Swirl Launcher for Wear OS

App Launcher for Wear OS using the Swirl interaction style

Swirl Launcher makes it easier, faster and more fun to find and launch the apps on your Wear OS device.

Swirl is perfect for a tiny screen like that of your smartwatch.

A dynamic wheel swirls every app into an area where you can easily see and touch it.

Here’s how to Swirl with touch controls:

* Watch the swirling apps

* Tap an app to launch

* Swipe right from the left edge to return to the Swirl

* Swipe a curve on the Swirl to turn it to a new angle

* Fling the Swirl to send it swirling again

* Swipe right from the left edge to dismiss Swirl itself

Better not try and hit a fast moving app:

* Rather stop, place & tap:

(stop) touch-and-hold to stop the swirling

(place) swipe a curve to place the target well

(tap) lift, then tap the target

* A fast moving app will stop swirling instead of launch when tapped

The app icons expand as they approach the focus area at the top of the screen and shrink again when receding from it. The name of the app currently in focus is shown lower down at the centre of the Swirl. New apps enter the Swirl discreetly at the bottom. Once every app has passed through focus, the Swirl repeats.

If your watch has a crown, it can be used to control the rate of swirling.

Please rate the Swirl Launcher on Google Play once you have tried it. We also welcome your comments.

Suggestions for new features will be added to the Launcher wish list and carefully considered for inclusion. Due to our preference for simplicity, we do not guarantee that any particular feature request will be implemented. Bug fixes will be prioritized.

Advanced Swirl interaction hints:

* If swiping right gives unsatisfactory results, press the watch's back button where available.

* Curved swiping can be extended to cover multiple rotations around the centre of the Swirl.

* When swirling really fast, look at the smaller icons to anticipate the opportunity to grab an app.

Known issues:

* An initial touch in the left 10% of the screen is intercepted by the framework to dismiss the app. You can still swipe through this area, just do not start there.

* If the processor on your watch is occupied with other tasks, the app icons may take a while to load. Please wait a bit, or use the text labels as guides.

This is a stand-alone app for a Wear OS smartwatch.

Patents have been issued on aspects of Swirl interaction.

Please visit https://swirl.design for details.