Spotlight is among the most popular features of Apple's iOS operating system because it helps users find the apps and contacts they need at a particular moment, especially when their smartphones are crowded with data. Now Android phones can do the same using a free app called FastKey Launcher.
FastKey Launcher works by putting a search bar on top of the screen and a keyboard that's present on a smartphone's display the whole time, according to CNET. Users just need to type at least three letters from the app or contact they are searching for it to show up.
CNET says the keyboard of FastKey Launcher won't take space away from the widgets and icons of smartphones because it's an embedded app and not a pop-up. FastKey promises to display search results within 16 milliseconds.
One problem with FastKey Launcher, though, is that its keyboard lacks number keys, making it impossible to type apps that begin with a number. More so, unlike Spotlight, FastKey cannot search anything more than apps and contacts. However, it is not seen as an issue for most Android users who just open Google for other search needs.
FastKey Launcher is not the first app of its kind, but tech enthusiasts have been heaping praises on it. Phone Arena describes FastKey as a "very capable" launcher that offers one of the fastest service to open apps and call contacts. In fact, the app can dial a contact's number right away as soon as it is found.
FastKey has various scroll effects and allows Android phone users to adjust their home screens' grid size and customize the app drawer's layout, as well as toggle icon labels on and off. The app, however, does not allow for resizing its keyboard and limits the space of the home screen.
For Android-powered smartphone users who are overwhelmed with the number of apps and contacts they have, this is the perfect app.
