over 200,000 downloads [also featured in Forbes ].
• The app was tested by VirusTotal , and no security vendors flagged this file as malicious.
• You can run the app without giving it any permissions, though the functionality will be restricted. In this regard, he following ‘optional’ permissions are required: Location – for the weather to work Calendar access – for the quick glance widget to work Contacts – for Phone Dialer to access contacts Local media files – for Winamp to work Internet – for IE, RegEdit sync, and Windows Update to work

The Not-So Good

It’s a closed-source application shared by the developer on his Reddit post. According to him, he cannot upload to the Play Store due to copyright issues. However, it would have been much better if he could atleast make the app open-source and upload it to GitHub, as there’s no licensing issue there.

So, should you install? Well, the choice is all yours. In my case, I have installed and tested this app on my secondary device, which does not have my main account signed in, and neither have any valuable data lying around.

Download Windows Launcher for Android

Weighed the risks and benefits and are now willing to welcome abode this Windows launcher onto your Android device? Then get hold of the APK from the link below, install it onto your device, and get going!

DOWNLOAD LINK | REDDIT LINK

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