Thread: QuickLaunch 2.0 Review

OK everyone I posted this on my blog for my subscribers but I thought I would share it with my BBOS family as well


OK. As most of you know, one of the must have applications for my Storm is QuickLaunch and recently NikkiSoft released version 2.0. Now, if you have a previous version of QuickLaunch you'll have to purchase this new version for $1.99 upgrade or if your a new purchaser it is $4.99, as it's not a free upgrade. In my opinion, this is one heck of an upgrade; basically a whole new program with tons of new options. So I decided to write a review on this new version in case some of you don't know about it, and also for the ones that own a previous version but are not sure if they want to pay the price to upgrade. In short, think of QuickLaunch as master shortcut maker for your Storm. You can add frequently visited websites, contacts, and apps to the menu for easy access. In the photos below I have QuickLaunch set to my left convenience key, but that's just an option. You can choose to use the launcher that comes with the program. One of the best new features is the added ability to use QuickLaunch to take screen shots of your Blackberry. This is great because if you are like me and have Capture It you can now delete it and have one less application taking up that precious memory. The only downfall of the screen shot option is that it saves the pictures on your device memory instead of your SD card. So, you'll want to make sure and delete those screen shots once you're done with them, so as not to fill up your device memory.

Here is what the QuickLaunch menu looks like once activated. Notice I have a shortcut for calling home. When selected that shortcut will automatically activate the phone application and dial the number. You can set up your frequently emailed contacts as well as texts. Also notice the folder icon at the top labeled "AV". With this new version you can set up sub menus and move any app from your QuickLaunch menu to that sub menu.



Here is a picture of the AV sub menu that I created. I then moved the shortcut for camera, video recorder, and sound profiles in here. This helps keep the main menu trimmed down, preventing it from getting too long, as more and more items are added. This is one of the new features that I really like a lot. With the old version I got tired of scrolling up and down the main menu looking for my shortcuts.




Here is another great new feature that I wish every 3rd party application came with. Backup/Restore allows you to save your menu configuration and activation code for easy restore after an OS upgrade or if you need to wipe your phone for any reason. It saves this as a .txt file on your SD card. So it will not be lost during the wipe of your device memory.




Here are several shots of the menu options available on the newest QuickLaunch. Now, for those that have a previous version you'll notice quite a few more options on the new one.



In this next photo you'll notice the "flicker" fix included on this version for the OS's .141 and .148 as well as the ability to display your local weather.





To be continued in the next post

Below is another photo of the main menu options and I am selecting add items



Here is the list of choices that pops up once you select add items. As you can see you can enter any website, as well as your email, text, phone calls, pins, and applications. Using email for example, you have the option of entering the email address and naming that entry or you can pull that information right from your contact list. Now when you click the application button this will give you the option of adding a shortcut from all your standard blackberry applications and your 3rd party applications installed on your phone.



Here is a shot of the menu list once you have selected application from the menu. This is just half the menu but you get the idea. Just select which application you want on the QuickLauch menu and save and it will be on there.





Well, that pretty much wraps up my review. I hope I've cleared up some questions that you may have had. If you want to pick up the new version 2 click the link below and enjoy!

QuickLaunch 2.0

I actually learned bout a feature i really didnt know about, awesome review Bryan! :fing02:

Originally Posted by Stiefler07

I actually learned bout a feature i really didnt know about, awesome review Bryan! :fing02:

Thank you sir

Wirelessly posted

Thanks Bryan! Awesome job reviewing an awesome app!

Originally Posted by olta777

Wirelessly posted

Thanks Bryan! Awesome job reviewing an awesome app!

Thanks Olta and yes I love 2.0 so much better.

I've never used quick launch but will try it now, nice review.

nice job Bry, i might have to try it

Version 2.1 is out now

Originally Posted by Pain Producer

Version 2.1 is out now

Anything added? lol

Originally Posted by Stiefler07

Anything added? lol

The menu is switched around a little when you add a item. "Application" is first now. Also, you have a option to "Move to Submenu" I do not think that was there before. I think it was fixing a bug issue too.

I love this app. Saves me a ton off time. Also, I am using the weather option on it because it doesn't take any memory up like other apps.

Originally Posted by Rellims

I've never used quick launch but will try it now, nice review.

Thanks Rellims Hope you like it

Originally Posted by Laney

nice job Bry, i might have to try it

Thanks Laney and you know you wanna

I forgot to thank you Brian for the write up. Excellent job! I used the "AV" sub menu you showed in your review.

Originally Posted by Pain Producer

The menu is switched around a little when you add a item. "Application" is first now. Also, you have a option to "Move to Submenu" I do not think that was there before. I think it was fixing a bug issue too.

I love this app. Saves me a ton off time. Also, I am using the weather option on it because it doesn't take any memory up like other apps.

I think it was more some bug...Because I am running 2.0 and I do have "move to submenu." But thanks, I will update right now!!! It's a must have app!!! I have a couple of those and still can't figure out which ones are more "must haves" than others

Here is the change log for 2.0.1

* Fixed "Application" button item not working in "Add Items" window.
* Moved "Application" button to top of "Add Items" window.
* Fixed Screen Captures not saving to SD Card.
* Fixed incorrect menu header when using nested sub-menus.
* Fixed documents added to main menu instead of current sub-menu.
* Fixed menu size when weather is occupying multiple lines.


Notice the pictures now save to SD card I think I love this app even more now.

Originally Posted by Pain Producer

I forgot to thank you Brian for the write up. Excellent job! I used the "AV" sub menu you showed in your review.

Thanks Pain glad you got some use out of it

nice review Bryan

Originally Posted by ealvnv

nice review Bryan

Thanks E appreciate it

Excellent review Bryan. I got QL 2 the night it came out. It has become a very robust little app now. Well worth the $2 upgrade. Still trying to "train" myself to use it. I hardly ever used v1. But I'm determined to use v2. I love that you dont have to click the screen if you don't want to. Very cool app.

Originally Posted by Natemz

Excellent review Bryan. I got QL 2 the night it came out. It has become a very robust little app now. Well worth the $2 upgrade. Still trying to "train" myself to use it. I hardly ever used v1. But I'm determined to use v2. I love that you dont have to click the screen if you don't want to. Very cool app.

Thanks Nate I find myself using this new version much more than I did the previous one. Love the sub menus so I can keep my main menu short and manageable.