I use a lot of launchers and switch and change launchers often, probably because I am a geek, and most likely because there are so many Android choice.
When I am fed up with choosing and trying the latest launcher, I tend to go back to Claystone Launcher time and time again. It's a new launcher so I have suffered through the beta period and have to say the force closes, performance issues, and display problems are gone. Now things run smoothly and it's a very stable product.
I noticed that Claystone does not chew up battery and actually uses less battery than any other launcher I have tried. I can squeeze an extra 1 1/2 hrs out of a charge and get a more functional home screen too.
The developer seems apply a very minimal and efficient use of 3D OpenGL graphics. WHat I like is that they don't overdo effects for the sake of effects. I find a lot of 3D gizmo home screens chew up battery life, lock up my device, and I get a headache from all the 3D. I am not playing a video game, I am using my phone.
Blueberry is the first theme pack Claystone have built. Its a business theme for users who want high contrast, high readability, clean square edges, and function-function-function.
I find the themes a bit conservative and look forward to more eye catching themes and possibly some 3rd Party themes. Maybe an iPhone clone or a neon black gamer theme.
The two of the most useful and unique feature of Claystone are:
(1) View content while browsing your device (video, rss, web pages, etc.) and Claystone loads these content elements into the built in stack system which takes up bout 2/2 of the screen space. Very cool. No more Android app switching over and over again, just to view a bit of content.
(2) Content is stacked into organized pieces. My home screen has for stacks I can switch easily using a stack switching button bar. The launcher organizes content into a Home Page Widget Stack, Folder Stack, RSS/News Feed Stack, and Content Stack. As I use Claystone and load items, the stacks organize things for me and I can swipe left and right to scroll through a stack.
Check out Claystone, it's on SlideMe and now I will install more home screens to satisfy my ongoing quest for the perfect home screen….
