Edited by Victoria Tompkins

Top 7 Android Smartphone Launchers

Android is quickly becoming the most popular operating system in the world, with the Google Play Store full of apps of every type, style and colour. One of the most popular apps at the minute is the user interface apps. When releasing a new Android phone, the manufacturer will build in their own user interface. If you get bored with this interface though, there's no reason why you should stick with it. The Google Play Store is full of innovative launcher apps that have been designed to give your phone a new lease of life. Below, we list, (in no particular order,) the top seven Android launcher apps available in the Google Play Store.

The top 7 Android launchers

The Google Now Launcher

1. The Google Now Launcher lets you swipe through easily accessible "Now" cards with are frequently update with all of the information you’re trying to keep track of, (whether that be the state of the weather, train times or the current sports scores.) This launcher also lets you send texts and surf the net using voice commands. In a rush and don't have time to type a text? Tell your phone what you want to say to a friend or colleague and it'll automatically type (and send) the text for you.

The Apex Launcher

2. The Apex Launcher lets you alter the homepage on your phone to suit your specific needs. This launcher separates your downloaded apps from your widgets as well as letting you change the size of the icons presented on your homepage. As well as that, the Apex Launcher lets you apply universal changes to your phone: picking a particular setting on the Apex Launcher changes the appearance of all of the the icons displayed on your phone as the well as changing the colour used to highlight specific buttons and texts.

Themer Launcher

3. The Themer Launcher is chock full of themes, styles and colours, allowing you to customize your phone in whatever way you choose. With just one click, you can apply any number of themes to add that personal touch to your device. If you’re a fan of personalisation, this app’s the one for you.

Zero Launcher

4.The Zero Launcher allows for fluid and innovative navigation between your on-screen icons. This launcher also features a Windows 8 style search facility which allows you to locate your apps quickly rather than having to scroll through endless pages of icons. Zero Launcher also comes complete with over 700 different themes so you can make your phone your own.

Nova Launcher

5.Nova Launcher has built-in controls which allow you to change your phone’s homepage to suit your needs: move icons around the home page until you have them where you want them or change the overall theme of your phone depending on your preference or mood. As well as being highly customizable, Nova Launcher is also compatible with Google’s voice command technology, allowing you to search for items, places and events by speaking into your phone. As well as boasting a number of design features, Nova Launcher also runs very efficiently and quickly, making it easy to use.

Solo Launcher 2.0

6. In terms of numbers, the Solo Launcher 2.0 is one of the most popoular launchers in the world. This launcher also has an interface that is quick and easy to scroll through as well as have a search bar where you can type in the first letters of an app and open it in a few seconds, (rather than having to look thorough endless pages of downloads.) The Solo Launcher 2.0 also comes with a number of free pictures, photos and animations, for optimum personalization.

Z Launcher

7. Nokia's Z Launcher is a fairly new addition as an app but, users tend to rave about the unique qualities of this launcher. The Z Launcher lets you write a letter with your finger, invisibly, on the phone screen. Your phone will then interpret the movement of your finger and bring up apps which begin with the letter you originally typed. Over time, the Z Launcher grows accustomed to your habits and favours (and promotes) the apps you tend to use most often.