App Switcher

5 things iOS can learn from Android

Jeff Benjamin ∙ July 27, 2012

It's no secret that both Sebastien and I purchased Nexus 7 devices from Google. We may have differing reasons for our purchases, but one reason we share in common is the desire to see how Google is performing in the tablet space. This is especially so with the Nexus, since it's the flagship that's guaranteed to run stock Android with no additives or preservatives.

The Nexus 7 is the first Nexus device I've owned, and I've come away quite impressed; read my thoughts on the Nexus 7 for more details on that. I've even been able to identify a few things that Google is doing well, and that Apple could stand to learn from. Items like widgets, and offline dictation, to name just a few...

Switchy adds improvements to the iPhone’s App Switcher

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 17, 2012

The iPhone's App Switcher has gotten a bit long in the tooth, but if you're a jailbreaker, there's no shortage of tweaks that can help improve the app switching experience.

Switchy is the latest tweak to do that, and it's based on a concept design created by Brent Caswell. Caswell's beef with the current App Switcher stems from the fact that it takes up too much real estate, while providing minimal functionality.

Going into the concept, he apparently had no idea that a Cydia developer would turn his work into reality, but a few days later and Switchy lives. That's evident of how awesome the jailbreak community can be when it works together to implement new ideas...

‘Aero’ now available for download on Cydia

Jeff Benjamin ∙ April 2, 2012

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS86gtltKDw[/tube]

Aero is a brand new jailbreak tweak that allows you to switch apps in style via custom animations. We've already had some significant hands-on time with Aero last week, and we were excited by what we saw.

Aero adds a whole host of custom animations that allow you to switch between apps in very unique ways. It's a tweak designed by SBCoders, the same folks behind Deck, so you know it's quality.

If you've been waiting on pins and needles for Aero's release, then wait no more; Aero can be downloaded from Cydia's ModMyi repo for $1.99. What do you think?

‘Aero’ lets you switch apps with style and grace

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 27, 2012

SBCoders — the same developer behind the highly anticipated Deck jailbreak tweak – is back at it again. Aero is the latest creation from SBCoders, and their aim is to bring significant style and grace to the mundane task of switching apps.

Do they succeed in accomplishing their goal? Check out our in-depth video preview of Aero for the answer...

SwitcherLand: a free landscape App Switcher tweak for the iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 27, 2012

Looking for a free way to invoke your App Switcher in landscape mode? If so, then check out this brand new jailbreak tweak entitled SwitcherLand.

Not only does it allow you to open the App Switcher in landscape mode, but it also allows you to lock your device orientation in landscape as well.

Take a look at our full video walkthrough inside...

CardSwitcher 2.0 now available on Cydia

Jeff Benjamin ∙ March 21, 2012

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzdi1lO7V_w[/tube]

An exciting update to CardSwitcher has been issued on Cydia. If you remember our initial walkthough of the tweak, CardSwitcher is an alternative multitasking solution for iOS devices.

This latest update was totally rewritten for iOS 5, and includes live application views, updated swipe gestures, and a new grid mode aimed at iPad users.

Would you consider using the new and improved CardSwitcher? If so, you can find it on Cydia's BigBoss repo for $1.99, but it's a free update for existing customers.

Imperium: an app switcher replacement for your iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 17, 2012

For most, the iPhone app switcher features enough options to get by. For jailbreakers? It's a whole different story.

Imperium is a jailbreak tweak that seeks to replace the App Switcher with OS X-like Mission Control inspired functionality in tow.

If you consider yourself to be an iOS power user, then check inside to see whether or not Imperium will fit into your daily workflow...

Upcoming jailbreak tweak ‘Deck’ adds a hotbar to your SpringBoard

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 9, 2016

Deck is an upcoming jailbreak tweak from SBCoders that is currently in beta testing. It promises to lend added functionality to your SpringBoard by adding an App switcher-esque side bar that's accessible by swiping.

Inside the "hotbar" you'll gain access to a multitude of customizable functions, and shortcuts. It looks like a great compliment to the currently existing App switcher.

SBCoders has released a teaser video that shows Deck in action, check inside to have a look...

Simplexity: A Simple Yet Complex Method for Viewing the App Switcher

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 7, 2012

Looking for yet another alternative to the stock App Switcher? I know, there's no shortage of alternate app switchers, but there's always room for one more, right?

Well, on second thought, maybe not. Simplexity is a recently released jailbreak tweak on Cydia that wholeheartedly lives up to its name. While it's simple in some aspects, it can make what should otherwise be a no-brainer function overly complex...

Alter Your App Switching Animations With ‘Jepit’

Jeff Benjamin ∙ February 7, 2012

Jepit is a jailbreak tweak that attempts to add new app switching animations to your iDevice.

Along with animations, Jepit also includes the ability to change the speed of said animations.

Sadly, its lack of polish hinders what could otherwise be an eye catching tweak. Take a look as we go one-on-one with Jepit inside...

How to Remove Transparent App Icons When Using Folders or Multitasking

Jeff Benjamin ∙ January 27, 2012

It's a bit hard to explain without showing you, but have you ever wanted to get rid of the transparent icon effect that happens when you open the App Switcher or open a folder?

Apparently, some of you did; hence the creation of a jailbreak tweak entitled No Ghostly Icons. As it name implies, it easily rids your iDevice of the transparent icon effect.

To see exactly what we mean, take a look at our video walkthrough...