Stardock Announces Release of Launch8, the World's First Windows 8 Start Screen Dock

Launch8 enables quick app launch via stationary dock on the Start screen

from Stardock Forums

PLYMOUTH, MI – Nov. 6, 2013 – Leading developer of Windows 8 customization software Stardock released Launch8 today: a first-of-its-kind Windows 8 Start screen dock. Launch8 enables Windows 8 users to quickly launch their favorite apps from a stationary dock on the Start screen.

"Users with many tiles pinned to the Start screen often find they are swiping left or right to get to apps they frequently use." said Robert McElroy, brand manager at Stardock. "Launch8 eliminates frequent Start screen repositioning and enables quick access to essential apps from a front-and-center dock."

Windows customization is a hallmark of Stardock and Launch8 continues the tradition of providing PC users with useful capabilities not found in Microsoft’s latest OS. Windows 8 enables users to arrange their Start screen into groups of application tiles that can be swiped left and right. Launch8 adds an always present quick access dock to the Start screen similar to those found on smart phones. Windows 8 users can drag and drop apps to Launch8 and instantly have access to them regardless of where they have swiped to on the Start screen.

"The Start screen is an integral part of Microsoft’s plan for Windows 8, and we are just beginning to focus development on the ideas we have for it," said Brad Wardell, CEO at Stardock. "Stardock's 20 years of expertise in improving the Windows user experience uniquely qualifies us to create high-quality solutions like Launch8 that offer the customization options our customers want."

Launch8 may be purchased standalone or as part of Stardock's Object Desktop suite. Launch8 supports Windows 8 / 8.1 and is available for download now at: https://www.stardock.com/products/launch8.

Screenshots:
Launch8 features
Launch8 jumplists
Launch8 with time 

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About Stardock
Stardock is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a leading developer and publisher of desktop software and PC games. Its desktop software includes Start8®, ModernMix™, Decor8™, WindowBlinds™, Fences® and more. Visit www.stardock.com for details.  

13,701 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Is there a way to turn it "off" once installed and appearing on the start screen? OR is the only way to take it off the start screen is to uninstall it?

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you do not want it to auto start then you can set the service to off and manually run launch8.exe when you want it.  You should also be able to unload it via launch8 UNLOAD.

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks Island Dog, your suggestion(s) worked. :thumbsup:

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I can't find Launch8 UNLOAD.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 4

I can't find Launch8 UNLOAD.

It's not something you run, it's spomething you type from the command prompt.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Ah, command prompt is sooooooo DOS.   I'm a redneck, I do well to pull off SFC /scannow.