Overview
KBLauncher is an application launcher and switcher. It lets you very quickly run any of your dozens of commands by typing the beginning of its name. In short, it is a command line for your BlackBerry.
Like many BlackBerry users, you are good at typing. Your keyboard kung fu leaves onlookers in awe. Your fingers are a blur of motion. But when it's time run one of your many great apps on your BlackBerry, you have to scroll painfully through countless icons with your trackball. You know exactly what you want: why do you have to waste all this time? Now you don't. Just configure one of your convenience keys to start KBLauncher, and your apps will always be just a few keystrokes away.
New in version 1.1.1:
- Better font sizes for high resolution screens
- Configurable fonts and colors
- New power search: hold down the shift key to match the first letter of each word.
- Try harder to ensure apps launch in the foreground
- Fixed recognition of Camera and Video Camera apps on some OS versions
See my blog for detailed version 1.1.1 release notes.
Version 1.1.4 adds explicit support for touchscreen devices (Storm, Storm 2). You no longer need to run the Storm versions in compatibility mode.
Features
- Fast command access.
- No setup. KBLauncher automatically your apps. apps.
- KBLauncher learns from your usage by prioritizing your recently used commands.
- Works on SureType keyboard layouts (Pearl, Pearl Flip, Storm).
- Cool transparent window effects.
- Run commands not normally available on your Home screen: WiFi toggle, memory cleaner.
- Low memory requirements: tiny install footprint!
How it works
Start typing the first few letters of your command. Hold down the shift key to match the beginning of each word (Shift-BAW matches BlackBerry App World). If there are multiple matches, the next 6 matches will show below the main match. If the one you want is the main match, you can launch it right away by hitting Enter or pressing the trackball. You can also select from the dropdown using the trackball.
If you don't want to scroll, you can continue typing. KBLauncher will narrow your matches as you type. When the command you want is selected, hit Enter.
KBLauncher learns from your behavior. The next time you run KBLauncher, your most recently used commands will get priority (in this case, MemoPad is now at the top):
In many cases, KBLauncher will let you launch your desired app by
typing the first letter followed by Enter. It's that fast.
Reviews
- CrackBerry
- BerryReview
- BlackBerryItalia (Italian)
- ZonaBlackBerry (Spanish, with video)
Try
Click one of the following links from your BlackBerry browser to install OTA (over-the-air) a time-limited free trial:
Install free trial | Install free trial for Storm/Storm2
Buy
KBLauncher normally sells for $3.99.
KBLauncher is sold at other app stores, including MobiHand and BlackBerry App World.
Questions and answers
Why does KBLauncher request additional permissions when I first start it?
KBLauncher needs additional permissions (screen capture or recording) to do its transparent window effects. The phone might ask if you want to grant those permissions when you install KBLauncher. You can refuse to grant that extra privilege (Recording or Screen Capture): KBLauncher will simply use a black background instead. You can change the permissions in Options > Advanced Options > Applications, Menu: Edit Permissions.
Why don't I see some of my apps?
Due to RIM security restrictions, third party apps have limited ability to launch RIM-authored apps. Problem apps include the Media app and the various IM apps. KBLauncher needs to make decisions about what it can launch. Your available apps will vary depending on your phone's OS version.
On the other hand, if your app is already running KBLauncher will let you search and switch to it. So while KBLauncher cannot launch an IM app like Yahoo Messenger, those apps need to be running anyway to be useful. So if you have such an app configured to automatically sign on, you can use it with KBLauncher.