Just got my Gnex and I have some questions - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

So my Gnex arrived from Google last night, and I am in the process of setting it up. However three things immediately jumped out at me that I was hoping to get clarification on. First, when I long press the screen I am not shown the option for widgets. All it shows me is wallpaper options which I found weird since obviously Android is big on widgets. Is it supposed to be like this, or am I missing a setting somewhere? Second, for the life of me I can not find the settings for the default launcher. I would like to add some new icons but I am unable to do so. Lastly, all the other icons can be long pressed and then removed, with the exception of the Google search bar at the top. In all previous Android phones I was able to add or delete anything from the home screen, again, am I missing something or is this a "feature"??

open the app drawer ad you can drag icons and widgets to the screens.
to remove the pesky search bar (a "feature"!) you need a 3rd party launcher such as Apex or Nova, from the play store (the free versions are fine)

Widgets are now under a tab in the app draw.
I believe you can remove the Google search bar by selecting a different search provider in the settings list.
As far as launcher settings I think u need a custom rom to do that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

1) They are located in your app drawer, Right at the end after your Apps
2) Think this is located in the settings menu, but is Limited. Been so long since i was on stock
3) It can be removed IIRC, but the space is not useable.
All in all, You might want to look at an alternative launcher like Apex or Nova, All are close to stock but with a wealth of features

azlemad said:
pretty much all of what you listed can be solved using a 3rd party launcher such as Apex or Nova, from the play store (the free versions are fine)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Apex on my previous device and I will likely use it again, but my question is are the things I mentioned supposed to be happening with the stock setup?

Yes
10chars

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1431
good day.

Yea those are all new "features" for ICS.

JDFlint said:
Yea those are all new "features" for ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! What crappy "features"! Gotta love it....

chopper the dog said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1431
good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean to post a general link to this forum?

azlemad said:
open the app drawer ad you can drag icons and widgets to the screens.
to remove the pesky search bar (a "feature"!) you need a 3rd party launcher such as Apex or Nova, from the play store (the free versions are fine)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess its back to Apex for me. I was kind of hoping the "pure" Google experience would be a little better, but I guess you still need to tweak things.

webmaster said:
I guess its back to Apex for me. I was kind of hoping the "pure" Google experience would be a little better, but I guess you still need to tweak things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife just got the GN two days ago, upgrading from a Droid Inc running Stock+ rom. I actually like the new features of ICS. Seems very different coming from Sense, two versions old. I'm not using an Android device, but if I were, the GN would almost definitely be my pick right now.

kjjb0204 said:
My wife just got the GN two days ago, upgrading from a Droid Inc running Stock+ rom. I actually like the new features of ICS. Seems very different coming from Sense, two versions old. I'm not using an Android device, but if I were, the GN would almost definitely be my pick right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sense is terrible and I will never again purchase a device with that abomination installed on it! I had sense on my Sensation (previous phone) and then I rooted it, killed sense, and was running an AOSP ROM for the past few months.

Remove search bar:
Menu > Settings > Apps > All > Scroll down to google search bar (believe thats what it says) > disable.
Gone.

webmaster said:
Sense is terrible and I will never again purchase a device with that abomination installed on it! I had sense on my Sensation (previous phone) and then I rooted it, killed sense, and was running an AOSP ROM for the past few months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually like Sense and would not have objected if my wife insisted on the Rezound or the upcoming Inc 4G. It does have some very useful widgets and is pretty slick looking. Doesn't matter anyhow, I'm not on Android and wife loves her new GN. Hopefully she'll get the 4.0.4 update today or at least this week to iron out some of the small annoyances.

Related

A list of my favorite touchwiz features

Typing names on the dialer app will bring up your contacts
Sliding the names left and right from the messaging app will go to message and phone
Task manager on the recent apps screen
What are some of your favs
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
cnstarz said:
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you hit that nail on the head.
cnstarz said:
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+9000 lol
10char
I really like the touchwiz launcher with 5 icons. Nothing's faster. I only miss landscape mode.
HTC sense and Rosie are much worse IMO.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
cnstarz said:
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, I got launcher pro.. But still many of the things noted above are outside of the launcher and I do like them.
the sliding to call is one of my favorites..
cnstarz said:
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I laughed pretty good at this....
Havek923 said:
OK, I laughed pretty good at this....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is replacing the launcher doesn't remove a lot of touchwiz, just the launcher...
I was very worried about jumping from CM7 to touchwiz when I got the phone, but coupled with a new launcher I have to say I do like TW.
Its kinda funny, I used to hate touchwiz back when I got my OG Epic. I always used ADW. When I got my Evo 3D I liked sense, so used that. Now I use Touchwiz on my Epic Touch. I have tried other launchers, but I dont like having to download widget apps to use with each one. I am using the calander, clock, and weather widgets from I9100 theme here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1334922 I have them built into the rom, the are great.
This is the first time I have left the stock launcher on the phone. Through 4 Android devices and CM or MIUI on each one, I have always changed it because I hated the stock experience. Now with the Epic Touch I love TouchWiz. Hope Samsung keeps improving TouchWiz and doesn't move backwards with it.
Speaking of third-party launchers...why did Fede stop developing Launcherpro? Maybe not "stopped" but really, the refresh was promised for this time last year and he still hasn't done anything with it. What happened?
jedwardmiller said:
This is the first time I have left the stock launcher on the phone. Through 4 Android devices and CM or MIUI on each one, I have always changed it because I hated the stock experience. Now with the Epic Touch I love TouchWiz. Hope Samsung keeps improving TouchWiz and doesn't move backwards with it.
Speaking of third-party launchers...why did Fede stop developing Launcherpro? Maybe not "stopped" but really, the refresh was promised for this time last year and he still hasn't done anything with it. What happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried emailing Fede?
HondaCop said:
Have you tried emailing Fede?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long time ago but haven't bothered for a while. I was more or less just throwing it out there in case anyone knew anything. I am not really all that concerned to be honest as I am actually liking TouchWiz anyway.
<3me said:
Typing names on the dialer app will bring up your contacts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't this just a standard Android feature? I remember a friend showed me that capability on his G1 a few years ago, but he may have just been using a modded dialer.
With this being my first experience with Touchwiz (as well as Android) I haven't been conditioned to hate it, and I actually kind of like certain features like the calendar widget. I don't know if I'm not looking hard enough, but I can't find another calendar widget that behaves like TW one.
Also really like how you can adjust the brightness by touching the top bar, but I guess that isn't really TW feature.
jedwardmiller said:
This is the first time I have left the stock launcher on the phone. Through 4 Android devices and CM or MIUI on each one, I have always changed it because I hated the stock experience. Now with the Epic Touch I love TouchWiz. Hope Samsung keeps improving TouchWiz and doesn't move backwards with it.
Speaking of third-party launchers...why did Fede stop developing Launcherpro? Maybe not "stopped" but really, the refresh was promised for this time last year and he still hasn't done anything with it. What happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He just disappeared. He has a music app that development has basically stopped for as well. Don't know why he stopped, he had to be making a killing. Hope he is okay.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
patthew said:
Isn't this just a standard Android feature? I remember a friend showed me that capability on his G1 a few years ago, but he may have just been using a modded dialer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd think so but no, not on the AOSP dialer from GB.
cnstarz said:
my favorite thing about touchwiz is definitely the ability to replace it with 3rd party launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! Oh man, that's funny right there! + 1
Having been a long time ADW EX user, which has been awesome, I'm currently running Go Launcher and I have to say: it's impressive so far.
I ran Launcher Pro Plus on my EVO and enjoyed it as well.
IMO, TW actually isn't bad for a stock launcher, especially after having used Sense for a while on both my OG EVO & EVO 3D. I didn't care for Sense. Blech. The use of hardware acceleration of TW makes it the smoothest launcher of any I have used on my S2. The modded version of TW here on XDA takes it to a new level and is actually pretty good. I used it for awhile early on and appreciated the customization ability of it over stock. I got spoiled using the gesturing features of these other launchers, though. If the modded version of TW were to incorporate this feature, I would definitely consider it as a daily driver.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1061883
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Wow, it looks like everyone's favorite feature is the ability to use a 3rd party launcher
I personally use Go Launcher myself and it works for me now.
my1zamboni said:
Wow, it looks like everyone's favorite feature is the ability to use a 3rd party launcher
I personally use Go Launcher myself and it works for me now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is far and away the most ICS-like launcher I've found lately :
http://db.tt/N6xGTKpJ
It's a new beta of the 360 launcher, and through it, you can download and install a ridiculously great ICS theme... Play around with the transitions till you have exactly what you want.
P.S.: It's awesome.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
the one thing touchwiz improved upon stock android is how you add widgets and are able to swipe to different screens to add them. the stock implementation is just crude looking.
also being able to move about the multiple homescreens quickly by sliding the numbered dots.
you can't discount the buttery smooth browser performance either, dunno if stock is as smooth.
First thing I do when a flash a ROM:
1. Restore ADW Ex with data
2. Delete TW launcher.

Coming from an Iphone

Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Firstly, you cant remove bloatware, truely, without rooting your phone. However, you can hide certain apps with a themer/launcher.
Root free, the most iphone-like launcher is Espier launcher 5.x . Espier also has a safari like browser called Espier Browser. Both of these apps can be found in the market place and will fool you into thinking you have an iphone.
The best iphone like lock screen is the miui lockscreen on the market.
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
blazin6969 said:
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The girlfriend and I both really like golauncher and golocker, but you'll have to play with them and figure out which works best for you.
Give it a bit of time and you'll really like the phone I think. It takes a bit to get used to finding things. The OS has a ton more depth to it so it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the lay off the land you'll be able to enjoy it a lot more.
Both my girlfriend and I had iPhones before Android and couldn't go back. Unless you're really itching for some new feature you can only use by rooting the phone I'd just take some time to familiarize yourself with the phone and it's menus. New roms add a lot of flexibility and new features, but the new options/moved menus may just add to the frustration for now.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I would personally suggest WidgetLocker, as you can put a music player widget(I'd suggest pure music widget 4x2), and DX Home as the homescreen. It's just iphone-like enough to look really nice, but it has android where it counts.
Android Heaven
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the kernel update for the Valkyrie rocket.
Any who back on topic. If your completely new, you're gonna want to wait a bit to root and ROM, as it can get overwhelming. Get a good feel of how it works. Look at a lot of reviews for your phone on YouTube, then search around the forums for some good tips. Especially stickies.. and yea
That's about it.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
if you don't really want a launcher that bad you can play around with the Samsung Launcher thing, and add music instead of contacts etc... Home Button > Settings > edit > switch >take out whatever you want and add whatever you want, sure it goes out of order but you can always put it back in order by Home > Settings > View Type > Alpha, etc..
blazin6969 said:
Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best launchers are Go Launcher EX, ADW Launcher, or Launcher Pro in my opinion. If you want an iphone-like experience, MIUI is a good way to go but i dont think its quite ready for prime time for our phone though theres a MIUI Launcher standalone available, which has many of the same features from a UI standpoint.
As for lock screen controls, apps like Poweramp have lock screen controls for music. There are also lock replacements like Go Locker and Widget Locker that have customizable lock screens.
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is is strapped to a shark?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Like jumping to any platform you get your pros and your cons, You have a more flexible OS but Battery might not be as good the list goes on. and not every OS is made for everyone just give it a shot you have 30 days to change your mind.
Thanks for the info guys! Yea been playing with it a bit more I think the screen is a million times better than my 3gs I might try go locker or the launcher today
Get qq launcher. I use it now and love it. it's free in the market and had s bunch of different internal themes.you can use.
I'm using the iPhone theme for obvious reasons
There's a thread called home screenshots in the theme and apps section where you can take a look at how some ppl have their home screens set up with different launchers, themes, widgets, and icons that way you can get some ideas of how you might wanna set things up as for roms it's really up to you and which you like better there's no harm in trying each one til you find your daily driver remember you can always mix different roms and kernels and find what combo works best for you (just remember to stick to roms and kernels that are for our specific model you don't wanna end up with your first android paper weight) .. Btw I was the same had been using iPhones since the first one to the iphone4 and this was my first Android and haven't looked back since love this phone it's a beast!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
If you want to change the lockscreen around, try milocker. Its free and there are alot of options, plus you can change your lockscreen wallpaper.

SwipePad APP alternative

Does anyone know of another APP like Swipe Pad. It's a good APP but it lags a lot when i open an APP.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android
type R-blood
ReLaunch - Launcher
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fiveprimes.relaunch
Thanks. I tried that re-launcher APP and it works flawlessly. The only issue i have is that you can't remove categories and APP's so it kind makes it overwhelming.
type R-blood
check out wave launcher
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I have tried a bunch of them, and I always end up coming back to swipepad. Don't even remember the names of the apps I tried but they were a bunch of them
Sent from Flip's S3
Wave launcher didn't want to install for some reason. It keeps FC. But I found this APP that's almost like swipe pad without there lag.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.psc.fukumoto.ArcLauncher
type R-blood
Actionx1 said:
Wave launcher didn't want to install for some reason. It keeps FC. But I found this APP that's almost like swipe pad without there lag.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.psc.fukumoto.ArcLauncher
type R-blood
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats really odd. it installed and worked flawlessly on both my gs3s.
HomeFlip
If your are running 4.0+, HomeFlip could suit you, see thread here.
210 35956245
I am using Smart Task Launcher
id0x12345 said:
If your are running 4.0+, HomeFlip could suit you, see thread here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've loved swipepad but always hated the lag since I had an sgs2 and even when it became faster on my modern phones. This is fast, thanks and I can use both apps.
Although there are a bunch of these, there's nothing quite like SwipePad. I've tried to switch many times and I end up back with SwipePad like an old girlfriend. The only thing is, SwipePad doesn't seem to get updated very much. It took ages for the Lollipop update, and soon after it was done, Marshmallow came along. The context panel no longer works and blacklist also fails to work. It's a tad less responsive to the point that sometimes when you select an app to open, it misses. You have to linger maybe 200 milliseconds. Those things are annoying but even with those annoyances, it's still the best out there by quite a bit. I have two "pads", each with 12 functions. Twenty-four functions is quite enough for me when they are easy to get at and it doesn't require me to switch from Nova Launcher.
seaniedee said:
The context panel no longer works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently updated my tablet from Kitkat to Marshmallow and realize that "Dynamic Pads: SwipePad add-on" doesn't work as Context Panel. From other reviews in Play Store I get feedback that this problem started a long time ago in Lollipop. Context is shown not for active app, but for active Launcher.
I overcome this problem yourself easily because I have rooted device, I moved "SwipePad Dynamic Pads" app from user apps to system apps. Now it works again as it should. Probably some app's permission restriction in LP/MM...
I know this post is old, however I found it with Google Search.
You can give my app a try, I believe it's the closest thing to SwipPad and even taking the idea further to a new level (keep an eye on the coming updates)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-zone-launcher-one-swipe-smart-t3971403

[Q] Why?

Thought I throw out this question as see if someone knows the rational behind this.
Why does Sense only have 7 screen when all other launchers have 9? Any idea how HTC thought there? (or if they?)
/Abs
Stock android has 5 and touchwiz has 7...
Sent from my faster than SGS3 HOX.
How many pages does it go to ?
absolon_se said:
Thought I throw out this question as see if someone knows the rational behind this.
Why does Sense only have 7 screen when all other launchers have 9? Any idea how HTC thought there? (or if they?)
/Abs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You clearly haven't checked before making this thread.
7 screens is more than enough. I rarely use more than 3 anyway.
Brac20 said:
You clearly haven't checked before making this thread.
7 screens is more than enough. I rarely use more than 3 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe 7 screen is enough for you, but not for me. Most of the non-sense launchers use 9 and it's not the
question on what is enough but if anybody know why it's 7 when "MOST" launchers have 9.
Apex/Nova/Go/Next/ss etc
And as a note. I have one screen for my month view in calendar and another half for my agenda and then one
screen for the todo-list. If you count your homescreen where you have your clock you are already using more then
half. If you then want some widget for something else, like Pubmed or Medicalcs 7 screen isn't THAT much. I'm having
problems to get into place with 9...
absolon_se said:
Maybe 7 screen is enough for you, but not for me. Most of the non-sense launchers use 9 and it's not the
question on what is enough but if anybody know why it's 7 when "MOST" launchers have 9.
Apex/Nova/Go/Next/ss etc
And as a note. I have one screen for my month view in calendar and another half for my agenda and then one
screen for the todo-list. If you count your homescreen where you have your clock you are already using more then
half. If you then want some widget for something else, like Pubmed or Medicalcs 7 screen isn't THAT much. I'm having
problems to get into place with 9...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the launchers you mention there are downloadable extras. I don't think 9 is that common on stock devices (correct me if I am wrong).
I didn't mean to come across as rude btw (rereading my reply I think it sounded a be blunt). Each to their own I guess. I used to try to fill all my homescreens but now I use 4 at the most and just dip into the app draw when needed. I'm in the process of setting up my screens again after some flashing and redoing Apex. Down to three now and they're not full.
Why not just switch to Apex or Nova or something? I think they are better than Sense launcher anyway (that's why I have removed it from my phone)
Brac20 said:
All the launchers you mention there are downloadable extras. I don't think 9 is that common on stock devices (correct me if I am wrong).
I didn't mean to come across as rude btw (rereading my reply I think it sounded a be blunt). Each to their own I guess. I used to try to fill all my homescreens but now I use 4 at the most and just dip into the app draw when needed. I'm in the process of setting up my screens again after some flashing and redoing Apex. Down to three now and they're not full.
Why not just switch to Apex or Nova or something? I think they are better than Sense launcher anyway (that's why I have removed it from my phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it was a bit blunt but forgotten
Well, I've used the Go Launcher EX for a while, but then I went back to Sense after the big release of the Viper-rom but
I'll guess I have to go back to someone else. I never got friends with neither Apex/Nova for instance. Don't know why
they are so glorified? Go is a great launcher but they start to be intrusive with this buy our awesome themes and I prefere
a really clean look and then have the apps that I use right under my nose. Have enough drawers as it is. Sometimes a
widget is a nice thing especially when it comes to calendars etc.
I wanted to give Sense a shot again but of course, this question came up. Then of course next question is why just 9?
Maybe I'll go with a non-sense rom again or "desense" the current one.
Peace!

New TouchWiz UI

Let me preface by saying that I have been a Nova prime launcher user since as far back as I can recall. My beautiful white Nova outfitted Note 3 is sitting right next to me still connected via wifi as I transfer my experience to my Note 4. That said, I committed to actually giving TouchWiz a chance with this purchase and so far so good. Granted, it's just one day in but thus far TouchWiz feels and works wonderfully. There are certain cues that are lost when going to a 3rd party launcher which drove my decision to really commit to giving TW a shot this time around. So far I have been able to avoid going to the play store and grabbing trusty ol Nova..lol
I'm interested in hearing the thoughts from those of you that are also using TW. Please share.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
I don't like the app drawer icon in the bottom right, nor the spacing of the icons. That being said, it runs nice on this phone. I too have been using Nova exclusively for years, but have been using Google now launder and really like it. Going to stick with it for at least a while.
I used Touchwiz for a bit but quickly switched back to GNL.
137 views. 2 comments. A clear representation of what everyone thinks of TW..lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
b3asty said:
Let me preface by saying that I have been a Nova prime launcher user since as far back as I can recall. My beautiful white Nova outfitted Note 3 is sitting right next to me still connected via wifi as I transfer my experience to my Note 4. That said, I committed to actually giving TouchWiz a chance with this purchase and so far so good. Granted, it's just one day in but thus far TouchWiz feels and works wonderfully. There are certain cues that are lost when going to a 3rd party launcher which drove my decision to really commit to giving TW a shot this time around. So far I have been able to avoid going to the play store and grabbing trusty ol Nova..lol
I'm interested in hearing the thoughts from those of you that are also using TW. Please share.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am with you 100%. I was a Note 3 user with my sexy Nova Prime since I got it, and I would never go back to touchwiz.... until now. So far I have made it 2 days on Touchwiz. I mean it is clean, and it looks awesome, but I miss having more rows for icons, and mainly for stretching my widgets. So I feel at some time I am going to switch back. I wanted to give Touchwiz 2 days to see the battery effect when switching to Nova. I definitely am with you I would like to hear other peoples views, if anyone is using Apex, and what features they are switching to a launcher to get, for me its:
- 5 rows of icons
- App drawer also shows widgets
- App drawer can scroll apps vertically and horizontally
- When pressing and holding an icon you have the option to remove, uninstall, all from the app, without having to click it, hold it, and drag to remove. And then going to the app draw, clicking, dragging, and dropping on uninstall.
joshklee said:
I used Touchwiz for a bit but quickly switched back to GNL.
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Thank you for posting about google now launcher, somehow I missed that one. I love it!
I was also pretty happy with touchwiz (I used TW the whole time with note 3), but GNL is still so much cleaner and I love the integrated full screen google now. Google has a much better sense for interface design.
I'm on day three with TW and haven't had any strange impulses to go grab Nova. This is good. No lag. Silky smooth. The only tweak I made this far was to change all of the animation settings to .5 in developer settings.
This phone is incredible. I didn't think it could get no much better coming from my note 3 but they've really stepped things up.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
I've always used launchers and roms to mimic stock android but since I got the note 4 I haven't even thought about it. I'm pretty impressed with TouchWiz on this phone.
Sent from my note 4 using xda app
I too am going on three days with Touchwiz. On my GS4 I used GNL modified with Xposed. I miss the swipe left for Google Now, but otherwise it has been a much better experience than Touchwiz on my Captivate, GS2 or GS4. Once/if we get root I may be convinced to switch, until then I will stick with Touchwiz.
I tried TW the first day and I did find it slightly laggy and hated the folder icons. I'm back to Nova Prime.
Sent from my Note 4
Been using TW without a hitch.
Me too giving TW a chance so far so good.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 4!
I found slightly laggy so I went back to Nova, but I might give it a second chance. The thing I definitely find not as smooth as expected is the recent apps, it takes a bit for the phone to show them once you tap the button, and a it to switch to the newly selected app. Nothing huge but with the phone's specs I expected a bit more
back to nova prime after 10 minutes lol
lebertian said:
I found slightly laggy so I went back to Nova, but I might give it a second chance. The thing I definitely find not as smooth as expected is the recent apps, it takes a bit for the phone to show them once you tap the button, and a it to switch to the newly selected app. Nothing huge but with the phone's specs I expected a bit more
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^^^ this
I was just about to ask about this. Is there any alternative or possible fix? It's quite laggy with the 2-3sec delay at first pull up.
My only complaint / wish for future fix
On my note 2 I was an avid Nova user, I am trying to use the stock touchwiz, but find myself annoyed that I cannot alphabetize apps in a folder.
I might give it a week then jump back to Nova, le sigh.
Jennygirl said:
^^^ this
I was just about to ask about this. Is there any alternative or possible fix? It's quite laggy with the 2-3sec delay at first pull up.
My only complaint / wish for future fix
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The fix for this is allegedly the update that is floating around for the Note 4. The international versions have it, and the TMo version got it yesterday (I think). It fixes the recent applications button and improves the battery life. So it is said at least.
Not sure when AT&T is going to release it. I would expect it any minute, but thats just an opinion, no one really knows.
That's great to know!
Looking forward to that update x2 now
boufa said:
The fix for this is allegedly the update that is floating around for the Note 4. The international versions have it, and the TMo version got it yesterday (I think). It fixes the recent applications button and improves the battery life. So it is said at least.
Not sure when AT&T is going to release it. I would expect it any minute, but thats just an opinion, no one really knows.
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Click to collapse
Good to hear that! Hopefully AT&T won't take forever, but that might be wishing too much lol
TW isn't bad at all, but I like Nova because I can change the icon size/spacing and also take the padding out of widgets and fit a LOT more on my screens.
The one thing I freaking HATE is all the white in TW now, the settings menus, etc. WHY!?!?!?!? Don't devs understand that we have this thing called darkness? Man they should at least give us the option of a dark theme.

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