Olauncher. Minimal AF Launcher

Modern smartphone home screens are often structured to maximize engagement, using dynamic badges, saturated iconography, and integrated news feeds that encourage frequent device checks. Developed by Tanuj Kanchan under the Digital Minimalism banner, Olauncher. Minimal AF Launcher is an open-source, minimalist launcher designed to counter digital fatigue. Distributed under the GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3), Olauncher removes visual distractions by replacing standard icon grids with a clean, text-based home screen interface.

Olauncher is built in Kotlin with an emphasis on speed, small installation size (<2 MB), and privacy. The app contains no advertising SDKs, tracking frameworks, or usage telemetry. Its interface features a text-only list of user-selected primary apps (configurable from 0 to 8 applications), complemented by a system clock, date display, and basic battery indicators.

A defining functional feature is its fast search and auto-launch mechanism. Swiping upward from the home screen opens a searchable, text-based list of all installed apps. As the user types, the list filters in real time; if a keystroke produces a single unique match, the launcher immediately opens the application, eliminating the need for a secondary tap. For navigation, left and right swipe gestures can be linked directly to frequently used tools, like the dialer or camera, while a downward swipe displays the system notification shade. An optional double-tap-to-lock gesture uses an accessible service hook that requires no telemetry permissions.

Olauncher balances functional simplicity with visual variety through an automated daily wallpaper system, sourcing curated photography to keep the display clean and visually engaging. It also includes a hidden apps vault to keep non-essential apps out of primary menus. By removing colorful icon cues and engagement-focused feeds, Olauncher provides a focused, high-performance home screen environment for users pursuing digital minimalism.