Carpenter Update Incoming

Oh look, A new look for the Carpenter app

Carpenter will be receiving a new look with its upcoming update that will be releasing besides GCA Launcher v3

This new update brings jetpack compose front and center and gives the app a brand new look and feel. With the new update, I focused on making the app being more approachable, new ways to create icons, a much faster database, a more compact interface and less “fluff” and some new features that bind itself to Gca Launcher as a companion app (sorta like lawnicons with lawnchair, icon pack studio for smart launcher and so on…)

Carpenter brings a few new features to Gca Launcher

• A new asset picker that allows users to access their assets list while editing icons in GCA. This means users can use custom built icons in GCA.
• A new categorized icon picker interface allowing users to browse icon packs for a specific icon to use in GCA icon editing.
• A new review action that allows users to view an apps community feedback based on Google Play reviews.
• Create local icon packs and install them to their internal storage and load it like a normal icon pack to Gca Launcher v3

As fas as new features in Carpenter goes

• A brand new interface that plays a big part in the revised database
• Improved cache systems to improve load times for huge icon packs
• An Improved system to understand the difference between legacy icon packs, adaptive icon packs and monochromic icon packs
• Legacy icon packs that have backing, masking and upon layers can be toggled while browsing icons
• These same layers can be accessed with compatible icon packs while crafting
• Improved search and data models
• Improved assets meta data and badge recognition
• Improved Google play publisher information models

Carpenters paid model will also be modified to support a subscription model. Users who have paid for an advanced or expert tier user experience are now treated as lifetime license owners (making these options unavailable anymore) while users who still use Carpenter as a pay as you go experience, can continue to do so while the new subscription model gives you unlimited access to the app.

This update should be launching in November alogn side a possible open beta to Gca Launcher v3

The new api described for GCA Launcher from Carpenter will be accessible to other launchers if they wish to use said features, all they need to do is ask.

Project Drosera Update

So, this is a project that we do need to talk about so let’s get into it.

It’s been roughly 3 years since I announced it and started releasing previews for the launcher. It’s been rewritten about 3 times and put on the bench several times becuase of its state of development. It’s still on the bench and it’s getting cold.

Due to recent development in the gaming era and Ai era for android, newer gaming technology has surfaced. Android is no longer just responsible for mobile gaming, it can now play console games natively. It can now play steam games natively. Emulation was just the starting point but native ports is the cake. We also have cloud streaming (which is expensive) and remote streaming (which can also be expensive based on the household tech you own).

So where does this leave Drosera Launcher? This Launcher was supposed to be a reimagination of the Xbox 360 blades ui. With the AI rampage currently going on the internet and jetpack compose tech literrly able to copy and build anything it sees. It’s hard to keep up with original development now.

Drosera will still launch but it will be for a different purpose. I have to sit down with myself and see what my options are. Right now, my plans are to use it to launch a new android tv launcher. Something could also be used in tablets and handhelds. This Launcher is currently being designed to be a holder for your games and that’s about it. I was going to go full on with cloud and server back end features but I don’t think it’s worth it anymore seeing how Droid deck works, game native and some other cool projects in the makings. Maybe, il team up with someone and we’ll turn it into a Droid deck alternative.

I basically lost the race in the project as I didn’t have what I needed to complete that journey so we will see where this project leads. Maybe il just focus on the Xbox community and create some mobile Xbox experience. Seems like a good fit.

IL have more information leading up to more development later but long story short, the original vision I had for the project has died due to new projects surfacing and I can’t compete with it.

GCA Launcher 3 Internal Testing

If you have any interest in testing Gca Launcher 3 before it hits the playstore in 2027, please join the GocalSD Facebook group and we will discuss what will happen next at a later date

Follow on Facebook

GCA Launcher 3.0 Preview Tour

I published a video today for you to observe some of the many changes coming to GCA Launcher 3.0 coming in 2027

In the video, I demonstrate the homescreen ui, app drawer functionality, dock functionality, widget support, some user settings and the new sheets interface.

View the video here

As a reminder, I am posting frequent updates on development on the new X account and on our Facebook community page if you wanna keeps tabs on it.

Pantry Pilot Open Beta

Pantry Pilot (Final Name still pending) is now available to all users on Google Play to test. This app is simply for people who need help with the following… grocery budgeting, a smart check off list, price awareness, recipe keeper, purchase history and personal awareness of items in your pantry.

Download on Google Play

Click the link above to give it a whirl and see if it helps you with your shopping needs.

Social Media Update

I’m going to be conducting an experiment and make an account on X for the remaining quarter of the year. If the account is successful at gaining followers, we will keep it, if it hangs in the air, it will be dismissed again. This experiment is going based on a few request I had. You can follow our new X account here

The Return

Word has gotten out that GCA Launcher is returning and I’m hear to say, yes, yes it is.

I’m finishing the 2026 year by getting back to my launcher development roots and rebuilding GCA Launcher. This is not an update, this is a relaunch and I wanted to share some concrete details about the project and where to follow Development

So for starters, if you havn’t started following GocalSD on Facebook, I suggest you should or download the goclasd mobile app from my github so you can follow the project.

The launcher will still hold heart to its original objective which was to be a single screen launcher. What held me back years ago was technology and knowledge. Everything I wanted this Launcher to do than, will become a reality on release.

This may be the first launcher to release based on compose. This means that performance is an absolute objective for a wide range of devices, including 45 dollar straight talk phones. Compose will allow me to dive into new technology driven software methods. Something I’m excited to create with.

GCA Launcher will stick to its roots with customization, a left and right panel, a workspace driven by custom gestures and widget access to a dock for user shortcuts and an app drawer. A simple yet powerful idea.

Users will be introcuded to new customization settings, icon styles, and pixel phone like benifits. Consider it like a single screen pixel experience.

GCA will feature a new dynamic gradient icon style and a powerful minimal style inspired by pixel launcher.

Announcement of this project has seemed to spike alot of interest so keep tabs and il have more to share soon!

Follow Development on Facebook

Just a reminder that I’m trying to rebuild my android community. In the past, we had Twitter, telegram, xda, android forums, Droid forums and so on but as of late, I think a single community should just rely on the world’s most popular social media site so we’re settling in.

Follow GocalSD on Facebook!

You can follow me using the link provided and if we get enough people recruited, I may start doing ride alogn streams on twitch. I think that would be interesting and fun!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BvrHQWAAQ/

Telegram Notice

Due to the enormous amount of spam I’ve received using telegram after giving it a second chance, it will be dropped as a way to contact me at the end of August. I will be using WhatsApp as a form of global communication going forward.

The new gsd Mobile app will also be setup to allow you to directly contact me with communication methods and allow you to keep track of new blogs and vidocs.

Truesight Developer Vidoc

Click to play