This article outlines how to customise and lock the app layout within the Mobile Guardian Android Launcher, providing a tailored and secure device experience for your users.
The Mobile Guardian Android Launcher offers a focused and controlled environment by presenting users with a pre-selected set of applications. This article details how to further enhance this experience through layout customisation features, including organising apps into folders, personalising icons, and configuring the application dock. Once configured, you can lock the layout to prevent unauthorised modifications.
#Note: This layout will be used when Mobile Guardian is chosen as the launcher/home application. This takes priority over the Android Launcher application list if also defined.
Key Features for Layout Customisation
Key Layout Customisation Features
The Mobile Guardian Android Launcher offers the following capabilities to personalise the application layout:
- Layout Locking: Secure the configured layout by preventing users from moving or uninstalling applications.
- App Folders: Organise applications into logical categories, improving navigation and decluttering the home screen.
- Customisable Icons: Enhance visual clarity and user recognition by renaming applications and repositioning their icons.
- Customisable Dock: Configure a persistent row of frequently used applications at the bottom of the screen for quick access.
- Customisable Grid: Define the number of rows and columns for application display, allowing for optimal use of screen space.
- Launcher Title: Personalise the launcher with a title relevant to your deployment (e.g. school name, grade level).
- Visual Theme Options: Customise the appearance with options for title background colour, title text colour, body background colour, and body text colour.
- Custom Wallpaper: Apply a consistent and branded wallpaper to your managed devices.
- App Drawer: Enable an app drawer for users to access all installed applications easily.
- Web Clips: Create shortcuts to frequently accessed web links directly on the home screen as icons.
#Note: The standard Android system dock functionalities (such as housing the dialer and messaging apps) are not supported within the Mobile Guardian Launcher. This dock is purely for launching selected applications.
Steps to Customise and Lock the Android Launcher Layout
The following steps outline how to configure the layout within the Mobile Guardian portal:
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Access the Profile Settings:
- Navigate to the Profiles section in your Mobile Guardian portal.
- Select the profile for which you want to customise the Android Launcher layout.
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Navigate to the Android Launcher Layout Settings:
- Within the profile settings, locate the "Android Launcher Layout" configuration options by selecting the What tab, followed by Applications.
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Adding Applications
- Select the Add button next to the required application to add to the launcher Home Screen layout.
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Creating Groups:
- Click on the option New Group to create a new grouping folder.
- Enter a descriptive name for the folder (e.g., "Productivity," "Learning Tools," "Communication").
- Drag and drop the desired applications from the Home Screen layout into the newly created group. You can create multiple folders as needed.
- Group Icon and Name: Double-click the Group Icon. An option to select an Icon and edit the label. Add an icon and enter the desired new name for the group.
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Customising Icons (Renaming and Repositioning):
Within the Android Launcher layout editor, you should be able to interact with the application icons.
- Renaming: Double-click an application icon. You will be able to edit the label. An option to "Rename" or "Edit Label" should appear. Enter the desired new name for the application.
- Repositioning: Click and drag application icons to your desired location on the screen or into folders.
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Configuring the Docker:
- Drag and drop the applications you want to appear in the dock from the Home Screen layout app list onto the designated dock area.
- Arrange the icons within the dock as needed.
#Note: Remember that standard system dock applications like the dialer and messaging apps are not supported here.
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Arranging the Overall Layout:
- Continue to arrange the application icons and folders on the home screen(s) to achieve the desired layout. You may be able to create multiple home screen pages by selecting the New Screen button and adding or dragging applications to the new screen.
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Save and Apply Configuration:
- Ensure you save the changes made to the device or profile settings.
- The updated Android Launcher layout, including folders, custom icon names, the configured dock, and the locked layout, will be applied to the targeted devices upon the next sync with the Mobile Guardian server.
Considerations and Limitations
- Icon Image Customisation: Currently, Mobile Guardian does not support the direct replacement of application icon images. Customisation is limited to renaming and repositioning.
- Docker Functionality: The customisable dock within the Mobile Guardian Android Launcher is solely for launching selected applications. It does not integrate with or replace the standard Android system dock functionalities for core communication apps like the dialer and messaging.
- User Experience: Design the layout with user accessibility and ease of navigation in mind. Logical folder groupings and clear icon names will enhance the user experience.
Other Cutimisations:
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Columns, Rows
- Set the number of columns and rows easily by selecting the option from the drop-downs.
- Options range from 4-8 for both the number of Columns and Rows
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Title
- Give your launcher a title, eg, your school name or grade, depending on your configuration.
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Added Settings
- Title Background Colour: Change the colour of the Title Background
- Title Text Colour: Change the colour of the Title Text
- Body Background Colour: Change the colour of the Launcher Background
- Body Text Colour: Change the colour of the text on the Launcher
- Wallpaper: Customise the wallpaper of your devices as per your profile settings
- App Drawer: Add an App Drawer for easy access to all installed applications.
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Allow Mobile Guardian application access: The Mobile Guardian app icon has been added to your screen
- If you have the title bar active along with this action, you will be able to access the application through the burger menu on the top left of the launcher.
- Webclip: Add webclips (shortcuts) to links as icons on your device launcher/homescreen. Links will open in the Mobile Guardian Browser.
Troubleshooting
- Layout Not Applying: Ensure the device has successfully synced with the Mobile Guardian server after saving the configuration. Check the device's network connectivity.
- Unable to Lock Layout: Verify that the "COSU Mode" option is enabled in the Android settings or that the Mobile Guardian Launcher is the default launcher on the device.
- Issues with Folders or Icons: Double-check the steps outlined above and ensure you are interacting with the correct settings within the Mobile Guardian portal.
The Mobile Guardian Android Launcher offers powerful customisation options for tailoring the device experience. By utilising app folders, configuring the application dock, and locking the layout, administrators can create a focused, user-friendly, and secure environment for their students. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage and control the application layout on your managed Android devices.
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