The ATV Launcher, a favored alternative for those seeking to personalize their Android TV or streaming device interface away from default, often ad-laden setups, has rolled out a significant update with version 0.1.41. Building on last month's introduction of a new layout editor, this latest release focuses on providing users with extensive control over their home screen's aesthetics and functionality, promising a more refined and user-centric experience.
Central to this update is the feature dubbed "Arrangements," which offers ten distinct row layouts. These include innovative designs such as Spotlight, Bookends, Centre Stage, Marquee, and Hero Trio, characterized by double-sized highlight tiles, alongside traditional horizontal and vertical scrolling options. Further enhancing customization, users can now embed various widgets directly into app rows via a tile's context menu, with supported options ranging from Weather and Digital Clock to System Info and Watch Next, leveraging both built-in and system-supported widgets. To complement this, a standalone, complimentary companion app, "ATV Launcher Digital Clock Widgets," has been launched, providing 15 unique clock styles like Halo, Masthead, Orbit, Departure, and Meridian.
The update also brings considerable visual flexibility to individual elements. Folders can now showcase their contents through diverse preview styles, including Grid, Banner Grid, or Mosaic. An upgraded Configure Tile dialog now features a live preview interface, presenting seven styles for applications and nine for folders. This is coupled with options for custom banner assignments and varied background choices like colors, gradients, or images with adjustable transparency. Moreover, Watch Next and Recommended cards have been redesigned to feature edge-to-edge artwork, progress bars, configurable app-source filters, and badge options. The release concludes with a completely modular status bar, allowing users to toggle and reorder icons, select between floating or fixed placements, choose full-width or boxed-pill styles, and even switch TV inputs directly from the bar. This comprehensive update, version 0.1.41, is progressively becoming available to existing users through the Google Play Store.
This continuous evolution of ATV Launcher exemplifies the spirit of user empowerment in technology. By offering robust customization features and a clean, ad-free environment, it allows individuals to craft a digital space that genuinely reflects their preferences, enhancing both usability and enjoyment. Such innovations foster a sense of ownership and control, transforming a standard device interface into a personalized, efficient, and visually appealing hub for entertainment and information.
