Radian is an app launcher to replace the Start menu which operates in quite a unique way. Rather than relying on a the usual system of menus and sub-menus, this launcher takes the form of a segmented circle whose sections can be customised to house shortcuts to the programs and documents you use most frequently.

Just like the Start menu, Radian can be accessed from any app, and it can be called up using either the mouse or a keyboard shortcuts. The segmented circle is divided into four main sections  – upper, lower, left and right, and these different sections can be used to keep different types of shortcuts grouped together.

For example, you may decide that the upper quadrant should be house to store shortcuts to programs that are related to image editing. Adding shortcuts is a simple matter of dragging and dropping into place, but it is also possible to automatically populate a quadrant by opting to include shortcuts from the desktop or Quick Launch bar.

The beauty of the app is that it makes it possible to launch app with a minimum of mouse movement – or none if you choose to go down the keyboard control route. Unlike the Start menu or Quick Launch bar which are screen elements that have a fixed position, Radian can be accessed not only from any app but from anywhere on screen, helping to save time and effort.

Launcher tools will succeed or fail based on the approach they take to making programs easily accessible. Radian’s unique approach is a breath of fresh air and a concept that works very well. The app is available to purchase for $14.99, but you can download a free trial version by paying a visit to the Radian review page.