While hackers and modders from all over the world are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for CyanogenMod 9 to make a mass release appearance, anyone lucky enough to own an Android 4.0.3 device can get a taste of the ROM now. Trebuchet Launcher, the launcher that will come preloaded in CyanogenMod 9, is available for download in early alpha form.

There are two requirements for running Trebuchet Launcher, you must be on Android 4.0.3, and you must be rooted. If you happen to own a device that fits that criteria, like a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus S, then you can download Trebuchet and see what the standard launcher for CM9 will come with. TreBuchet is modeled to look just like the stock Android 4 launcher, but comes with a slew of customization features not found in vanilla Android.

• Custom number of Homescreens
• Enable/Disable Persistent Search Bar
• Separated Apps/Widgets in Drawer
• Resize Any Widget
• Show and Fade Scrolling Indicator in Homescreen and Drawer
• Enable/Disable Auto-Rotate
• Drawer Apps Sorting (Title, Install Date)

Personally, I’m really looking forward to app drawer sorting and disabling the persistant Google search bar. Since I have a Nexus S, I still use the search button, making the persistant search bar pointless. And who couldn’t use a little more organization in their app drawer?

As time goes on, more and more features will find their way into Trebuchet Launcher. Infinite scrolling and screen transition animations are just two among many slated to make an appearance eventually.

For more information on Trebuchet Launcher, and to download the alpha, visit XDA now.

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