As the creator of Simple Launcher, a minimalist text-based launcher, I've navigated the unique challenges of replacing one of Android's most fundamental components. This lightning talk will demystify the process of building a custom launcher experience that sits at the powerful intersection of the Android system and the user.

We'll cut through the complexity and get straight to the essentials:

What is a launcher, how it sit between us and android system? How can we build a custom launcher? Things to consider while building custom experience !!

The Core Foundation: We'll explore how to leverage key Android APIs like PackageManager to query and manage installed applications, and how a Clean Architecture approach can keep your launcher robust and maintainable.

Staying in Sync: A launcher must be a living part of the system. I'll demonstrate how to effectively use BroadcastReceivers to respond instantly to app installations, updates, and uninstalls, ensuring your UI is never out of date.

Navigating the Maze: Building a launcher isn't just about code; it's about compliance and compatibility. We'll cover the necessary permissions (including the crucial QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES) and discuss the real-world complexities of dealing with OEM-specific quirks and Android version fragmentation.

The Accessibility "Hack": In a surprising twist, I'll share how I creatively leveraged Accessibility Services—often a tool for assistance—to implement powerful features like an app blocker, and discuss the ethical considerations and pitfalls of this unconventional approach.