QiLaunch - mobile app

A couple of days ago I posted an update about QiLaunch Wear, in which I mentioned that I'd signed up for a beta of the new mobile app they have coming out.  Well the beta link hasn't arrived yet, but more information has come out, including a demo video.

This new launcher app is currently available for Android smart devices only, and utilises the "Spread" module of Qi’s unique motion-based interface architecture platform.   The Spread module instantly reveals multiple levels of menus with just one touch.  Check out the video to see it in action...

You can get more information, and sign up for beta testing yourself if you're interested, on their website.  There's also a full press release with more details.

Once I've had a chance to play with the app, I'll report back.

QiLaunch Wear - update

I've posted before about the QiLaunch Wear which is currently in beta.  It's a navigation app, designed to make it quicker and easier to activate programs on your smart watch.

Around a week ago, they announced a new beta version with a few changes...

1. The icons have been made bigger, so they are easier to select
2. The anchor point has been moved to the 12 o'clock position, so both right and left-handers can use more easily
3. The sensitivity has been changed too

They also said another 2 changes would be out soon.  However, I received an update but none of these seemed to be in it.  Certainly the anchor point is still at the 3 o'clock position, which is the most obvious.  I'm looking forward to trying out the changes, when they arrive, and I'll update you when they do.

I've also signed up today for a further beta, this time for a phone app with the "Spread" module, with dynamic expanding radial menus.  Apparently I will be given pre-access before the rest of the world to this new mobile app, and receive other information as well, so that's good.  They say that they are simultaneously working on a watch version of the module, so more on that to come later.

QiLaunch Wear - beta testing

A while ago I posted about navigating to and launching apps, which was talking about the Quantum Interface project called "QiLaunch", which is currently in beta.  At the time, I'd signed up for the beta, but not heard anything back.

Well now I'm on the beta, and I've played with the app!  It clearly has potential, but I struggled to use it on the round screen of my Moto 360, as there wasn't much room to maneuver.  

The version that I've played with has been code-named "Carousel".  This has a vertical scrolling list of the shortcuts, which gravitate towards your finger as you drag it towards the one that you want to launch.  They are working on some updates based on the beta feedback at the moment.

I've also just signed up for a second round of beta testing, this time for the "Spread" version.  The description I've been given is...

You will get first peak at an entirely different and new concept to use on your phone and tablet devices - a first in the world scrollable, expanding dynamic radial menu system

They've hinted at 8 planned modules in total, which sound like they'll all be combined together as options in a single app.  We'll see over the next few weeks and months.

Navigating to and launching apps

Navigating on a smartwatch screen can be tricky, pokes and swipes can go awry, and finding the right app at the right time can be fiddly at best.

I recently found a nice little launcher app called Wear Mini Launcher.  It can be configured to your liking, but in essence it provides a nice little tray with smaller icons squeezed onto the screen, which means there's a lot less scrolling to find the one that you want.  Mine is configured to show 9 apps on the screen at once, as opposed to the 3 apps which the standard menu displays.

I've recently heard about a new launcher called QiLaunch Wear from a company called Quantum Interface.  It's currently in beta, but they claim it is a much faster and easier way to navigate.

You place your finger on the watch face and the apps appear on the screen and start scrolling through. Simply click on the app that you want, with no need to scroll yourself.  It analyses the motion of your finger to predict your intent, the interface reacts to changes of speed and direction.

For an idea of how this might look, check out this YouTube video...

I'm interested in trying this out, so I've signed up for the private beta.  If I get accepted, I'll try it out and post again with my opinion.