The next major Smart Launcher release, SL7, is still months away, but starting today, you can try out the earliest features ready for test with the latest beta update (6.5 build 022).
To access them, head to the main Smart Launcher settings. Keep pressing Version Info until a new menu appears. This menu is now called Experimental options (it used to be called Dev options in previous builds).
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Independent Foldable Layout
Customize your foldable’s inner screen separately from the external one. You’ll get a blank layout to work with, add your own widgets, icons, and choose your preferred grid settings (columns, rows, icon size).
Just note: this is a preview feature, so there’s no setup guide yet. You'll find just a blank screen, you will have to set it up from scratch.
Independent Landscape Layout
This works the same way, but for when your phone is in landscape mode. A separate layout just for that orientation.
New Preferences Menu
We’re replacing the current bottom sheet-style menu with a more flexible, modern alternative. Long-press the home screen to try it out.
This new menu supports new actions previously unavailable, like setting the current page as default, so we highly recommend enabling it if you want to preview all the new and upcoming features.
Swappable Center Panel
Not everyone uses their phone the same way. Some want a traditional home screen. Others prefer to search right away.
Now, you can swap the central page with the app drawer or search panel, or remove the home screen entirely!
It’s experimental, but with a different center panel Smart Launcher will feels like a totally different launcher.
App Page Launch View
You can now set what shows first when you open the app drawer. Choose a specific category or go straight to search.
This works whether or not the app drawer is your central panel.
The option is available in Preferences -> App Page -> Launch View, after enabling "Swappable center panel"
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A note about these preview features:
These features are still in preview, with known limitations and unfinished parts. They’re not final and will likely change before the SL7 release. Your feedback is key to helping us improve them.
Finally, we know you have high expectations for SL7. Just keep in mind, these are only the first features we’ve made test-ready. They’re not the main ones, and definitely not the only ones. We’ve only just started working on SL7.
Other changes included in the this version
Together with the SL7 preview, SL6 build 022 introduces new feature and changes meant to be available for everyone.
- We've improved the RSS feed reader! Now you can filter your feeds by topics. Perfect if you've added lots of sources to Your Feed.
- The Search Page is now sensibly faster, and allows to directly open a website if you type the full url.
- Fixed a bug that occasionally prevented font loading
Distribution details
Smart Launcher 6.6 build 022 will be initially distributed only to beta tester via Play Store and our Telegram channel, later today.
Enjoy exploring the new possibilities and let us know what you think!
