First released in 2012, Launch Center Pro was one of the first quick action apps in the App Store, designed to let users create shortcuts to features normally buried within apps, such as opening up Instagram directly to the camera, or opening a specific search within Yelp.

Over the years, Launch Center Pro has been updated several times with new features and while it has encountered some trouble with Apple, it continues to be a popular choice for users who are looking for a shortcut-based quick launch app. As of today, Launch Center Pro is getting a major update, which adds a new Notification Center widget.

With the new Notification Center widget, it's possible to add twelve of your favorite Launch Center Pro actions for quick and easy access. You can do things like call a specific person, add an event to a favorite calendar app, get directions home, scan a QR code, send a group text, and more directly from the Notification Center.

launchcenterpronotificationcenter
More complex actions, like controlling a Nest Thermostat from IFTTT, scanning a barcode and searching Amazon, or taking a photo and messaging it to an entire group are also supported by Launch Center Pro. Apps like Safari, Twitter, Facebook, and Google are all supported by Launch Center Pro, and today's update also adds support for more than 100,000 additional apps and iOS 9.

In the future, Launch Center Pro plans to support iPhone 6s features, introducing 3D Touch-based Quick Actions that will be able to be launched by using a force press on the Launch Center Pro app icon on the Home screen.

Launch Center Pro can be downloaded from the App Store for $3.99, a 20 percent discount from its usual price. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

protobiont Avatar
107 months ago
I guess I don't understand an app launcher in Notification Center. Seems like a horrible place to put that functionality. I think most of the Today widgets are horrible.
But for those who do like it, I'm glad we have the option!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spacemnspiff Avatar
107 months ago
I am a Launcher user too from when it first launched. I use it everyday from calling, texting, using Waze for frequent routes, custom 1Password searches etc.

Launcher Pro looks promising.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tbayrgs Avatar
107 months ago
Been doing the same thing with Launcher for almost a year now...love the added quick shortcuts in the pull down.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DaveTheRave Avatar
107 months ago
I must try this app out. Anyone used this before?
I bought it last time it went on sale - both iPhone and iPad versions. I never use them. Maybe I'm not a power user. But the things I'd automate are relatively simple tasks that don't really need a shortcut. And the documentation online leaves a lot to be desired. Cool idea but in practice not that useful to me. Your mileage may vary.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lokey Avatar
107 months ago
I guess I don't understand an app launcher in Notification Center. Seems like a horrible place to put that functionality. I think most of the Today widgets are horrible.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
polee Avatar
107 months ago
I must try this app out. Anyone used this before?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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