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About to flash an ICS ROM probably Calks. My understanding is that it comes with three launchers - TouchWiz, apex, and nova. Are there any advantages using one over the other (performance boosts, less bugs, greater development on the project, etc) besides simply personal preference? Which one do you think looks the sharpest and has the best aesthetics? Most customization?
Sorry for the noob post, and thanks for sharing your opinions. Messed around with apex and nova a bit and for the most part they seem similar. Are there any better alternatives that I did not mention?
mxmr said:
About to flash an ICS ROM probably Calks. My understanding is that it comes with three launchers - TouchWiz, apex, and nova. Are there any advantages using one over the other (performance boosts, less bugs, greater development on the project, etc) besides simply personal preference? Which one do you think looks the sharpest and has the best aesthetics? Most customization?
Sorry for the noob post, and thanks for sharing your opinions. Messed around with apex and nova a bit and for the most part they seem similar. Are there any better alternatives that I did not mention?
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I've not used apex or nova, and have never liked touchwiz. On Gingerbread I was using GO Launcher but I stock seems to work great so I haven't switched it. Back on my Samsung Moment I swore by LauncherPro as it was the only smooth launcher out there (the Moment was...less then outstanding). I'd say try them all out before you customize and decide, mostly personal preference.
NickZ5 said:
I've not used apex or nova, and have never liked touchwiz. On Gingerbread I was using GO Launcher but I stock seems to work great so I haven't switched it. Back on my Samsung Moment I swore by LauncherPro as it was the only smooth launcher out there (the Moment was...less then outstanding). I'd say try them all out before you customize and decide, mostly personal preference.
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I made the leap yesterday to ICS. I am on the goodness ROM. I am using the apex launcher, ha it is already set up like ICS, so I chose it. I didnt want to set up Nova so I haven't used it but I am diggin Apex
Thanks for your replies so far. I will experiment with different launchers since it seems to be mostly a matter of personal preference. I was mostly curious if there was an overwhelming consensus on which launcher is "the best" or definitely one to try out.
IMO nova is my favorite. Its just seems slightly more polished as compared to apex
-₪- sent from my פגדגאץ S II -₪-
ADWLauncher Ex.
Has many features that I like, and am so used to this launcher, that I haven't tried any others.
Had it on my Evo, then I installed it onto my SE4GT the same day I got it.
Didn't give TW too much of a chance
apex ftwwwwww
You asked "What is your favorite ICS launcher, and why?" then everyone responded with launchers that have existed since long before ICS, just thought I'd point this out. My favorite "ICS" launcher is apex, nova seems to be slightly faster (not even noticeable) but apex has double the features, and runs really smooth, especially with the Goodness rom, can't wait for Mijj to optimize the FB27 version when we get the kernel.
Wow...Nova and Apex are so similar I would almost say one copied the other. It does seem that Apex may have some of the features that you have to have paid version of Nova to use. For now I will say Nova because I have been using it for a couple of months but I am looking into Apex much more as we speak
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
kurtiskobain said:
apex ftwwwwww
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+1 apex v.6 has much more bug fixes and is very stable plus i like not having to pay to unlock all of novas feature which some are baked into apex
http://www.phonearena.com/news/ADWLauncher-Ex-gets-ICS-features-in-new-update_id24427
Favorite ICS launcher
I really like the Nova launcher, haven't had much experience with the Apex. But from what I been reading from others, I may have to give it a try. I was wondering have anyone seen the new Camera ICS app in the market, would love to see this app used as the main camera app in all Epic Touch roms.
apex is the best
apex is the best you can customize more than nova and the best feature is the widget section nova has it too but in apex there is more customization.
The nova because of the cube transition
i say nova. smoother and faster imo, and i prefer a full app on the market, just seems easier to me. bought it for my Transformer Prime
Nova Launcher is my favorite so far.
Transmission sent from a Galaxy S II, AOKP style.
I stuck with Go Launcher Ex coming from Gingerbread and or Calks roms as well. If you like something thats looks stock and all ice creamy then yeah Nova is a nice touch.
Apex - not as quick yet as Nova, but has more options that I prefer. I need my swipe up and down . I tried Apex, Nova, TW and Stock for a day each before switching back to Apex.
My fav on GB was adw EX.
Nova was the best.
Apex/ics stock were very choppy with a lot of widgets on the screen.
Touchwiz was on par with Nova in terms of smoothness.
Go Launcher Ex. Flawless and a decent price.
Do You think best Launcher?
I think Nemus launcher best launcher
LauncherPro, at least for cm7
Sent from my MB525 using xda premium
+1 launcherpro
Prince
Trebuchet
Simple and fast. If you need more functionality I would also go for Launcher Pro
Go launcher
on GB i was using ADW and LP on all my android phones, tried Go Launcher but didn't like it. Prefered ADW
on ICS i'm using Nova Launcher Prime and loving it...
BTW. Never heard of Nemus, gotta take a look
And EzLauncher
Nemus&Apex
Via Tapatalk 2 on MIUI V4
oo apex ics look
360 Launcher (translated version) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345601
Why not make it a poll? That'd be easier to see with more and more people voting.
I use Nova Prime. Sometimes a little laggy, but the fact that I can hide aps plus the gestures control is a huge plus.
nova prime is awesome bt sometimes it reloads the widgets which is a pain...but 360 launcher is one awesome stuff!
Trebuchet & Apex are both nice. Apex causes little bit lag in my Arc, but works great
ok.. i looked for this APEX launcher that ppl recommended and... i can't download him in google play?~~ they said this application is not for my phone?! wtf? i need flash him or what?
do you like apex launcher ?
svanteson said:
Trebuchet
Simple and fast. If you need more functionality I would also go for Launcher Pro
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Trebuchet for me too.
-Trebuchet launcher has a nifty feature: A google search bar that sticks on all screens without wasting any widget space.
-Samsung Touchvis S3 is very smooth on ICS compared with stock.
-Go Ex is also good, lots of niffty extras (but a bug with Xperia bookmark widgets on ICS.
-Apex and Nova almost sama same, nice also but not so smooth scrolling on LT15.
PS. all lauchers can be used with on-screen-button (from 22dpi to 45dpi but the hang-up button will be covered on .431 firmware, so I went to settings in the phone (ICS) and chosed "hang-up with hardware button" and now its GOOD.
Hello, I was planning on changing the launcher on my HOX but all the launchers I've tried seem to be lagging when switching panels on the home screen(jittery animation when switching panels). The launchers I've tried were:
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Go Launcher EX
Holo Launcher
Zeam Launcher
The only launcher that runs smoothly is the stock Sense one but I want a launcher with a scrollable dock! I've googled this and all the results were about lag on the Sense launcher, which I have no problems with. I doubt that my phone's hardware can't handle a launcher. Any ideas as to what causes this problem or a fix?
Energokinetic said:
Hello, I was planning on changing the launcher on my HOX but all the launchers I've tried seem to be lagging when switching panels on the home screen(jittery animation when switching panels). The launchers I've tried were:
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Go Launcher EX
Holo Launcher
Zeam Launcher
The only launcher that runs smoothly is the stock Sense one but I want a launcher with a scrollable dock! I've googled this and all the results were about lag on the Sense launcher, which I have no problems with. I doubt that my phone's hardware can't handle a launcher. Any ideas as to what causes this problem or a fix?
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The HOX has some incredible hardware. So its surely not the hardware.I myself used the pro version of apex launcher for some time and it works smooth. I think you have a lot of background apps running. Disable some background apps.. that will free some memory.
anks257 said:
The HOX has some incredible hardware. So its surely not the hardware.I myself used the pro version of apex launcher for some time and it works smooth. I think you have a lot of background apps running. Disable some background apps.. that will free some memory.
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How much RAM do I have to have free for it to run smoothly? I Currently have 300 megabyte free worth of ram and it's still lagging! The only running apps (according to the task manager) are:
Android core apps
Apex launcher
BetterBatteryStats
Battery Widget
Package Access Helper
FlexNet
SmartcardService.
Also, whenever I end the processes of some apps (like settings, dropbox, calendar and some others), they re-open themselves a few minutes later, what's up with that?
Update:
Oh, I doubt that it's memory related, the menu screen switching is super smooth, if it was RAM related it would be affected too
Anyone?
If menu screen is working smoothly then it's an app problem. Try reducing the number of widgets you have kept on each screen and see if that helps.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Funny thing is, there are no widgets on any of the panels, is there by any chance that I have a faulty hardware? (which still sounds kind of impossible since the Sense launcher runs smoothly)
Same here with my HOX+. Sense runs smooth, but there are too many limitations, so I run Apex.
I've only one widget on the screen. I think, it's a Apex problem.
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
Nova. Always works for me and I can restore my icon layout. Makes switching Roms take all of 10 min
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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
The reason I'm asking is that I've tried this phone in the store as well as watched the video reviews and yes, the UI is really, really fast and smooth.
I'm curious if anyone has installed a 3rd party Launcher, like Nova or something without being rooted and noticed how the speed is after they did that?
Just try any, non of them require root l. I think your phone will handle them perfectly
Sent from my HTC One X
It depends on the settings you use, but I am using nova and it is very fast and very smooth. The only reason I am using it instead of stock is so I can double press the home key and have the notification bar drop down. Saves me having to try to reach for it all the time
I use Go Launcher Ex with most of the bells and whistles enabled, and it's buttery smooth on stock 4.0.4, stock 4.1.2, and CM 10.1 (4.2.1).
Switched to Go to get more than 4 columns of icons, nicer icons, nicer themes, nicer animations.
I use holo launcher and its just as smooth as the stock ics launcher.
omnius1 said:
The reason I'm asking is that I've tried this phone in the store as well as watched the video reviews and yes, the UI is really, really fast and smooth.
I'm curious if anyone has installed a 3rd party Launcher, like Nova or something without being rooted and noticed how the speed is after they did that?
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I'm using Nova on the AOSP Rom and it is extremely fast.
Nova Launcher on stock 4.1.2 ROM, smooth, fast, and responsive.
i sry to maybe hijack ur thread omnius1, but i also got some questions about launchers.
i got my E975 some days ago and i am thinking about trying another launcher than LG's own, but how to u set it them up and how to disable the stock one and which have the best options for modding the hell out of the homescreen?
puma99dk said:
i got my E975 some days ago and i am thinking about trying another launcher than LG's own, but how to u set it them up and how to disable the stock one and which have the best options for modding the hell out of the homescreen?
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Most launchers will allow you a degree pf modding the homescreen but it depends what you wish to do..
If youre looking to change stuff like fonts then the launcher wont allow this at least I havent seen it, however you can change animations, the dock, folders, icons and general theme..
I currently use a combo of apex launcher (which works with some of the existing stock widgets, unlike adw launcher for instance) and rom toolbox pro which allows for a whole bunch of customization such as boot screens, font, et
Oh and I should also mention that the speed amd performance overall using apex launcher is every bit as fast as stock if not a bit faster.
I am rooted too fyi.