SPB mobile shell 3d! It is finally here; I've given it a try, and I must say I like it. However, the $15 (£~10) price tag is a little steep.
http://spb.com/android-software/shell
http://spb.com/android-software/shell
SPB Mobile Shell!!
- Thread starter alexhtclegend
- Start date
Does it run fine, no lag?
Maybe I'll say it, I guess I will: This thing looks like it struts its stuff more hardcore than Sense.
Last edited:
Yeah, how does it run? $15 is pretty steep..but it looks pretty intense compared to the other home replacements.
I was playing with it a bit on my CM7 legend, and it ran super smooth. Not sure what's it's battery impact or anything was since I was running what shall be considered a trial version, that wouldn't stay as the default home screen so only had it going for a few minutes. But like usual SPB makes a nice program and runs it at way above average cost for what it is. Might still get it later not sold on it yet though. Oh not sure if it says it anywhere but it seems to kill live wallpapers.
It doesn't support live wallpapers for 'performance issues'. It runs very smoothly though, but I've noticed that when you open the app drawer it sometimes freezes for a few seconds. Generally, it seems very good; just as eye-pleasing as sense, but smoother, and I especially like the 3d carousel and the folders. Android folders where always a bit rubbish, but the folders on this thing are as good as in iOS, only you can have an unlimited number of apps in each one!
$10 would probably be a better price for it - that's still quite a bit compared to other Android apps, but the developers have clearly put a lot of effort into this.
$10 would probably be a better price for it - that's still quite a bit compared to other Android apps, but the developers have clearly put a lot of effort into this.
I'm utterly confused by this statement...what makes iOS folders so special? Other than it looking pretty when you open it.
I was almost sold on it until I figured out icon and widget placement is just like iOS, ie you can't put them anywhere. That totally kills my layout scheme.
Well, I had a go. $15 is way too much for this. It's not what I'd call a "phone changing" app. I'll stick to LPP
That's all I meant - the Android folders are quite ugly. I've always wanted a cross between iOS and Android, like MIUI, and this just about achieves that.
And yes, that is slightly annoying!
15 is way too much.. i would pay 15 for sth mindblowing, but Not for this ^^
Sent from my Legend using XDA Premium App
Sent from my Legend using XDA Premium App
I've made the "mistake"...and have paid. The shell lasted on my phone 1 hour. Maybe it's just me, but when returning from each application launched or other screen besides the home screen, I got a BLACK one instead of the homescreen. I had to touch the screen (or press back button) once again to get the proper screen. I wrote to support, they asked me to reinstall it. I did and it's the same. So getting a black screen each time I'm supposing to be back at homescreen does not convince me at all.
That was the biggest drawback for me. There was no lag though when scroling through carousel or when playing with the menus. Other things I didn't like were the lack of widget resizing support or some other stuff I got used to from ADW Launcher/EX. The switch widgets (for WiFi/BT, etc) were not so customisable, same goes for the widgets on the screens. I was not able to set the alarm appl to be launched when pressing the clock (I use Alarm Clock+ by default), or the SMS application, or the dialer. These are things I didn't like at all, especialy from a 10 EUR/15 USD launcher. I've expected too much I guess. Back on Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX. Oh...I almost forgot to mention that the "auto arrange" setting for icons, widgets and so on, pissed me off alot. Could be that I didin't find where to deactivate it, but usualy I want to arrange things on my screen myself.
Good job guys...Marketing deserves it all. They convinced me to buy it...the application itself didn't.
That was the biggest drawback for me. There was no lag though when scroling through carousel or when playing with the menus. Other things I didn't like were the lack of widget resizing support or some other stuff I got used to from ADW Launcher/EX. The switch widgets (for WiFi/BT, etc) were not so customisable, same goes for the widgets on the screens. I was not able to set the alarm appl to be launched when pressing the clock (I use Alarm Clock+ by default), or the SMS application, or the dialer. These are things I didn't like at all, especialy from a 10 EUR/15 USD launcher. I've expected too much I guess. Back on Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX. Oh...I almost forgot to mention that the "auto arrange" setting for icons, widgets and so on, pissed me off alot. Could be that I didin't find where to deactivate it, but usualy I want to arrange things on my screen myself.
Good job guys...Marketing deserves it all. They convinced me to buy it...the application itself didn't.
Last edited:
@Rapier. As the guy above me pointed out, this seems to be a issue with CM. The same thing happened to be, but flashing Blayos Rom solved it.
I'm actually very happy with it, I think it looks great and the speed is awesome. The only thing I don't like is the shortcut auto arrange.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
I'm actually very happy with it, I think it looks great and the speed is awesome. The only thing I don't like is the shortcut auto arrange.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
Too bad then. And to understand better, you're talking about the "black screen issue" right?
Still there are some other things that I don't like (I've pointed them out in my post) and I don't think they're CM related. I'm not sorry about the money, but I will not change CM ROM for this. If SPB will work on CM ROM, great, I'll give it another try...till then, I'll stick with Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX.
Don't missunderstood me...SPB IS GREAT. Really. I had it on my HTC Diamond (an older version) and it was the best launcher I've ever used on that phone. But after switching to Android and playing with ADW, Launcher Pro and others, I just feel it more "restricted" and offering fewer options, especially when talking about a much higher price. The interface is neat, has a lot of things, but going deep under it's hood is not allowing you to customize it as much as other launchers. Most of the widgets are limited in functionality and do not allow many customizations. But it may be a perfect match for someone looking for basic functionality and usage of standard apps.
Still there are some other things that I don't like (I've pointed them out in my post) and I don't think they're CM related. I'm not sorry about the money, but I will not change CM ROM for this. If SPB will work on CM ROM, great, I'll give it another try...till then, I'll stick with Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX.
Don't missunderstood me...SPB IS GREAT. Really. I had it on my HTC Diamond (an older version) and it was the best launcher I've ever used on that phone. But after switching to Android and playing with ADW, Launcher Pro and others, I just feel it more "restricted" and offering fewer options, especially when talking about a much higher price. The interface is neat, has a lot of things, but going deep under it's hood is not allowing you to customize it as much as other launchers. Most of the widgets are limited in functionality and do not allow many customizations. But it may be a perfect match for someone looking for basic functionality and usage of standard apps.
Last edited:
Hi
I just purchased a legend having stock 2.2 Sense on it (Vodafone). When I try to goto SPB Shell Home, it shows that SPB Shell is loading, but then nothing happens
Any suggestions?
I just purchased a legend having stock 2.2 Sense on it (Vodafone). When I try to goto SPB Shell Home, it shows that SPB Shell is loading, but then nothing happens
Any suggestions?
Yes I'm talking about the black screen issue. I agree with you, it's not worth changing roms over. I actually use Blayos Rom regularly, just happened to test it with CM. So its not a big deal for me. I also think the lack of customization is a bummer, but I'm happy with it for now. In a month I don't know. Also for me 15 dollars ain't that much, that's barely one dinner in Norway 
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
Agreed. It was cool for a day then I missed ADW.
Sent from my Ultimate 2.3.3 Incredible
I have HTC Legend with Blayo's B0.8 and I installed SPB but then when I hit home button it asks wich launcher to use, I select SPB and then it asks if I want to activate, I click "yes" but the get error: The device is not supported.
What should I do? I don't think it not supported since you guys managed to run it on your Legends.
What should I do? I don't think it not supported since you guys managed to run it on your Legends.
I was not able to use it either on my Legend with stock ROmMI have HTC Legend with Blayo's B0.8 and I installed SPB but then when I hit home button it asks wich launcher to use, I select SPB and then it asks if I want to activate, I click "yes" but the get error: The device is not supported.
What should I do? I don't think it not supported since you guys managed to run it on your Legends.
Neither for me... Also for me 15 dollars ain't that much, that's barely one dinner in Norway
I said "much" compared with the price for other launchers (and which are also better in my opinion)
To be honest I'm not using it anymore, got tired of it fastNeither for me
On a side note, do anyone else find Launcher Pro laggy with CM7? I switched to ADW EX, and it's much smoother.
Sent from my Legend using XDA Premium App
Our Apps
Get our official app!
The best way to access XDA on your phone
Nav Gestures
Add swipe gestures to any Android
One Handed Mode
Eases uses one hand with your phone