From quick research, it certainly seems to be the preferred alternative. It’s been around for quite awhile and look to have a legit business model. I also found an open source app that looks decent.

AnymeX

Fwiw: I’ve been using a Verizon locked one without ever activating the sim. It works just fine as a Rayhunter. It just doesn’t work as a hotspot.

I’ve been happily using mLauncher. It’s about as minimal as they come. I’ve got zero on my screens. https://github.com/DroidWorksStudio/mLauncher