Android Kiosk / Simple Mode

📋 Summary

Add a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode option for LaunchBox on Android. This mode would lock down the interface so users (especially children) cannot change settings, delete content, or exit LaunchBox without a password or PIN. It would also hide advanced menus and simplify navigation for family-friendly or dedicated handheld setups.

❗ Problem

Kids or casual users can easily:

• Change settings unintentionally

• Delete or modify games or playlists

• Exit LaunchBox entirely and get stuck in Android’s UI

• Get lost in menus not intended for them

Rebuilding or restoring configuration takes time, and there is currently no way to lock down or simplify the LaunchBox Android UI.

Other frontends like Batocera and RetroArch offer similar kiosk or simple modes, making LaunchBox less accessible for family or public setups.

💡 Proposal

Introduce a Kiosk Mode / Simple Mode toggle in LaunchBox Android settings.

When enabled:

• Hide all settings menus unless unlocked with a PIN or password

• Block deletion or editing of games, platforms, playlists, or metadata

• Prevent exiting LaunchBox without authentication (useful for home screen launcher mode)

• Simplify the UI by hiding advanced options and showing only core navigation

• Optional: allow selecting which features remain visible (e.g., Favorites, Resume, Recently Played)

This mode should work seamlessly with Faeran’s new home screen launcher support so LaunchBox can be used as a child-friendly primary launcher.

🧩 Use Cases

• Parents giving kids Android handhelds want a safe, locked-down environment where nothing can break

• Users setting up retro handhelds or TV boxes want LaunchBox to act like a simple console UI

• Arcade cabinets or public setups need protection from accidental changes

• Home screen launcher users need to prevent accidental exits to Android menus

📦 Benefits

• Protects library setups from accidental changes or deletion

• Makes LaunchBox far more family-friendly

• Offers a clean, simplified interface for handheld or living-room devices

• Brings LaunchBox Android closer to feature parity with other frontends that already include kiosk or simple modes

• Works hand-in-hand with home screen launcher support for a true console-like experience