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Very
good
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SPB Shell 3D – A new kind of experience for Android smartphones
Tested version: 1.1.3
Latest version: 1.5.3
Requires Android: from 2.1
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Summary
Do you ever get bored of the displays that come with Android devices? If the answer is 'yes!' you should check out SPB Shell 3D. The app promises to deliver nice new user interfaces as well as some new functions for your Android smartphones. Sounds tempting? Read today’s review for all the details.
Share your thoughts on this Android app and read what others are saying in our SPB Shell 3D forum thread.
Features & Use
Section rating:
Test device 1:Samsung Galaxy S2, Android version: 2.3
Test device 2: HTC Desire, Android version: 2.3.
3D, 3D, 3D... oh yeah, and 3D – it seems like 3D is all everyone ever talks about these days... Which is why I sympathize with you should you be fed up with hearing about it by now, especially when the term is used in conjunction with something completely senseless (3D toothpaste? Come on!).
But let’s get back on topic: while it might seem silly to refer to certain products as ‘3D’ items, it makes perfect sense in the case of SPB Shell 3D, even though what’s being referred to is, of course, a two dimensional UI with pretty nifty 3D effects.
So, what can this app do? Well, there’s a 3D homescreen/launcher, ‘intelligent’ files, 3D widgets as well as an assortment of widgets and panels that were created exclusively for SPB Shell 3D.
There were a few isues when it came to installing the app on the Galaxy S2 (nothing major, but worth mentioning nonetheless). For one, at first the screen wouldn’t react just after I had downloaded the app and wanted to open it. I prodded at my keyboard but got nothing, so in the end I had to restart the whole thing. What do you know, as soon as I rebooted the thing I was greeted with a window asking me if I wanted to keep my old UIs or switch to new SPB Shell 3D ones. I decided to go for the latter, naturally.
First impressions? Really, really good. For me, one of the app’s highlights is the 3D animated carousel. It allows you to comfortably scroll through, as well as access 16 desktop panels. You can also make adjustments to this display: rearrange stuff, change the colour of the panels or remove panels you aren't using.
SPB Shell 3D delivers a few new functions and widgets. The design for the widgets is really nice, e.g. a world time clock that looks like a spinning globe; a widget for messages; a weather forecast with 3D diagrammes; a clock with over 60 different skins and - my personal fave - the option to change the size display of most folders and applications. There are a few steps to be taken if you want to take advantage of the last option, but that didn't phase me because it really does help make the screens more attractive and efficient.
That being said, it can take a while because you have to long press on the folder in order to change its size. Sometimes what happens instead is that the folder will simply pop open. In the end all it takes is a bit of tactile finesse and patience, which is a virtue as we all know. When everything goes well an arrow is displayed next to the file/application; you can then select between three different display sizes.
There's also an integrated Flickr widget with which you can access the photo of the day. I personally don't need this widget; it's also a bit slow.
So far the app hasn't struck me as a major battery life vampire, which is surprising – I have to admit that I expected it to suck up more juice than it does.
Bottom line:
SPB Shell 3D is a great intuitive app that guarantees a whole new smartphone experience. It's a great alternative for users who don't know much about rooting or can't be bothered to modify their device's software.
It runs well and it looks good – a nice combo. I was positively surprised by how well the app runs on the HTC Desire.
The only real drawback is how much the app costs: EUR10,47 (approximately US$15) is pretty steep, but if you're looking to give your Android phone a new coat of paint and are prepared to shell out a bit SPB Shell 3D is a great way to make a visual and functional upgrade.
Screen & Controls
Section rating:
SPB Shell 3D gets top marks for its intuitive controls and beautiful design. The 16 panel carousel provides users with loads of space to those who are looking to set up lots of desktops without drowning in an unorganized mess.
The file glitch I addressed previously was a wee bit cumbersome, and the Flickr widget isn't exactly all that, but both those things are minor issues. Still, we're knocking one star off.
Another thing I particularly like is the option to return to the original Android UI, completely hassle-free.
Speed & Stability
Section rating:
SPB Shell 3D runs very smoothly on the HTC Desire, much to my surprise. The app hasn't crashed once so far, and performs really well overall.
Price/Performance Ratio
Section rating:
As mentioned, this is is where the app's only major drawback lies. SPB Shell 3D costs EUR10,47/+-US$15, but the price seems decent enough when you consider that users are getting a whole new experience on devices they may have been using for ages.
Developer
Top App:
SPB Shell 3D
If you are not able to launch SPB Shell 3D, please use "Home Switcher" application from (...)
If you are not able to launch SPB Shell 3D, please use "Home Switcher" application from (...)
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Aug 12, 2011 9:57:47 AM
is there like a free version i can try? i ain't shelling out that much cash for a launcher. ridic.
Aug 12, 2011 9:58:31 AM
it's a very good app. I would pay that kind of money for something this sophisticated.
Aug 12, 2011 9:59:31 AM
i'll give it a try. and return it if i don't like it. thank god AndroidPIT has a 24 return policy.
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Market Comments
Kev D, Apr 22, 2012
Not great Uses too much memory, kills battery., Would be good apart from these issues. Way too expensive. Don't buy, get a free one instead.
Brandon, Apr 22, 2012
Really good Glad to be able to get in my account and redownload this bc it was always my favorite theme apps alot of good function would give you guys 10 stars but 5 will have to do
RDC, Apr 22, 2012
Good but... I've switched to Tsf shell. Its similar but it uses less RAM, and if you have link2sd and root, it will run from your sd card so it takes up less space. I love spb too but my phone can't take it.
Amanda, Apr 22, 2012
Amanda Keeps shutting down when I exit the internet, too bad because I do love it .... I just hate re-launching it every time I use my internet
Hamish, Apr 22, 2012
Its my daily launcher. However... I use it as my daily launcher, and runs smooth and well.however everytime I clear my cache it closed and needs to reload. Never used to do that. Doesn't like live wallpaper that much, but I still believe its the best Ever launcher out there. Looks way better than all others. Not sure its worth the price, however they have the best widgets. (does take a while to organise the pages and get used to how it runs, but same could be said about all launchers)
Isaiah, Apr 22, 2012
Smoothest launcher I've Used I bought this 8 months ago for my droid charge but my charge hated it. Too laggy. But i just got an LG Spectrum and this launcher runs super smooth on it. Been running 3 days and it hasnt lagged one time. No crash, no redraws, nothing but buttery smoothness. I do wish it had folders for the app drawer and more folder styles. But all in all this app is wonderful.
joe, Apr 22, 2012
Rubbish Very disappointed, I'm on an htc desire, every time I open the launcher, it force closes. Waste of money, i had high hopes for this, it looked great, but I can't even open it
Jorge, Apr 22, 2012
Not working anymore :( I bought it and I loved it, but now It's not allowing me to set it again! What's going on SPB developers??? I want my money back!!
Maurice P, Apr 22, 2012
The shell This is the most money I have spent on anything on the market but well worth it making phone almost seem new.
Mintu, Apr 21, 2012
Gingerbread update Dell Streak Won't open on dell streak, and yet will work on lower spec orange San Francisco, not happy. I'm a tenner down Update = now works great after a few reboots. Really great gui, however resource hungry games won't load properly with this launcher only. Support not very good. Now works perfectly on gingerbread update.
Patrick, Apr 21, 2012
Lacking on Updates Where are the updates? Would love to see some replaceable icons, and more Widgets. Social Networking Widgets like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ wouldn't hurt. I know these things take time, but 3 months is pretty steep!
Santoshlata, Apr 21, 2012
Experiencing on my xperia arc Will give it 5 stars if widgets for music will get added... As its must and should have widget without gng to music player... Do work on it...
Denise, Apr 21, 2012
Needs More Customization for the Price! I agree with Joshua, and I want to use a shortcut more than once. Another thing that should be available is sorting in folders so we don't have to do it manually. Needs more basic widgets, too. Other launchers available have a lot more options, and they're free! So do something to make us feel like we got something that's worth the price!
farhaaz, Apr 21, 2012
Overall Nice application. Really smooth on S2. But how about frequent updates with features requested by your users???
Kevin, Apr 21, 2012
Worthless unless they finally use the money to update it... Bought this app for the Samsung galaxy S. Worse $15 I ever spent. Its unfortunate because now I almost be obligated to use the useless thing otherwise its a waste. Bought it 6 months ago, crashes at least 15-20 times a day and takes FOREVER to load. Also, haven't had an update since I bought it 6 months ago. Too buggy. Changed rating from 4 star to 1 star because of everything.
John Fiscell
10 euros?????? isn't that like 15 dollars nowadays?!