In the always-evolving world of productivity tools, having a reliable app launcher can make all the difference. Recently featured on XDA Developers, Ueli promises a consistent experience on Windows, macOS, and Linux. In this hands-on review, we dive into what Ueli brings to the table, how it measures up to its competitors, and why Windows users might want to consider—or bypass—it for their everyday workflow.
Key points:
To put it in perspective, our https://windowsforum.com/threads/352951 highlighted how tools like Flow Launcher offer a wider range of extensions and customization specifically tuned for Windows. If you’re keen on exploring your options further, that thread provides additional insights and comparisons.
What do you think? Could the promise of cross-platform consistency outweigh the limitations for your workflow? Join the discussion below and share your experiences with Ueli or your favorite alternative launchers.
For more insights on boosting your productivity with app launchers, check out our earlier thread on essential app launchers https://windowsforum.com/threads/352951.
Source: XDA Developers https://www.xda-developers.com/hands-on-ueli/
What Is Ueli?
Ueli is a lightweight, keyboard-focused launcher designed with cross-platform compatibility in mind. Whether you’re a Windows enthusiast or a macOS/Linux power user, Ueli offers a unified interface that strives for simplicity, speed, and a customizable experience. Its core appeal lies in its consistent look and feel across all platforms—a boon for those who operate in a multi-device ecosystem.Key points:
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Run the same launcher on Windows, macOS, and Linux with nearly identical interfaces.
- Minimalist Design: Ueli focuses on simplicity, removing the clutter found in many other launchers.
- Keyboard-Driven Workflow: For users who favor quick commands over mouse clicks, Ueli puts efficiency at the forefront.
Feature Spotlight: Customization and Extensions
A Wealth of Settings
Ueli comes loaded with a plethora of configuration options:- Theme and Layout Adjustments: Customize the appearance and search bar size to suit your personal style.
- Search Engine Preferences: Choose your preferred search engine for web queries and dictate how frequently results refresh.
- System Commands: Launch system functions like putting your PC to sleep or initiating a shutdown—all with a few keystrokes.
The Workflows Advantage
One of Ueli’s standout features is its Workflows extension. This built-in tool allows you to craft custom sequences of actions:- Automated Routines: Imagine starting your day by launching your essential apps—Opera, Slack, and even checking for updates via winget—all with one command.
- Task Chaining: Combine various actions, from opening files to triggering terminal commands, to streamline your operations.
Limitations to Note
Despite its robust settings, Ueli has a few drawbacks:- Limited Extension Ecosystem: While it supports around 20 built-in plug-ins, there’s no easy way to add new ones. This is a significant point of contention compared to rivals with hundreds of community-developed extensions.
- Prefix Customization Restrictions: Unlike some competitors, Ueli does not offer the ability to define distinct prefixes for launching specific extensions, which can slow down your search-first workflows.
Ueli in the Windows Ecosystem
For Windows users, efficiency and broad functionality are paramount. While Ueli does provide a consistent and lightweight experience, it may not fully address all nuanced needs of Windows power-users. For example, the task of linking to Microsoft Store apps or harnessing advanced automation can be more cumbersome than with other tools on Windows.To put it in perspective, our https://windowsforum.com/threads/352951 highlighted how tools like Flow Launcher offer a wider range of extensions and customization specifically tuned for Windows. If you’re keen on exploring your options further, that thread provides additional insights and comparisons.
How Does Ueli Compare?
Against Flow Launcher on Windows
- Extension Ecosystem: Flow Launcher shines with hundreds of user-created extensions, whereas Ueli’s ecosystem is comparatively narrow.
- Windows Integration: Flow Launcher is designed to handle the intricacies of the Windows environment—especially when dealing with app paths and Microsoft Store functionalities.
- User Experience: While Ueli’s cross-platform uniformity is a plus, many Windows users might find Flow Launcher’s tailored features more aligned with their day-to-day tasks.
And on macOS?
Although Ueli provides a consistent UI on macOS, dedicated tools like Raycast—already optimized for Apple’s environment—tend to deliver a smoother, more integrated experience for macOS users.The Promise of Workflows
Among all Ueli’s features, the Workflows system stands out as a major attempt to boost efficiency. It allows you to bundle a series of actions into one command. For example:- Morning Routine Workflow: Launch your favorite web browser, open productivity apps, and even check for system updates—all in one fell swoop.
- Update Automation: Set up workflows that routinely check for software updates using command-line tools like winget, ensuring your system stays current.
Final Thoughts: Is Ueli Right for You?
Pros:- Cross-Platform Uniformity: Enjoy the same interface whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Robust Customization: Tweak themes, sizes, search preferences, and more to create a personalized launch environment.
- Innovative Workflows: The ability to automate complex sequences of actions is a definite plus.
- Lightweight and Minimalistic: Ideal for users who value speed and simplicity over bloat.
- Limited Extension Support: A smaller ecosystem of plug-ins may restrict functionality compared to alternatives.
- Customization Shortcomings: The inability to set distinct prefixes for different extensions can hinder efficiency.
- Windows-Specific Hiccups: Some Windows-specific tasks, such as launching certain apps or integrating with Microsoft Store items, may be less streamlined compared to dedicated Windows launchers like Flow Launcher.
Conclusion
Ueli offers a compelling, cross-platform experience that is both sleek and highly configurable. However, if you’re a Windows power-user seeking the most advanced customization and a vast extension ecosystem, you might find better value in specialized tools like Flow Launcher. That said, if you crave a unified launcher you can use seamlessly across all your devices, Ueli is certainly worth a test drive.What do you think? Could the promise of cross-platform consistency outweigh the limitations for your workflow? Join the discussion below and share your experiences with Ueli or your favorite alternative launchers.
For more insights on boosting your productivity with app launchers, check out our earlier thread on essential app launchers https://windowsforum.com/threads/352951.
Source: XDA Developers https://www.xda-developers.com/hands-on-ueli/
