Themer, Nova Launcher etc - Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

OK, I have had a lot of problems getting widgets to stick to my homescreen after adding them. the defaults stay just fine and there are several that work as well from the play store, but beautiful widgets and hd widgets and widgetsoid, none of them work at all in the note 4 touchwiz homescreens.
I figured I would add a launcher to my phone so i could get my widgets back. The very first launcher I added was themer, and just as an fyi, they do not support the note 4 yet and it is not compatible. They did say on their support page however that there is support coming soon. there is no release date as to when they are expecting it to work.
The next launcher I tried was Nova and it worked flawlessly. So did APEX and Go Launcher. I have not tried some of the others yet such as NEXT launcher an TSF shell. I'll report back if and when I get time to try them out and see what happens.
I figured I would start this thread so that if anyone else is having issues with trying to add widgets on their stock homescreen and it doesnt work, then they could find a quick alternative here until the issues get resolved.

I was able to get next launcher to work as well but im not paying 12 bucks just to see if tsf works. gonna need someone else to try that one.

Another launcher
ADW Launcher also works flawlessly on my note 4.

perljedi said:
ADW Launcher also works flawlessly on my note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I don't know why i forgot about them lol

I'm actually enjoying the stock launcher on my phone. Reason being, is it seem to do notifications very well by putting the number next to each app. On my old phone, I use to use Next and loved it. I wouldn't mind putting it on my Note just to see how much better it'd perform, but again, I'd probably miss the whole notifications experience. Can someone comment on NEXT on the Note 4 vs stock launcher?

Try Blur Launcher, it's based on GNL and has some nice customizable options for non-root
SPen'd from my Galaxy Note 4

Psychotic Penguin said:
Try Blur Launcher, it's based on GNL and has some nice customizable options for non-root
SPen'd from my Galaxy Note 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would blur launcher allow the use of tw/samsung widgets?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Unfortunately not
SPen'd from my Galaxy Note 4

perljedi said:
ADW Launcher also works flawlessly on my note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Yes!

djsbad said:
Would blur launcher allow the use of tw/samsung widgets?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, no third party launcher allows tw widgets... too bad, sometimes I like changing launchers and I really like the tw calendar widget...

Main reason I use stock launchers is because of the widgets. Would be nice to get the best of both.

I kinda figured it wouldn't allow tw widgets as I too especially like the calendar widget. It's all good though as for whatever reason I was suddenly able to add widgets to my tw launcher.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Nova works perfectly.

I used touchwiz for about two hours and got way to annoyed. Now I am on Nova and I have no issues at all.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 05:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
I use digical for my calendar widget. If you want to have a full month you have to buy it but the free themes are really nice.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

le0.br4zuc4 said:
As far as I know, no third party launcher allows tw widgets... too bad, sometimes I like changing launchers and I really like the tw calendar widget...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what TW widgets will Nova not allow. I've been running Nova on four different phones and now on the Note 4 without any issues what so ever.

One of the very first things I do is load up a launcher. I've used TSF, Nova, Go EX, and Next Launcher so far with this phone. My favorite for speed is Nova, for eye candy are the two Go based launchers (Go Ex and Next), and the most customizable is TSF Shell.
The reason I use launchers is to get more squeezed onto the screen at once, and then to dress things up a bit, especially on a phone that does not (yet) have root.
To the OP, so far, no widget issues at all with any of the above launchers.

using nova prime, im able to use some touchwiz widgets like weather

jpcalhoun said:
Exactly what TW widgets will Nova not allow. I've been running Nova on four different phones and now on the Note 4 without any issues what so ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. I like the TW calendar widget and it isn't available on third party launchers. Some are available like weather, flashlight and S Note widgets
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

As an update, I somehow got massive scratches UNDER my screen protector on my phone. I don't have a clue how in the world something like that can even happen! However, I went back to my vzw store and did the 14 day exchange for another brand new note 4. Brought it home and instantly was able to add widgets etc to my home screen. I'm not sure why my first one gave me issues for about 3-4 days. Has anyone else at all had the widget issue when initially setting up their phone?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

And btw, I appreciate everyone's feedback about their opinions on tw and what they've been running on their new note 4s!
Sent from my SM-N910V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Related

[Q] best launcher and why?

I use launcher pro, but I was wondering other people's opinion because I don't. Know what makes one better than the other. Performance speed.and things like that. I just know I hate touch wiz.... thanks in advance.....
use the search dude!
edshawn911 said:
I use launcher pro, but I was wondering other people's opinion because I don't. Know what makes one better than the other. Performance speed.and things like that. I just know I hate touch wiz.... thanks in advance.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
happy with go launcher.
Go launcher. I was a LPP user for years. I use APW Widgets with go launcher. Basically the same Widgets as lpp.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Yeah go launcher for sure, i had launcher pro for a lil while, then i switched to adw. Adw was great and i thought i would never replace it, but then i tried go launcher and never looked back. Have tried others but always end up coming back to go.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
elflip88 said:
Yeah go launcher for sure, i had launcher pro for a lil while, then i switched to adw. Adw was great and i thought i would never replace it, but then i tried go launcher and never looked back. Have tried others but always end up coming back to go.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, golauncher does it for me, but the apk is rather bloated and after reviewing has a lot of useless features that make it sumwat battery unfriendly.. would b nice to have an alternitave with similar features without all the unnecessary extras
Adw is great
---------
Using TapaTalk on my SGA.
ADW works great for me.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I've paid for and used Launcher Pro and ADW EX each for months, then I saw saw the thread here on sslauncher. Free, and amazing. I'm never going back to the others.
Launcher Pro was my favorite, but it is becoming outdated due to lack of updates. GO Launcher EX has great features and is free. ADW EX is also good but it is a paid app. I would go with GO Launcher EX. Its fast, lots of customization, and its free.
I actually like TW compared to the others I tried (which is about all of them). I like to be able to touch the dots to change screens instead of swiping. I can go from homescreen 1 to 5 with just one touch. Same with the app drawer. I have 12 pages of apps. I don't need to keep swiping from one page to the other to get through them all, or if I have it on continuous, I don't have to scroll from top to bottom. If I'm on page 1, and I need page 10, I just tap that dot.
I like Go better than all the rest. I like the ease of being able to long press an icon and then being able to delete from screen, change the icon, or add a gesture on the homescreen.
I also like the fact that in the app drawer you can hide apps from showing without having to freeze them using titanium backup. I use this to keep my app drawer organized. I hide all the apps in the app drawer that i have in my dock. No point in having them show up in 2 places.
Also with Go you can have up to 3 docks. you just swipe left or right to get to more apps on the dock. I use this to keep my homescreen as clean looking as possible.
ADW Launcher EX is great! But on ICS I use APEX, Nova Prime, and sometimes Trebuchet, but I only have ICS on my Kindle Fire right now so I can't get the full experience on my phone. ADW Launcher EX can be themed in multiple ways, I use the ICS theme on my phone. So basically use ADW!
tdj's modified touchwiz 5x4 launcher ftw
Sent from my SGH-T989
edshawn911 said:
I use launcher pro, but I was wondering other people's opinion because I don't. Know what makes one better than the other. Performance speed.and things like that. I just know I hate touch wiz.... thanks in advance.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go launcher is so good, it makes all the others look like a project gone bad
stondec said:
Go launcher is so good, it makes all the others look like a project gone bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go is ok. I see so many people love it, but it always seems to have the most lag fir me.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I always used LPP for the widgets, but now use ADW EX with APW.
Worth mentioning that I used the default ICS launcher on my Nexus S and was a big fan.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
bobbyphoenix said:
I actually like TW compared to the others I tried (which is about all of them). I like to be able to touch the dots to change screens instead of swiping. I can go from homescreen 1 to 5 with just one touch. Same with the app drawer. I have 12 pages of apps. I don't need to keep swiping from one page to the other to get through them all, or if I have it on continuous, I don't have to scroll from top to bottom. If I'm on page 1, and I need page 10, I just tap that dot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use QQ... same people that madr MIUI. Does the same thing and is faster/less CPU drain. I currently have mine setup with the iPhone theme and love it
Fast..simple...sick
I like Go Launcher, why?
1. Free
2. Calendar widget
3. Customizable
4. Frequent updates
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Go launcher does the work for me...
Lots of customization, Ice cream sandwich themes, go widgets and free

Does anyone use custom launchers on their note 2 without root?

Does anyone use custom launchers on their note 2 without root?
i used ADW on my old phone and was tempted to use it on the Note 2, but I've held back and tried the stock one for now...
Same. I have been using stock since I got the phone, and I must say. Its awesome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
I use nova prime launcher on mine, without root, I just love the stock android look lol (and there's a lot of customizations I can do with nova like hide bloatware in the app drawer).
I'm currently using Apex launcher unrooted . I personally like customizing the dock bar and home screens.
laztpn0i said:
I'm currently using Apex launcher unrooted . I personally like customizing the dock bar and home screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Customizing the dock?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
AndromedaGalaxy said:
Does anyone use custom launchers on their note 2 without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use go launcher and have it setup like coldfustion does in his tutorial video. People that see my phone, love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c39PXAr9_F8
Im rooted now but stock launch is still my fav. Didnt like any other than stock and holo.
---------- Post added at 09:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------
rawimpulse said:
Customizing the dock?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dock slides amd gives you more room for apps .
I use nova launcher prime - I can't live without all the gestures and the dock customization.
myktek said:
i used ADW on my old phone and was tempted to use it on the Note 2, but I've held back and tried the stock one for now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used ADW on my old phone(s) as well and immediately installed it on my Note2.
Biggest reason was the ability to increase the number of icon rows & columns on the desktop. A few other minor tweaks that ADW has that I like as well.
---------
G1(CM7)--> G2(CM9)--> Note 2 T889 stock (root + multiwindow mod)
f4phantomii said:
I used ADW on my old phone(s) as well and immediately installed it on my Note2.
Biggest reason was the ability to increase the number of icon rows & columns on the desktop. A few other minor tweaks that ADW has that I like as well.
---------
G1(CM7)--> G2(CM9)--> Note 2 T889 stock (root + multiwindow mod)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think im gonna have to try out ADW launcher
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
I have been using apex launcher. lots of goodies themes and ways it can look. You can change the dock 10 different ways, can hide apps, has an easy uninstall option with drag and drop, the home screen, dock, drawer any way you like. I just changed it for the first time since I got the phone. used it in my last phone and liked it. to be honest I.don't even know what stock looks like... might want to check it out again. lol
Adw paid version
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
I was on apex for a little while but I think the stock launcher is one of the best. I wish it had the dock apex had though. Apex dont like the s pen either
I use Jelly Bean Launcher, Something basic, doesn't lag the phone, and simple
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
I have Go, Apex, and Nova Launcher installed on my phone, but that's only to play around with; when I'm serious, I use Touch-wiz. For some reason, the widgets are indispensable.
I use nova prime along with some of the go launcher widgets and the APW widgets.. If you haven't guessed it yet, I come from a long use of the HTC family phones This is my first Sammy but I instinctively have it setup like an HTC UI... :victory:
Would definitely recommend Nova Prime though. Those $5 are so worth it...
Good launcher.. lots of customization options and yet not overwhelming so. Back in the I used to use Launcher Pro (paid) and used to love it except toggling through all the options could give one a headache

Does anyone know which launcher is used in this video on the Note 2?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YginQUkrJ50&list=UUBJycsmduvYEL83R_U4JriQ&index=12
It just looks.. So Awesome..:drool:
Looks like a themed version of Nova or Apex not an entirely different app
mrevankyle said:
Looks like a themed version of Nova or Apex not an entirely different app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be! When my Note comes in tomorrow I'll try to get mine look like that,
I miss android!
tian105 said:
Could be! When my Note comes in tomorrow I'll try to get mine look like that,
I miss android!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The author provided a link to the background...
Wallpaper: http://goo.gl/hEVry
and the rest is just clever arrangement of icons and widgets...like the other post...probably Nova launcher.
This is just me guessing here, because I tried to themed mine just like his a few weeks ago. But here it goes: Clock is Clock JB+, toggles are with HD Widgets 1x1, launcher more than likely Nova, and background it's on the description in the video. Locks creen probably widget locker and then just put everything on the square that he has them on.
I doubt that he has a mod, although he uses cm10 from what I've heard from his other videos. I would just tried to just theme it with what I suggested. If you have any other question, I can try to help, but to the best of my ability.
I hope this helps!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Transition between homescreens... accordion style, which is found in Nova and Go Launcher EX.
Is widget locker any good?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

Go Launcher Vs Nova Launcher.

I'm trying to work out which home launcher is better.
I paid for nova launcher prime. Also got Go Launcher. Also looking for good themes and icon packs.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
JknRich said:
I'm trying to work out which home launcher is better.
I paid for nova launcher prime. Also got Go Launcher. Also looking for good themes and icon packs.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go launcher sucks. I would stick with Nova. Go launcher is bloated slow and ugly lol. Just my opinion though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
No contest, Go is made for crappy 2.3 devices
It should be Apex or Nova not Go.
Go Launcher's pure of crap.
OK I'll use nova. Just looking for some good themes and icons.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I love go launcher ex. Sure when you first load it you have to dump all the widgets, but so what? Works awesome once it's set up. And it's free, along with hundreds of free themes.
NOVA > all period ! and the go launcher themes works with nova ( lest the ones i tried )
One more for Nova I think is the best launcher for our Nexus phones I use it first time on my Galaxy Nexus and stick with him until now.Go is slow and eat many rams.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Adw ex
Sent from my Nexus 4
Is TSF or the 3D shell one any good.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
davwman said:
Adw ex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's oldschool!
JknRich said:
I'm trying to work out which home launcher is better.
I paid for nova launcher prime. Also got Go Launcher. Also looking for good themes and icon packs.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer nova because it is lean and uncluttered. Go launcher is made for Gingerbread or something and annoys me with all those other Go apps they advertise for (Locker, keyboard, wallpapers, task manager, widgets etc.). For me a launcher should be built upon the AOSP one, otherwise it destroys the experience.
However, there is one big difference: Nova only supports icon themes, whereas Go can be themed entirely. (drawer tabs, dock separator etc) But you can achieve such theming level in Nova by installing themes for the Tmobile theme chooser which is integrated in every decent custom ROM. If you do that, not only nova, but the whole framework and many apps are themed too.
AW: Go Launcher Vs Nova Launcher.
I don't like the icon order in Nova, I have Nova and Apex , Apex is my favourite .
Nexus 4 Tapatalk
amus76 said:
That's oldschool!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was updated a couple of months ago and is very good now
I have bouth nova pro and Apex Launcher Pro and i think nova is a little bit faster, because when i wake up my device and scrolling throw the windows, i have some micro lag (Nexus 4).
Nova is by far my favorite, I haven't use go launcher since I had my Nexus S. For fast and an AOSP like experience I'd suggest nova.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
No love for action launcher
Wish he had a free version for people to check out. I like it pretty smooth
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I'm gonna have to say differently, I love Go Launcher, always been one of the best launchers on Android because it bring a unique and extreme customization to Android. Nova is a awesome launcher if you intend to run a pure android experience but with tons of customization. I have always gone back and forth from Nova and Go but since Go Launcher had an update to their UI last year I have been reporting a specific issue to them but they still have yet to fix this issue, so until they do I will not use it as my daily driver. I do have hopes that they will someday.
I find Nova less smooth than the stock Nexus launcher tbh
I tried them all and using Apex now. Never had any problems and its packed with features I use.

Looking for Other Launchers Other than...

Go Launcher. Is there any other launchers with such an organized app drawer, like Go Launcher's?
n1nj4Lo said:
Go Launcher. Is there any other launchers with such an organized app drawer, like Go Launcher's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next launcher
TSF Shell launcher
Tried both of those and went back to Go Launcher...
Next Launcher is still too BETA to me and lacking a lot of stuff that Go has, you'd think they'd combined the two... Hopefully they do eventually.
Tried TSF Once and it felt too much like SPB with SPB Features taken outta it.
_
Go Launcher to me IDK Seems like it isn't meant for ICS or JB.
n1nj4Lo said:
Tried both of those and went back to Go Launcher...
Next Launcher is still too BETA to me and lacking a lot of stuff that Go has, you'd think they'd combined the two... Hopefully they do eventually.
Tried TSF Once and it felt too much like SPB with SPB Features taken outta it.
_
Go Launcher to me IDK Seems like it isn't meant for ICS or JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about Nova and apex launcher?
Kingofpower said:
What about Nova and apex launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LoL! The only reasons I drew back away from them was cause of the lack of a better app drawer. I'm stuck inbetween a rock and a hard place! Grrr
I liked that they had the widgets panel on the app draw but they didn't have the recent apps and running apps panel like Go does.
Same could be said said for ADW.
_
Trying Next to see if they changed anything in the last couple weeks since I tried it.
^---I sent this with my voice and TouchPal from my Samsung Note 2 i317 using Tapatalk 2
Try atom launcher.
OG Note ii running JDevil
Team ZODIAC
KDurantula said:
Try atom launcher.
OG Note ii running JDevil
Team ZODIAC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hrmm Atom has me pretty intrigued.
Try SS launcher.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
On a side note Go's Next Launcher 3D is looking a lil better since I last used it. I could prolly see paying that much for it, only thing I dislike is that stupid ugly OS X looking dock bar, if they had a way to rid of that then I'd pay for it most certainly. Still a lil room left for improvement, also I WISHED They'd incorporate Go Launcher Widgets into Next Launcher. Those are still my only 2 draw backs about it.
try holo launcher
try adw ex. Using with JB 4.1.2 now
hahahh. You will see all suggestions from all launchers in the market
ADW Ex and Holo have the unorganized app drawer, where gotta create ya own individual labels and how would have a go about creating labels/tabs for "running" and "recent" if it was possible?
^---I sent this with my voice and TouchPal from my Samsung Note 2 i317 using Tapatalk 2
Went ahead and bought neXt Launcher 3D.
I'll prolly keep it installed in the background, so I can keep updated on it. But it's still not worth 16 bucks IMO.
They've still gotta long ways to go with it.
Hey n1nj4Lo, Leland from the Atom Launcher team here. How did you like Atom?
We are aiming to get absolute cutting-edge-screaming speed out of the launcher while keeping the customization and easy theming/usability. Would love your feedback and comments here and on our Facebook community (Atom Launcher search should bring you there - I cannot post a link as a new user).
Try NoLauncher.
n1nj4Lo said:
LoL! The only reasons I drew back away from them was cause of the lack of a better app drawer. I'm stuck inbetween a rock and a hard place! Grrr
I liked that they had the widgets panel on the app draw but they didn't have the recent apps and running apps panel like Go does.
Same could be said said for ADW.
_
Trying Next to see if they changed anything in the last couple weeks since I tried it.
^---I sent this with my voice and TouchPal from my Samsung Note 2 i317 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey friend.... Just wanted to let you know that. "recents" is very easily added in the apex app drawer. Nothing for running apps yet though. Good luck
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
Action launcher
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
AtomLauncher said:
Hey n1nj4Lo, Leland from the Atom Launcher team here. How did you like Atom?
We are aiming to get absolute cutting-edge-screaming speed out of the launcher while keeping the customization and easy theming/usability. Would love your feedback and comments here and on our Facebook community (Atom Launcher search should bring you there - I cannot post a link as a new user).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the only thing that bugged me was I couldn't find a way to change the Atom Bar (I think it's called) font color, maybe I'm missing an option somewhere IDK but I think thats really important to me due to wallpapers. Everything else was really nice and I liked the App Drawer second to Go Launchers, it was very customizable and organized, didn't really have any other problems with the whole launcher itself. If I didn't use Go Launcher a lot I could see substituting this for it.
Ohh and in Transition effect if ya added a random or shuffled option of all transitions.
intuition34 said:
Hey friend.... Just wanted to let you know that. "recents" is very easily added in the apex app drawer. Nothing for running apps yet though. Good luck
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that was the one I liked Apex, Nova, Holo and ADW all look the same though, it just looks like the only thing different about them is the names they're all very very eerily similar. LoL
How do ya do that though?
MissyKoneko said:
Try NoLauncher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't find it found MoLauncher.
fabster530 said:
Action launcher
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried Action Launcher loved it's all in one app drawer bar widget just hated the vertical scrolling app drawer list.
AtomLauncher said:
Hey n1nj4Lo, Leland from the Atom Launcher team here. How did you like Atom?
We are aiming to get absolute cutting-edge-screaming speed out of the launcher while keeping the customization and easy theming/usability. Would love your feedback and comments here and on our Facebook community (Atom Launcher search should bring you there - I cannot post a link as a new user).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found Atom launcher because of this thread. Been using it ever since. Great on ram and battery. Very smooth, never had lag or stutter. Options are good, would love to see more added. Overall the best I've used so far. Love how it is still simple yet has all the things I need, along side good speed.

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