Jolla launcher - After one day [not relevant]

asked 2014-06-27 00:12:37 +0200

NyxHysteria
361 ●8 ●10 ●13

Ahoy Sailors !

So, my little review after one day using Jolla Launcher on my nexus 4 Nexus 4 is running android 4.4.4, stock, no root or whatsoever.

So first thing I can say is... It's frustrating ! The launcher looks really great, but as soon as you start an app you're disappointed to see good old android. Which is actually positive because the launcher really gives a SailfishOS feeling. I say that considering I've used my Jolla as my main phone for 4 months, meaning I can't bear Android anymore ;)

What problems/remarks did I thought of, random order :

• It is not really fluid, laggy when you start apps or come back from an app to the lock screen.
• Folders use only three columns of apps, bug or feature ?
• Pulley menu vibrates A LOT, vibrations last way to long, i prefer jolla short pulses
• Swiping up gets us out of android immersive mode, which means we can indeed see the notifications but we have to slide android notifications down, two moves instead of one, it's a shame but I guess this is android limitation.
• Sometimes android buttons stay opened, which means last row is half hidden
• It crashes when I launch "greedy" apps (stupid games such as Zombie Tsunami)
• Sometimes I get android's default lock instead of SailfishOS'

The overall feeling is rather positive though, it's a great experience for an alpha release.

I think it won't be possible to have a real jolla experience with a simple app, it would rather require an AOSP fork, but the work done on this launcher is great !

As a last word, I'm not a marketing expert, neither anything close to that, but I think Jolla should concentrate on improving SailfishOS. A launcher is a great way to reach new non-tech non-enthusiasts people, but I'm not sure SailfishOS is ready for non-tech non-enthusiasts people. But we're getting closer each month, keep doing awesome work !

So it's a bit messy, but I hope it helps :)

From France, with love !