This week, we saw a truly unexpected release from Nokia, as the former smartphone manufacturer released its own Android launcher, Z Launcher. Not to be outdone, this coming week we will see another Android launcher, this time released by Jolla, an ex-Nokia team.
Jolla was created after Nokia abandoned its efforts on MeeGo, focusing instead on Windows Phone. Jolla created a spiritual successor to MeeGo, Sailfish OS, and also created an accompanying handset.
Now, Jolla is looking to bring the Sailfish OS experience to Android users. "Jolla Launcher" will debut as an alpha build and bring the Sailfish OS experience to Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 owners. The launcher will have the trademark gesture-based interactions and will also include some of the tools that make Sailfish unique. Although the alpha will be a targeted release for those with a Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, the launcher can be installed on other Android handset devices running Android 4.3 or later.
If you’d like to become a part of the alpha, follow these steps and sign up no later than June 27, 2014.
- Send an email to jolla-launcher@jolla.com from your Google account
- Include the following information: your name, and which device(s) your using
- Wait to receive the Google Play installation link and further instructions
Source: Jolla | Image via Jolla