Just trying to start a discussion on what launcher people are using and why they like them as apposed to others. This thread would be useful for many who are trying to decide what launcher to use or switch to. I know that people can and should try them out for themselves however there are MANY launchers out there and it would be nice for folks to read this thread and get an idea where to start. So who's first?
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Nova. Always works for me and I can restore my icon layout. Makes switching Roms take all of 10 min
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itpromike said:
Just trying to start a discussion on what launcher people are using and why they like them as apposed to others. This thread would be useful for many who are trying to decide what launcher to use or switch to. I know that people can and should try them out for themselves however there are MANY launchers out there and it would be nice for folks to read this thread and get an idea where to start. So who's first?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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I like Nova Prime with the Missed It! add on. It adds notification counts to the icons you specify. Like messages and mail for me. It's nice to see a little bubble on the icon.
Nova Launcher for me too, I have downloaded a few ut always go back to Nova, simply for the gestures and the stability of it. Action Launcher is good but lacks a lot of customisation.
I like Go. Folders in app draw, transparent Nav and status bar support.
I've used Apex launcher for a while because it is very clean and fast with a lot of customization options.
Nova is my favorite... Fast and Stable.
I'm in the minority with this but I like stock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Tried Nova, ADW, Go, Apex, Holo, and of course Stock
For now, Nova is the best IMO. Stock comes in the 2nd.
I don't believe in a favorite launcher. I believe they all of them are pretty much equal with each of them to their own uniqueness. It's more of favoritism.
I personally used Apex Launcher and switched to Nova because Nova Launcher Prime was on sale for <$1 so I switched. It also made it very easy to do because it imported my widgets and apps on home screens within one click.
Nova Launcher & Apex are both great choices. Can't go wrong with either or............ or you can use Trebuchet (CM's Launcher). Keep in mind if you use Nova Launcher, update to the latest beta!!! it helps, uses 4.2 launcher code
nova prime is my favorite. there's so much customizability, which makes it perfect for themeing. very fast and stable too. i want to get familiar with either ADW or Apex so I can toggle between themes very fast. Launcher8 has some potential too, but as of now its just too laggy.
Used ADW for a while... then switched to Nova. Nova restoring the widgets is a great feature when playing with multiple Rome.
Skickat från min Nexus 4
Ok, bit different but...
TSF Shell ..it's like butter even on my old Snapdragon 3 based phone
Next launcher.. new but good, desktop/home screens not quite as smooth as TSF
SPB 3d shell ..love it
someone make a poll! i bet over 50% of us, use nova launcher(prime)
is there beta version of Prime nova launcher optimized for JB4.21? or thats only for the NON prime version
zephiK said:
I don't believe in a favorite launcher. I believe they all of them are pretty much equal with each of them to their own uniqueness. It's more of favoritism.
I personally used Apex Launcher and switched to Nova because Nova Launcher Prime was on sale for <$1 so I switched. It also made it very easy to do because it imported my widgets and apps on home screens within one click.
Nova Launcher & Apex are both great choices. Can't go wrong with either or............ or you can use Trebuchet (CM's Launcher). Keep in mind if you use Nova Launcher, update to the latest beta!!! it helps, uses 4.2 launcher code
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Thanks mate, where can I find the beta for that?
Nova Launcher
itpromike said:
Thanks mate, where can I find the beta for that?
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nova settings - check for update - stack icon at the top right use beta
I use Apex Launcher
It is very near to stock, but still very customizable.
I also like the groups in the drawer, the reseizing of widgets to every size (which is sometimes ridicolous, but in some cases very useful) and the ability to hide the dock (that i dont need anymore because of GMD Gesture Control)
I've also tried some other launchers like Nova and Action Launcher (Really cool, too, but not as customizable as Apex) but at least I stayed at Apex.
Nova, but Apex very close
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Used to be almost 100% Nova, but now I have been using Action Launcher.
It is different from the other launchers and I quite like the way the App Drawer is implemented.
And the "Covers" setting is brilliant, for me this makes it worthwhile!!
Stewart
Related
Hi I've now tried 4 different launchers and I can't make up my mind.
What launcher is generally the best, keeping up the speeds etc?
I just can't make up my mind. Any good suggestions?
I use LauncherPro on mine and really like it
Don't know about what is the "best launcher", whatever you like/feel most comfortable with.
I use Launcher Pro myself with Desktop Visualizer to theme my phone.
Have been a big LauncherPro fan but have recently been using ADW EX ..... its very quick and very pretty (great animations etc)
Try them all and see what you like
dave79 said:
Hi I've now tried 4 different launchers and I can't make up my mind.
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What 4 launchers did you try? So far i only used Launcher Pro & i'm happy with it.
Top 3 for me. ADW EX, GO, LauncherProPlus.
as a launcher i find the newest adw very smooth.but as i love the launcherpro plus's widgets,i choose it
I'm using launcherpro free version and it has everything I need as home app.
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I just love the ADW EX version with all it's animations and smoothness. The developers that combines these things with LP+ widgets gets my vote. Now I just switch between them depending on mood.
Zeam was an excellent launcher on my low-end Pulse, it ought to make the Defy grow wings, but it's not that customizable.
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I use zeam. Have used a few and this one does what i want it to do.
Just try a few different ones.
After reading the fora, I went with what seemed like the majority consensus, and on the third day of owing my Defy (my first Android phone), I bought LauncherProPlus. That was couple of months ago, and LauncherPro is all that everybody says. Now, I just installed the Go Launcher, and I have to say that it's superior. The two are so similar in concept that it might have been the same team that designed both, but the Go Launcher, in addition to doing everything that LauncherPro does, has features that make it much more useful and nicer to use. It has, for example, an intuitive interface for organizing apps into folders, in addition to hiding the unnecessary ones. Then it has a couple of settable gestures, the swipe up, and swipe down with which one can hide the notification bar, for example. It's 5x5 icons on the home screen implementation is flawless, unlike in LauncherPro, and the widget resizing method is also easier. Just nice touches all around, and none of them gimicky.
i use adw launcher ex their are so manny different options if you like playing with them you can get it just how you like. its also the speediest i think
I would try HE launcher its free and simple. It has the best of all worlds.
Gregsterific said:
What 4 launchers did you try? So far i only used Launcher Pro & i'm happy with it.
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I tried Launcher Pro, LG Home, ADW and of course the standard Motoblur...
I'm kinda after something quick and smooth, doesn't have to be 15 homescreens etc. Um, I posted the original thread to see what tips you guys got.
//Dave
I use zeam launcher. it's a minimal launcher with low memory's consumption, but there is no cutomization.
Wow, thanx for all tips!
Will now have to try the Go launcher, have to get ADW EX another go as well as HE Launcher.
//Dave
Totally agree. Go Launcher is the one for me. Tried pretty much everything else and chose this one. LauncherPro is my second option. But I think Go Launcher is everything LaucnherPro is, and more. =)
help
hey,im using launcher pro on moto defy phone.everything is working fine,but i just wanted to know how do i go back to my original homescreen without uninstalling the launcher?
yashank said:
hey,im using launcher pro on moto defy phone.everything is working fine,but i just wanted to know how do i go back to my original homescreen without uninstalling the launcher?
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You can't. That's one thing I found out on the Defy. If you install any other launcher the original Blur launcher cannot be selected. I've tried Home Switcher, having two launchers and trying to clear defaults, and any other thing you can think of. The only way to get Blur back is to uninstall all other launchers.
Not true....install an app called homesmack from the market....it is free and will allow u to switch very easily
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I've been through a few launchers now and am still undecided as to which will be my daily driver. For a long time it was GO Launcher from the market due to the amount of options baked in for free, but it was just too buggy, so I plunked down some cash to try Launcher Pro and it was pretty similar overall, but the lack of a true home screen chaps my cheeks. Now I'm wondering (after seeing so many different screenshots of YOUR amazing setups on your Epic...) what Launcher do you prefer, and why?
ADW Launcher is my cup of tea. It is very customizable from docks, downloadable themes/icons, to the overwhelming setting options to make it just how you want it. The free version is by far superior to the other free launchers by offering more ways of customization. you could of course support the Dev by purchasing the ADW Launcher EX which jams a lot more into it. From a themer stand point the ADW is a very workable Launcher for changing things around to fit your needs for the said theme you would like it to be included in. As stated above though, once you settle into a Launcher that you decide to stick with, support the Dev by buying the full version for all their hard work in bringing it to your disposal.
GO Launcher EX. I have them all (LP, ADW and Go) . ADW is a mess when you start going into the menu's. GO Launcher seems to have taken the best from LP and ADW IMO>
ADW is by far the most customizable imo. I use ADW EX and love it. Some people swear by LP. Try them out and use what works for you. As said above support for devs hard work and time is always appreciated.
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Touchwiz, to me its really clean and I can't seem to stray to far from it when I change launchers.
There is a "true" gingerbread launcher out now its pretty sweet that I am currently using though...
ADW for me as well. I have the paid version but the free version is still an awesome find. Lots of great features and customizable themes and icons. I've tried just about all of them and most have a lot of the same features, but I always find myself going back to ADW.
Up until about a month ago I was using adw (free), then I upgraded to Adw EX. It's fantastic. The only complaint I had with adw was the pretty horrible menu organization...Adw EX has solved that! I will say there are a lot of fru-fru options in EX that I don't use (like changing the animation on home screen scrolling) but the dev is super helpful, found plenty of themes and on adw ex, anything I've seen in the "post your homescreen" area, I've been able to recreate.
Oh, and only other thing I didn't like in adw (free) was the inability to ovelap widgets... can do that in EX tho
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Launcher pro, I love the scrollable dock. It keeps my homescreens clutterfree.
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Launcher Pro, the 3D drawer in this is stunning.
Launcher Pro. I love the smooth 3D drawer and the included widgets are actually pretty useful!
sheltem said:
Launcher Pro. I love the smooth 3D drawer and the included widgets are actually pretty useful!
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10 Char +1
Heelfan71 said:
GO Launcher EX. I have them all (LP, ADW and Go) . ADW is a mess when you start going into the menu's. GO Launcher seems to have taken the best from LP and ADW IMO>
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Ditto here. LP is nothing special (although pretty stable) and you have to pay for ADW to get the features and customization you get for free with GO Launcher.
I've had no issues whatsoever with GO Launcher. It's been stable, fast and has more options than I even know what to do with.
Sprint ID!...LMAO, J/K!!!....I'm TouchWiz for 4ever, LauncherPro is nice, but it doesn't have the widgets I like. ADW FC's and Crashes like a cheap paper airplane, GO is a close second.
launcher pro, clean and simple yet still alot of customizing available
I really like some of ADW's features but LauncherPRO's widgets are what keeps me using it, plus the developer is working on a complete rewrite of LauncherPRO to make it more efficient and lighter.
Interesting that no one had said anything about Zeam... Yes, it is light on features, but that also means it's light on resources as well (and I don't care how fast you overclock, lighter is always better for performance). Scrolling dock, gestures, and desktop resizing; simple and sweet.
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I've tried launcherpro, adw, tw, and lately Go launcher ex. Right now I'm really liking go launcher ex. Clean, fast, stable, and features that I like.
Launcher pro plus for me. Like stated above, the scrollable dock and the included widgets you get with the plus version is nice. I downloaded a themed version that has all the widgets transparent with blue highlights and all the buttons at the bottom of the widgets instead of the top and they're also more finger friendly. Check it out there are other themed versions also. You have to buy the plus version to get full benefits of launcher pro IMO.
here is the thread if you or anybody alse is intrested: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=783427
Launcher 7
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I just switched to adw after 8 mths of touchwiz because of cm7. Adw has tons of options. If it was fc'ing there is an option for wallpaper hack that is suppose to make it not fc. I love adw and will not go back to touchwiz.
So, of all three which one are you using and why. Just want to get a general idea if your experience.
android4sunny said:
So, of all three which one are you using and why. Just want to get a general idea if your experience.
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I'm using QQ Launcher with the iphone theme for obvious reasons
(check my sig)
When I'm not using QQ, I run go launcher...most free themes, add ons etc. Plus its easier for me to use
I use GO because of the multiple add apps to home screen. I know this is a little thing but it makes my life easier.
On a side note ADW ex is ten cents today on the Android market.
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I used go launcher for a long time but it isn't as snappy as ADW. So i'm back on adw for now.
Swyped from my iPhone eater
-BeastMOD
-Supercharged 1000HP
Go launcher is by far the best . Never had any issues.
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I like go launcher because it's really smooth. Also because in the application screen you can show only the apps that are running, and close them if you want to. I also like it shows the icon dock at the bottom of the homescreen, on every screen, and it also has 5 icons (more if you scroll) so you can easily access useful apps.
android4sunny said:
So, of all three which one are you using and why. Just want to get a general idea if your experience.
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you forgot to list stock ICS launcher, which is pretty decent finally! for an android stock launcher
but of all of the 4 choices i still like GO Launcher EX better, it has all the features of every launcher combined, but free!
I've used go launcher, adw, adw ex, ics(on my ics rom and as just the launcher), and launcher pro...
Until ics is official in some form, I'm going to keep using launcher pro. It has all the features I want(I'm very no-frills and minimalist), and it feels faster than all the others. Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated in a LONG time, so that's a bummer. But like I said, I'll use this until ICS comes out, then I'll just use that.
Favorite feature: sliding dock bar. I have it setup as (dialer - app drawer - web) on one, and (sms - app drawer - gmail) on the other. This works very well for me, as it allows me to keep stuff in my dock bar without looking too cluttered.
Go launcher is very heavy on memory. It also has the best looks, in my opinion. It just looks cool. Lags at lower clock speeds, too.
Adw is fast and has lots of options to play with. It does not look as cool, but it will do.
TW is very fast. Even at very low clock speeds, it does not lag! It looks ok, but is not as customizable as the other two. It looks bright and cheerful, though.
I chose to go with golauncher. I can play with it for hours. Not as many free themes, but some good free ones. It does everything the others do combined. I have the Honeycomb theme with sphere setting for drawer.
Just download and play with them. See what you think looks better.
trying to get 10 post!
After using all, I always find myself going back to launcher pro. It is the widgets that do it for me. They are a year old and they still are the best. The dock notifications kicked ass until gmail fubared it. Does need an update as sms dock notification does not work with Go SMS but does with regular messenger.
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Adw ex + android pro Widgets. Nothing compares to the smoothness.
Go launcher for me. Has more features than any other launcher and its theme-able and free...Find it really fast to and the whole Go-Suite seems to have some really nice apps. I use Go SMS also..
I had been using the TouchWiz Launcher until I saw someone mention an update for adw ex, so I redownloaded and I really liked all the new dock settings. Maybe I missed it but I don't think we could use 4 icons on the dock, minimum was 5(?) It works great with my ICS theme.
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So, every ICS user there, are you using nova or apex launcher. I find them very similar except Apex has a bit more options to choose while Nova is a bit more stable. What are your opinions? Still both are miles ahead of trebuchet atm!
apex all the way
with nova im able to backup all my settings and desktop widget and restore it evrytime i make full wipe..but when i tried with apex..im unable to restore and cause me an FC..anyone know y?
Apex is the best, imho
Apex for me.
I just don't like the scrolling in nova.. feels very fast and jerky
In my case Apex is much more smooth than Nova! And I prefer the scrolling in Apex!
Non TW for me rest are childish .
jje
Apex
Apex of course, is the best
backup and restore settings and desktop works perfectly for me
Apex fr mee too nova annd other similar launchers r outdated
Apex all the way - smooth and loads of options. Also easy to configure.
apex is by far the best
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Apex
Apex ftw
nova has more transaction effects.that's why i'm using it.
The only advantage (I found) in NL is the option to set a defualt dock. And yeh, Apex rules.
Apex all the way. Tried them all and apex turned out to be the smoothest and stable out of all
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Sticking with Apex.
Apex here too
Not apex, not Nova
I have been using Apex for some time, but now I switched to Nemus and I am not looking back:
It looks superb, it is quick and super stable too. And its folder styles rules, IMHO.
Very few things I did not like: I did not find how to order the drawer alphabetically (you can move the icons the way you want, but lack "sort by..."), I do not miss the widget section in the drawer at all, but there is no option to bring it back.
I don't use fancy transition effects, do not expect many of them, some other customization options would be great, it really worth trying!
Hey Guys,
I have been using Go launcher since its launch, but have been thinking about venturing outside of my comfort zone and trying something new. I've always liked randomizing transition effects, and being able to change the grid layout... as well as having folders in the app menu (which is a great thing I love about the stock touchwhiz experience)
I have heard a lot of mention about Nova launcher, and Apex Launcher, but no actual reasons as to why these are better than what I already use.
Can you tell me the differences between them, and why you use the launcher that you use?
Thanks all:silly:
I know Nova and Apex were built for ICS so they ran better at one time. I'm not sure since ADW and Go were updated if that is still the case. I have been using Apex but the last couple months its not running as smooth as it used to so I switched to Nova. I'm impressed with Nova so far. Lots of options and great performance. Best thing is just try the free versions and buy the one you like best.
i've stayed with stock tw because i like the extra screen that pops up when i use the s-pen
theraker007 said:
i've stayed with stock tw because i like the extra screen that pops up when i use the s-pen
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Agreed... I installed Nova since that was my choice of launcher but with all the new feats on the TW, i quickly switched back.
Coming from my S2, I do miss the profile option I had on that rom
Stock so far!
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Holo plus and holo hd. Runs great
sent from a galaxy note2 far far away
Been using GOOGLE for a long time..... Might be time to experiment
Nova.
ADW EX
I like making the icons smaller so they aren't so big and cartoonish on my Note II, as well as all the other various customizations.
Have yet to try my nova prime (run that on my atrix, OG note and touchpad). Leaving things stock atm...and its very hard to do.
Honestly...the only annoyance I have with the TW launcher is no option for 5x5 or 6x6. Thats why I will probably switch it
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I've used ADW, Go, and Nova... Nova has been the best experience for me performance and options-wise but so far I'm using the stock launcher.
Would rather replace the navigation indicator with an extra row of icons but other than that, I'm quite content!
The power to choose between power and/or simplicity is the beauty of Android.
erick161 said:
Honestly...the only annoyance I have with the TW launcher is no option for 5x5 or 6x6. Thats why I will probably switch it
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That was my biggest gripe. I need to be able to have more icons on my home screen than TW allows, so much wasted space!
RojasTKD said:
That was my biggest gripe. I need to be able to have more icons on my home screen than TW allows, so much wasted space!
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I can't deal with TW. Maybe it's improved but Nova and others have so many useful features. Extra dock icons, grid sizes, gestures, drawer folders, etc.
What TW features are you guys attached to? With Nova I can still double click the screen with the pen to pop up a note at any time.
Apex baby FTW
You can still always push your S pen and double tap for a note
Apex, but it's not as smooth as it could be, and you can't use the stock Weather widget with it.
I tried Apex launcher since I had it on my s2, but it's super choppy compared to the stock launcher so I switched back. Unless they optimize Apex launcher for jelly bean ill stock with stock.
Phytrax said:
I can't deal with TW. Maybe it's improved but Nova and others have so many useful features. Extra dock icons, grid sizes, gestures, drawer folders, etc.
What TW features are you guys attached to? With Nova I can still double click the screen with the pen to pop up a note at any time.
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+1. It feels the same as TW on GS2 with Gingerbread. I'm giving Go Launcher EX another shot (this time on GN2) because its features but I hate the toyish feel/icons and BS it loads as well.
Apex will be next.
Anyway to get the lock screen to look/act like AOSP? I dont mind the ripple effect but the look (TW) is
I'm using TW but have applied this MOD that allows you to have 5X5 rows and columns. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1990801
Nova largely because of it's backup of layouts which makes it much faster to setup new ROMs etc. Apex I know does the same thing and I don't really have a preference between the two. I had switched to Apex when they were the first to update to 4.1 source which made it smoother than Nova, but switched back after Nova updated.
I like ssLauncher (the original). It's in the play store. It has the most customizable home screen I've ever seen. No more restraining yourself to grids or default icons. It has a bit of a learning curve but so, so much you can do! Send me questions if you're curious & I'll try and answer them.
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