GoKawiilAndy Walker / Android Authority
I’ve used Android launchers of all shapes and sizes, including those built specifically for multi-screen devices, some that prioritize quick access to widgets, and others with truly curious navigation philosophies. However, my latest subject expands on an idea immortalized by phones of the early 2000s: the T9 keypad.
If you’re not sure what that is, open your phone’s dialer right now. See those 10 numbers and accompanying letters? These were originally printed on devices with physical buttons. You’ll still find this layout used on modern dumb phones, as it’s hugely efficient in terms of space utilization and typing experience. But beyond dialer apps, they no longer have a place on touchscreen keyboard smartphones.
What is the most important aspect of an Android launcher's design for you? 39 votes Customizability 46 % Minimalism 26 % Performance and speed 13 % Aesthetics 3 % Integration with other services and apps 3 % Organization 0 % Widget support 5 % Something else (elaborate in comments) 5 %
Of course, if you gave me a device with only a T9 layout today, it would take me several hours to remember how to use it. However, its embrace of this layout is a core reason why I wanted to try the Android launcher dubbed Key Launcher. While I expected the experience to be an absolute slog, I’m stunned by how wrong my unfounded expectations were.
The T9 keypad still works wonders on a modern phone
Let’s start right at the top.
Even before we get to its gimmick, Key Launcher has the sleekest onboarding experience of any launcher I’ve used since Niagara. As you can see from the screenshots above, it does a great job of explaining its core functionality, and after a quick gloss through the six slides, I knew exactly what the launcher offered and how to maximize it to my benefit.
You’ll need this little crash course — Key Launcher is unlike any launcher you’ll likely be familiar with.
As its name suggests, its defining feature is a multi-purpose T9 keypad, which sits below quick-access user-pinned icons. The set of 12 keys, including numbers 1 through 0, the asterisk, and the hash keys, occupies just under half of the screen’s real estate. Usually, I’d call this a complete waste of space, but Key Launcher gets plenty of use out of this keypad and finds ways to make plenty of space elsewhere.
... continue reading