Developer: App Cubby
Price: $2.99
Version: 1.0.1
App Reviewed on: iPhone 4S
Launch Center Pro isn’t available as a free upgrade for previous owners of the original Launch Center app, but this shouldn’t stop anyone from checking it out. Launch Center Pro is a brand new app that is more powerful and the completely new design makes it a must-have. Instead of focusing on a list format, App Cubby transformed the interface with new large buttons.
There are 12 buttons to start out with that include common actions like Flashlight, Google Prompt and Dial Contact. Users can immediately begin editing the actions by tapping on the the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the screen. From here, actions can be deleted and added with ease. Users are able to create quick shortcuts to common actions like using the iPhone as a flashlight, sending emails to clients, calling mom, and taking photos with Instagram. It combines actions into one simple and easy-to-use location, essentially making it a second home screen.
When users add a new action, they must choose between Group or Action. A group lets users add up to 11 actions in it so users could virtually have up to 132 shortcuts to both apps and actions within the apps. The group option is by far the best feature that App Cubby added. Once a group is named, users are able to select a customized icon for it from what seems like hundreds of options. After the group is added to the main screen, users simply have to hold down the icon and then drag their finger to the action or app that they wish to launch. This gestures feature adds a whole new level of convenience to the app.
Adding actions is a little more complex. Most common actions have subsets of options that users must navigate through. For instance, tapping on the Messages action opens up New Message or Send Message to Contact. Touching the Send Message to Contact button opens up All Contacts, where users must then find the contact they wish to create a shortcut for. However, not all apps and actions are fully supported. Much like its predecessor, there is a workaround for apps that aren’t featured where users can enter the URL scheme, but this isn’t always a guarantee. For a full list of supported apps, check out App Cubby’s website.
Overall, Launch Center Pro is ideal for users who like to save time and works perfectly sitting in the iPhone’s dock. Once you use it, you’ll never be able to stop. It’s packed with a lot of features, and its intuitive and sharp interface both make it attractive to all iOS users. This is one app that I highly recommend—especially since it’s currently being sold for a 40 percent discount right now in the App Store.