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

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: http://www.stardock.com/products/launch8.