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"Launcher" permanently removed from the app store

VolceOntra said:
I have a similar app that I created that though it's still in the App Store, apple have been unwilling to let me update it. It was a 24 hour project but I've been wanting to expand the functionality but yeah it's pretty annoying - it's called Quickiee if anyone is interested, it's not as flushed out as Launcher was to be quite honest . :mad:
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Your app is off to a good start, if only there were more "advance" spots and if a few minor bugs were squashed, it would be truly amazing.

There isn't any way at all to get launcher anymore, right?
 
When iPhones first had LED flashes, Apple rejected any app that tried to use it as a flashlight. They quickly changed their mind on this point. No reason the same thing can't happen here.

If you miss Launcher, I strongly encourage you to send Apple (polite) feedback.
 
I just sent Mr. Cook a nice email, but it is doubtful that it will influence any decisions that have been already made (unless everyone sends a crapload of emails to him)
 
gordon1234 said:
When iPhones first had LED flashes, Apple rejected any app that tried to use it as a flashlight. They quickly changed their mind on this point. No reason the same thing can't happen here.

If you miss Launcher, I strongly encourage you to send Apple (polite) feedback.
Click to expand...

Feedback sent.
 
Beefburga said:
Each to their own.

I however like adding a bit of character to my once boring and before "Launcher" a mostly redundant notification home screen.

Image
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Where did you find the icons I've looked all over?!?!

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LaynieGorilla said:
how would i do this?
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Sync your phone when it asks to transfer your purchases click yes, it should download the app to your hard drive, go to it's containing folder and save the file in a safe place. It will have a .ipa extension exp: launcher.ipa
 
aggiesrwe03 said:
Where did you find the icons I've looked all over?!?!
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Search for "Buuf Icon Download" in Google, you can download the full icon pack which contains hundreds of this style icons.

Alternatively, search Google Images for things like:

Buuf Contacts png
Buuf Icons png
etc

Always look for the png not the jpg as the png will have no background resulting in a better icon when viewed on Launcher (unless you like the squared icons)

hope this helps
 
My Biggest issue with this app being removed from the App Store, after the fact that we are losing a great app, is that introducing Widgets to the notification centre was an indication that Apple were opening up a little and giving the user some additional control back.
By removing this app, it is a clear sign that Apple are still not listening to their customers and still following a path of dictating what the user can do.
It seems they want these widgets to share information but not launch apps even though that is something you can already do with the stock OS, albeit from elsewhere on the springboard. The thing is, the information these widgets provide can already be taken from elsewhere on your device so Apple cannot cite duplication of an existing process as the reason to pull this app. All it does is provide a single place for the user to define and start apps. It is a matter of convenience for the end user and Apple deem this not appropriate? This genuinely is the first time I am considering my future with IOS.
 
phillytim said:
Well if you guys fret that Apple "isn't listening to its customers", then maybe you should spend less time moaning here and put it in Apple's open ear:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html
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I just think the way this has been handled is completely unacceptable.

I thought apps go to Apple for approval, there they are tested and either given the all clear or refused.

This app was approved and then released in the App Store where some purchased the pro version (me included) then a few days after it was pulled.

If it contradicts what is allowed, why was it ever released?

I'm glad I payed for the pro version and many others would today pay for the app, the sad thing is those who have spent on the app won't see any further development.

My guessing is, Apple have seen how popular this style of app is and its benefits and done a quick deal with the developer to include it in an up and coming IOS release.

It's a shame really that to get the features that you want in a phone you either have to opt for an Andriod or Jailbreak the iPhone.

I'm just going to hold out for the jPhone.
 
Android users must be wetting themselves......

We finally get something that they've been able to do for years and it gets pulled after a few days.

"Have a look at what you could of won.........."
 
So much misunderstanding in this thread.

I'm not saying this was the case with this app (I have no clue what this app is) but when an app is rejected Apple absolutely sends you a letter telling you the reason. I never had a rejected app but a friend did and the first rejection letter explicitly stated the graphics were too amature, the second level explicitly stated that the game was broken because there was no way to exit it (which was true).

If you follow the HIG and the rules chances are your app will do just fine.
 
chrono1081 said:
So much misunderstanding in this thread.

I'm not saying this was the case with this app (I have no clue what this app is) but when an app is rejected Apple absolutely sends you a letter telling you the reason. I never had a rejected app but a friend did and the first rejection letter explicitly stated the graphics were too amature, the second level explicitly stated that the game was broken because there was no way to exit it (which was true).

If you follow the HIG and the rules chances are your app will do just fine.
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Read the developers page posted earlier, it explains it was removed because his app was "a misuse of widgets" that's the explanation he was given, and he kindly passed it on to his customers.
 
chrono1081 said:
So much misunderstanding in this thread.

I'm not saying this was the case with this app (I have no clue what this app is) but when an app is rejected Apple absolutely sends you a letter telling you the reason. I never had a rejected app but a friend did and the first rejection letter explicitly stated the graphics were too amature, the second level explicitly stated that the game was broken because there was no way to exit it (which was true).

If you follow the HIG and the rules chances are your app will do just fine.
Click to expand...

The issue in this case it appears is that the widget would let you launch another app. Someone correct me if I have this wrong. For some reason, Apple do not want you to have this ability. The developer tried to work around this by launching his own app from the Widget and then launching the target app from his app but this was still removed. Can you see any real issue in a widget being able to launch an app that you already have installed on your device and can launch yourself?

My biggest gripe is this is a genuinely useful feature and makes my list more convenient yet Apple disagree.
 
This is the new Apple. It thinks we are all sheeps. iPhoto got removed with iOS 8, and it will not run in iOS 8, and there is no reason for this. Now Launcher is gone. At least those who have it can still run it, unlike iPhoto. Apple no longer gives a toss about its users workflows/preferences.
 
That would be the same misuse of widgets when they approved the app.

"They f@#& you in the drive thru....."

Anyway, moving on...... It'll soon be Christmas.
 
can i give launcher to a friend?

if I have launcher on my phone, is there any way I can back up to itunes and somehow grab the launcher install file and send it to a friend?
 
So, according to Apple, THIS is a great use of widgets:

tumblr_nc4rjtLT4T1tmurr5o1_500.png



And THIS is a misuse of widgets:

Beefburga said:
4fbf99094337cf3b884c71a332cc71e6.jpg
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They must be joking.
 
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