Work realities mean I can't really get a phone with a physical keyboard - my job forces me to stick with a regular smartphone. But that doesn't mean my home screen can't rock a QWERTY keyboard!
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leimo.kybdlauncher
I sincerely apologize if this post violates any group rules.
I am the developer of kybd launcher, an application designed to be operated via a QWERTY keyboard. The launcher prioritizes productivity and simulates the experience of using a smartphone with a physical keyboard, potentially serving as a stepping stone for users considering the purchase of such a device.
Recently, however, I realized that I may have inadvertently created the ideal launcher for devices that actually feature physical keyboards. This is where I am seeking your assistance. As I do not (yet) own such a device, I am looking for 10 volunteer testers to verify that the latest update, which implemented physical keyboard support, functions properly on real hardware. Naturally, the first 10 individuals to reach out to me via direct message will receive a promotional code for a complimentary Pro version. I would highly appreciate your assistance. Thank you in advance.
Update: Got our testers, thanks everyone!
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leimo.kybdlauncher
I'm sure there are plenty of people here with a ton of experience using keyboard phones, so any tips, suggestions, or constructive criticism are more than welcome 🙂
I’m not sure if this kind of "confession" belongs here, but I figured someone might be dealing with a similar issue...
I work in IT as a PM and UX Designer, so totally escaping smartphones, emails, and apps isn't an option. They're part of the job, and honestly, they're my passion too. Because of that, my screen time used to be through the roof. Even after clocking out, I’d constantly jump into work apps to "quickly tweak something" or reply to emails. Plus, having my main phone on me 24/7 meant endless scrolling on social media.
Even so, on the surface, I was incredibly productive, but it really started messing with my well-being - I was totally burned out from information overload and felt tired all the time.
I tried setting up digital boundaries on a single phone (using focus modes, silencing notifications, hiding apps), but it was a flop. As long as the apps were there, I’d end up opening them sooner or later.
In the end, I took a hard look at my phone habits and realized I needed a second device - but one strictly dedicated to specific tasks. After testing this setup for a few weeks, I’ve gotta say, I finally found something that actually works.
The whole thing evolved over time, but here’s where I landed with my two setups:
Work Setup
- Pixel 10 Pro with productivity-focused launcher, dual SIM (personal + work), and just the absolute essentials for daily life and work. (Side note: I deleted most of my social media accounts too).
- Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears – the ANC is a lifesaver for staying focused at work.
- Garmin Fenix 8 – I run a lot, and getting notifications on my wrist means I don't have to keep picking up my phone.
- Moft MagSafe wallet – mostly for my office badge and a bit of cash.
- Notepad & pen – standard kit since I’m a designer and love sketching ideas.
Personal Setup
- iPhone 13 Mini with a SIM card that only two people have the number for (my wife and daughter). Zero extra apps installed - it’s totally bare-bones.
- AirPods Pro 2 – because I can't go anywhere without my music.
- Garmin Fenix 8 – it’s paired to the Pixel, so when I shut the Pixel down and switch to the iPhone, the watch goes dead silent and just tracks my workouts.
My basic routine is work setup in the morning, and personal setup for evenings and weekends. The tiny iPhone is incredibly handy, the stock apps (phone, maps, Apple Pay) do everything I need, and I barely touch my phone now unless I actually have to.
This allows me to have a "digital detox" without sacrificing convenient access to essential tasks. Naturally, a new mindset has developed: picking up the Pixel means there’s work to be done. And even though some of my social media is still on it, I find myself checking those apps less and less.
For me, the "dedicated device for specific tasks" approach has truly paid off. I’m not sure where this journey will take me next, but lately, I’ve even started looking into cameras. Up until now, I solely relied on smartphones, but I feel like I’d love to have a device dedicated purely to photography. Taking photos helps me unwind, and lately, I’ve been realizing that proper rest is the absolute key (at least for me) to productivity without completely draining my energy.
Maybe someone here will find this helpful...
I know, I know - carrying two smartphones doesn't exactly scream "digital minimalism." But hear me out - personally, I feel like I've made huge strides in cleaning up my digital life, given the circumstances.
I work in IT as a PM and UX Designer, so totally escaping smartphones, emails, and apps isn't an option. They're part of the job, and honestly, they're my passion too. Because of that, my screen time used to be through the roof. Even after clocking out, I’d constantly jump into work apps to "quickly tweak something" or reply to emails. Plus, having my main phone on me 24/7 meant endless scrolling on social media.
It really started messing with my well-being - I was totally burned out from information overload and felt tired all the time.
I tried setting up digital boundaries on a single phone (using focus modes, silencing notifications, hiding apps), but it was a flop. As long as the apps were there, I’d end up opening them sooner or later.
In the end, I took a hard look at my phone habits and realized I needed a second device - but one strictly dedicated to specific tasks. After testing this setup for a few weeks, I’ve gotta say, I finally found something that actually works.
The whole thing evolved over time, but here’s where I landed with my two setups:
- Pixel 10 Pro with a super clean, productivity-focused launcher, dual SIM (personal + work), and just the absolute essentials for daily life and work. (Side note: I deleted most of my social media accounts too).
- Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears – the ANC is a lifesaver for staying focused at work.
- Garmin Fenix 8 – I run a lot, and getting notifications on my wrist means I don't have to keep picking up my phone.
- Moft MagSafe wallet – mostly for my office badge and a bit of cash.
- Notepad & pen – standard kit since I’m a designer and love sketching ideas.
- iPhone 13 Mini with a SIM card that only two people have the number for (my wife and daughter). Zero extra apps installed - it’s totally bare-bones.
- AirPods Pro 2 – because I can't go anywhere without my music.
- Garmin Fenix 8 – it’s paired to the Pixel, so when I shut the Pixel down and switch to the iPhone, the watch goes dead silent and just tracks my workouts.
My basic routine is work setup in the morning, and personal setup for evenings and weekends. The tiny iPhone is incredibly handy, the stock apps (phone, maps, Apple Pay) do everything I need, and I barely touch my phone now unless I actually have to.
Look, I get that this isn’t the hardcore digital minimalism some of you guys practice here, but it’s a level that works for me without making my life miserable. And who knows, maybe it’s just my gateway step...
Thought I'd share in case anyone else in the same boat finds it useful.
What do you guys think?
Hey guys,
Need some advice from the tech pros here. I’m the dev behind kybd launcher, a minimalist launcher built around QWERTY keyboard logic. I just added a "double tap to sleep" feature, which obviously needs accessibility permissions. Per Google Play rules, turning it on triggers the required accessibility disclosure - which works totally fine on my end. Still, Google keeps blocking my update, saying they can't find the declaration. Anyone dealt with this before? Any idea what I might be missing?
First of all, I want to assure you that this is my last post on this subreddit regarding my app, kybd launcher. I hope I’m not overstepping the community rules by promoting once again, but I’ve just released an update that could easily be called the HowToMen Edition, as most of the changes are a direct result of the feedback I received from you all.
I’m incredibly grateful for that - when I joined this sub, I didn't expect to find such an open and positive community. Because of that, I’d like to invite you first to a dedicated Discord server for anyone who wants to take a more active role in the app's future development. After these past few weeks (during which we’ve nearly hit 1,000 downloads!), we’ve built a solid foundation for future growth and new features that will further streamline your daily tasks.
Thank you all once again!
App link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leimo.kybdlauncher
Discord server: https://discord.gg/EAqheKf3ak