Grid - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Hi all I would like to increase my grid pattern to something like 6 by 6. Is there a way of.doing this as I want to use the stock launcher.

dieselhazza said:
Hi all I would like to increase my grid pattern to something like 6 by 6. Is there a way of.doing this as I want to use the stock launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooted, you can try one of the versions of my modded pixel launcher here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/mod-pixel-2-xl-launcher-mods-8-1-0-dp1-t3701939
There are no six-by-six versions, but I do provide instructions on how to do that to yourself, if you wanted to. I would also be willing to make you one customized to your liking.
The only non-root option I'm a aware of is a launcher called Lawnchair, which is very much like the stock launcher, except it's got some options. I'm not sure if changing the grid size is one of them though, you'd have to research in the Lawnchair thread to find out. Lawnchair can be installed even if you have the original stock launcher installed.
Other than that, if you're not rooted, you would have to go the custom launcher route to adjust the grid.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

Nova launcher also allows you to change the desktop grid :good:

Badger50 said:
Nova launcher also allows you to change the desktop grid :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Why go through the trouble of a rooted method when Nova Launcher can do it and you can still have the stock launcher feel.

Thread cleaned, you can relax now :good:

Would Nova launcher cause battery drain compared to stock launcher. Would I end up using more juice running nova launcher

dieselhazza said:
Would Nova launcher cause battery drain compared to stock launcher. Would I end up using more juice running nova launcher
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Not that I've ever noticed. Been using Nova for 5 years now without issues :good:

dieselhazza said:
Would Nova launcher cause battery drain compared to stock launcher. Would I end up using more juice running nova launcher
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Click to collapse
Seems to only uses battery when you're on the homescreen. This screenshot of from nearly 16 hours off the charger. I think that goes for any launcher. I would be really suspicious of a launcher if it drained while in the background.

Related

What launcher should I pick?

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.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App
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.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk
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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Click to collapse
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
Sent from my MB525 using xda premium

Apex Launcher

Hi all,
How many of you here are using Apex Launcher/Pro on your HOX?
How do you find it? I like Sense but I'm thinking of fiddling with a different launcher.
Does Apex LAuncher allow Landscape Home Screens?
If I don't like it I can just uninstall it right? Also I'm guessing I don't need to be r00ted to use the launcher...
Thanks all,
T-L-H
The-Last-Hylian said:
Hi all,
How many of you here are using Apex Launcher/Pro on your HOX?
How do you find it? I like Sense but I'm thinking of fiddling with a different launcher.
Does Apex LAuncher allow Landscape Home Screens?
If I don't like it I can just uninstall it right? Also I'm guessing I don't need to be r00ted to use the launcher...
Thanks all,
T-L-H
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct no root required if you hate it just uninstall
Sent from my GT-P6800 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for that, I've installed it, seems okay...
Still no Landscape though, I'm guessing that's something to do with the rosie?
The-Last-Hylian said:
Thanks for that, I've installed it, seems okay...
Still no Landscape though, I'm guessing that's something to do with the rosie?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have landscape support - you have to go: Apex Settings - Behaviour Settings - Screen Orientation - Auto-rotate.
gifton1 said:
It does have landscape support - you have to go: Apex Settings - Behaviour Settings - Screen Orientation - Auto-rotate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd literally just found it
But still, thank you thank you thank you!!!!
How exactly does this work then? Does it take over the sense totally? IE... When I turn my phone on I am booted in to this and when I lock it etc.. etc.. or do I have to open it each time I want to use it?
Sorry to sound a little dumb on this but I am a complete newby to android.
DazNoonan said:
How exactly does this work then? Does it take over the sense totally? IE... When I turn my phone on I am booted in to this and when I lock it etc.. etc.. or do I have to open it each time I want to use it?
Sorry to sound a little dumb on this but I am a complete newby to android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can choose a default launcher to choose from. I've just chosen Apex Launcher... I still have the standard lockring on my lockscreen...
You can reset the default launcher in Apex Launcher settings. I'm still kinda new to this myself so I'm not too sure on all the in's-and-out's.
The-Last-Hylian said:
You can choose a default launcher to choose from. I've just chosen Apex Launcher... I still have the standard lockring on my lockscreen...
You can reset the default launcher in Apex Launcher settings. I'm still kinda new to this myself so I'm not too sure on all the in's-and-out's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so when you turn the phone on its the standard lockscreen, you move that and it opens directly into Apex Launcher as if Sense never existed? Sounds like something fun to mess around with.
I'm guessing it can't do any damage to the phone or the standard OS etc... then?
DazNoonan said:
Okay so when you turn the phone on its the standard lockscreen, you move that and it opens directly into Apex Launcher as if Sense never existed? Sounds like something fun to mess around with.
I'm guessing it can't do any damage to the phone or the standard OS etc... then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, it's all the same... just a different launcher.
The stock launcher is all intact, Apex doesn't overwrite anything, it's just an App really.
The-Last-Hylian said:
That's correct, it's all the same... just a different launcher.
The stock launcher is all intact, Apex doesn't overwrite anything, it's just an App really.
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Click to collapse
It is an app.
Sent from my E15i using xda premium
NIMBAH said:
It is an app.
Sent from my E15i using xda premium
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That's what I said yeah
All makes perfect sense...
and +1 to Apex Launcher. I tried them all this past week and I just liked Apex better. I am sure they all do similar things, with a couple of things different. I purchased the Pro version of Apex.
Not sure if I can make the lock screen like my Apex home screen. I am still learning (time dependant), do very much like it though. Even my iPhone work mates seem impressed
I have been using Apex since Friday. I liked it so much I ended up paying for it.
Im not sure how many more features were enabled but I thought it would be the least I could do.
Main reason for switching. Laggy Home screen swithching in sense.
I have widgets on every screen now and its flawless!
Apex Launcher Pro consumes a lot of battery on my HOX 1.28
I back to Sense 4 and prefer Nova Launcher
amaya84 said:
Apex Launcher Pro consumes a lot of battery on my HOX 1.28
I back to Sense 4 and prefer Nova Launcher
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When playing with various launchers, your battery may drain very fast because of the widgets you have running on the screens of the inactive launcher.
If you try Apex, it's a good idea to remove all widgets from your Sense screens first.
JP.
jpascal said:
When playing with various launchers, your battery may drain very fast because of the widgets you have running on the screens of the inactive launcher.
If you try Apex, it's a good idea to remove all widgets from your Sense screens first.
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Click to collapse
I switch off, all the widgets from Sense4 before try Apex
And reboot the terminal.
apex user here also. loving it. it's just smooth and full of features.
That's good to know, I'll remove my widgets from my Sense 4.0 Launcher and then boot back into Apex Launcher.
I'm also running GO Locker, GO Launcher EX with the ICS GO Locker Lock ring...
Sometimes when I power the screen back on I get the Sense 4.0 lock ring, so I unlock to homescreen then the ICS GO Locker ring will appear, so I have to unlock that one too! So I'm unlocking with two rings wtf?
I use Apex too and also bought the Pro version in supprot of the devs coz I liked it so much. I'm not even sure what the advantages are for Pro version. Hehehehe...

[Q] Larger app dock?

Hey guys, is there an app I can download that will replace my current dock with a scrollable one (like the one in stock android roms)? I've tried Apex Launcher but I didn't like the fact that I have to re-create all m folders and also it wasn't running smoothly on my HOX (the carousel was lagging), so I'd rather download an app instead of a launcher. Thanks in advance!
I would have said apex launcher. I'm using it now and it is the most lag free launcher there is. One huge benefit using a launcher like this is that it restores your folders and set up nicely with titanium if you are constantly flagging ROMS.
Give it another go as they did have a recent update.
Otherwise try Nova or zeam launcher.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
I am using GO Launcher EX with all the other apps that comes with it ( GO SMS,GO Keyboard,Go Contacts,GO Locker,etc) and i don't have any problem with it.Runs smoothly with all the effects and doesn't take up more than 60 MB or RAM.In my opinion it is the best launcher out there.Don't know why but i didn't feel that vibe with Apex if you know what i mean.
jeyml said:
I am using GO Launcher EX with all the other apps that comes with it ( GO SMS,GO Keyboard,Go Contacts,GO Locker,etc) and i don't have any problem with it.Runs smoothly with all the effects and doesn't take up more than 60 MB or RAM.In my opinion it is the best launcher out there.Don't know why but i didn't feel that vibe with Apex if you know what i mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried GO Launcher EX, Zeam Launcher and Nova launcher.
Go Launcher EX:
Considering the fact that I just want a larger dock, GO Launcher EX isn't for me, it's too chaotic with all its features.
Zeam Launcher.
There's something to this launcher's scrolling that I don't like.
Noba Launcher:
I actually liked this one, I find it perfect! But there's one more thing. How energy efficient is it? I don't want it to waste more battery than Sense which already wastes too much battery! Are there any statistics about battery consumption?
Why don't you try UCCW(Ultimate Custom Clock Widget)?It's the best out there and there is a whole topic of clocks made here on XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1912545
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1694879
jeyml said:
I am using GO Launcher EX with all the other apps that comes with it ( GO SMS,GO Keyboard,Go Contacts,GO Locker,etc) and i don't have any problem with it.Runs smoothly with all the effects and doesn't take up more than 60 MB or RAM.In my opinion it is the best launcher out there.Don't know why but i didn't feel that vibe with Apex if you know what i mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jeyml said:
Why don't you try UCCW(Ultimate Custom Clock Widget)?It's the best out there and there is a whole topic of clocks made here on XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1912545
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1694879
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do clock widgets have anything to do with what I'm asking?
Energokinetic said:
Are there any statistics about battery consumption?
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A different launcher shouldn't really have any more or less battery consumption. Anyway, afaik Nova is a bit lighter than Rosie in terms of RAM etc.
a704e said:
A different launcher shouldn't really have any more or less battery consumption. Anyway, afaik Nova is a bit lighter than Rosie in terms of RAM etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!

What's your favorite launcher and why?

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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate, where can I find the beta for that?
Nova Launcher
itpromike said:
Thanks mate, where can I find the beta for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

[Q] Does Nova Launcher use more battery than standard launcher?

Hi
I'm not quite sure how an launcher works. But when I install Nova Launcher, do the standard launcher then still run in the background, so there is running two launchers?
Just curious if it would be battery draining using Nova Launcher over an standard launcher (My phone is Xperia Z3).
Thanks in advance
Faspaiso said:
Hi
I'm not quite sure how an launcher works. But when I install Nova Launcher, do the standard launcher then still run in the background, so there is running two launchers?
Just curious if it would be battery draining using Nova Launcher over an standard launcher (My phone is Xperia Z3).
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Nova launcher, and the battery is fine anyway. I'm not sure about this but i think when Nova launcher is activated then the standard launcher will be idle, its doesn't stop, just on idle state
beespoison said:
I'm using Nova launcher, and the battery is fine anyway. I'm not sure about this but i think when Nova launcher is activated then the standard launcher will be idle, its doesn't stop, just on idle state
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah mine is fine too. But I was curious if there is a battery drain at all or if it is completely the same as stock.
hmm i don't know about that, maybe u can ask to nova launcher creator bout that things
As my venomous friend said, the stock launcher will be idle, so it won't drain battery. As far as launchers go, Nova is pretty "light". I doubt there'd be any additional drain when compared to the stock launcher, and if there is, it'd be insignificant, especially on a marathon runner like the Xperia Z3.
Your launcher battery consumption will largely depend on things like how many widgets you have placed on the screens and the widget activity/ For example, if you have the Google search widget on a screen, it will use more if it's always listening for you to say "OK Google, ...".
I believe that installed but unused launchers should use minimal battery.

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