MS Launcher - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Even though I'm a current Nova user on my P2 XL, I'm wondering if there are any Microsoft Launcher users out there

pbman1953 said:
Even though I'm a current Nova user on my P2 XL, I'm wondering if there are any Microsoft Launcher users out there
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Click to collapse
I'm sure there are....but out of curiosity, why do you care?

Just wondering if it was any good

pbman1953 said:
Just wondering if it was any good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha.
Why not try it yourself? I do that every so often but always find my way back to Nova as well. Although I'm using the pixel launcher now until Nova fixes the back button always showing bug.

I've used it in the past. It's very nice, but it pushes their ecosystem pretty heavily so it doesn't make sense to use it unless you're a big Microsoft services user.

I have been using it for about a year now, very happy with it. Was using it on an S7 edge, and now on the 2XL. No complaints at all with it.

For me, total launcher only is serving purpose for so long. Never such huge customization possible launcher on play store till date.
MS launcher used a while back to try but it was not at all stable at that time and it suddenly used to restart and all my customization disappear forever.

Related

New TouchWiz UI

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

What Launcher?

Just wondering what launcher everyone is using. I like how smooth the stock Pixel launcher is on it but drives me nuts that I cant mess with grid size or have pull down notification panel from anywhere like on Nova. When I use Nova it doesnt seem as smooth to me almost like it stutters when I go to Google Now or opening and closing apps. Never has done it before on any other phone besides this one. Just wondering what everyone is using and if there are other options that have that pull down option. I know i can use the fingerprint scanner to pull down on Pixel but it doesnt feel natural to me after so many years with Nova.
Nova prime had been my launcher for the last 5 phones!!
CyberpodS2 said:
Nova prime had been my launcher for the last 5 phones!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've had it I dunno how many years and that's what is weird why it stutters on this one of all the phones I've had.
Also been using Nova Prime for a long time on numerous device's!
Nova prime since first Nexus phone, every year new one, now pixel 2 xl, never failed on me.
Another loyal Nova user here. The amount of custom features is worth it
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Been using Google now launcher for a while with xgels module (RIP) then switched to Nova prime until I got my phone and now rocking DU rom with GNL hider module and it's working flawlessly.
Nova prime FTW!
Always, Nova Prime
Apex Launcher has all the same features as Nova, but I don't think it has the Google feed integrated.
The Microsoft Launcher has a fresh take that is also visually appealing.
And finally, Evie Launcher is worth checking out. It's not as feature packed but it's growing every week.
CyberpodS2 said:
Nova prime had been my launcher for the last 5 phones!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1111111 best money you'll spend!
Gilley said:
Yeah I've had it I dunno how many years and that's what is weird why it stutters on this one of all the phones I've had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is my 4th device with Nova Prime and of all the issues on all those devices, Nova was never, ever a problem.
Leads me to think might be something else, since you're the first user I've heard on this device having a problem with Nova, and with so many people using it, if there were an issue with Nova itself, surely more people would have it as well.
You running Xposed or something that could be messing with it?
Az Biker said:
+1111111 best money you'll spend!
I think this is my 4th device with Nova Prime and of all the issues on all those devices, Nova was never, ever a problem.
Leads me to think might be something else, since you're the first user I've heard on this device having a problem with Nova, and with so many people using it, if there were an issue with Nova itself, surely more people would have it as well.
You running Xposed or something that could be messing with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope I am completely stock not rooted. I had the one options in developer turned to .5 for animations and turned it back and didn't see any real change. And by stutter I don't mean like horrible can't stand it. It's just like a tiny tiny hiccup of movement. I love the phone and it's not big deal to me because I like Nova that much just was curious to see if anyone else had the problem and or use another launcher that I could try out and see. I tried lawnchair and it seems smooth when it doesn't crash on me. That is more annoying then the small stutter on Nova.
My 5th device with Nova Prime! ?
Nova Prime since my S4 days ????
Google pixel launcher.
Works fine.
What will nova launcher do better?
luigidk said:
Google pixel launcher.
Works fine.
What will nova launcher do better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my post. I said what I liked about Nova over the stock one.
Gilley said:
Nope I am completely stock not rooted. I had the one options in developer turned to .5 for animations and turned it back and didn't see any real change. And by stutter I don't mean like horrible can't stand it. It's just like a tiny tiny hiccup of movement. I love the phone and it's not big deal to me because I like Nova that much just was curious to see if anyone else had the problem and or use another launcher that I could try out and see. I tried lawnchair and it seems smooth when it doesn't crash on me. That is more annoying then the small stutter on Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you give lawnchair access to storage? It crashed pretty frequently on me too until i did this.:good:
mademan420 said:
Did you give lawnchair access to storage? It crashed pretty frequently on me too until i did this.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it has access to everything. I emailed the developer yesterday but haven't heard back
I've been using Flick Launcher Pro for the past week and although it's in development, it shows a ton of upside. Nova is a more polished as it stands right now but Flick will get better with time. Flick gives you all the goodness of stock plus a lot of extra customizations.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.universallauncher.flicklauncherpro
SFG said:
I've been using Flick Launcher Pro for the past week and although it's in development, it shows a ton of upside. Nova is a more polished as it stands right now but Flick will get better with time. Flick gives you all the goodness of stock plus a lot of extra customizations.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.universallauncher.flicklauncherpro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love trying new launchers that rethink how we should interact with our phones. Nova is great, but it's just more if the same old launcher UI that hasn't evolved much since the early days of Android. Thanks for the non-Nova suggestion!

Pixel 4 style launcher

Just got one l the one UI 2 beta update and looking for a pixel 4 style launcher to try the new Google gestures. I can't stand the Samsung home. Anyone know il of any yet.
Nova Launcher works great.
Lawnchair 2 is what you are looking for, exactly like my Pixel 3 XL
But none of these support the new android 10 gestures.
Action launcher is only one I know that supports the new gestures.
zanoli99 said:
Action launcher is only one I know that supports the new gestures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it, doesn't work.
Is there anything additional that needs to be downloaded??
As far as I remember, no launcher works with full gestures...unless you are rooted...
ram4ufriends said:
As far as I remember, no launcher works with full gestures...unless you are rooted...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just came over from a Pixel 3 and third-party launchers worked fine with native Android 10 gestures (including Lawnchair). This is a Samsung limitation.
JohnnyCanuck said:
I just came over from a Pixel 3 and third-party launchers worked fine with native Android 10 gestures (including Lawnchair). This is a Samsung limitation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a limitation of how long it takes OEMs to update. The pixel update for older devices didn't drop until the beginning of December. It's still an issue caused by Google's source, we are just waiting for the update that fixes it now.
Anyone tried Nova and One hand operation (samsung store) together?
One hand operarion may work as a replacement for google gestures. Also is useful to lock screen using a gesture
guachine said:
Anyone tried Nova and One hand operation (samsung store) together?
One hand operarion may work as a replacement for google gestures. Also is useful to lock screen using a gesture
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One hand and any launcher has always worked. You don't get the animation like you would on the new gestures though.
Frankly one hand has always been better but I also think a lot of people:
1. Get on the Android hype train and think "no one can do anything better than Google's implementation"
2. Are over whelmed by configuring one hand op
3. Think it's a replacement for one hand mode that makes the screen small and never bothered
4. Simply don't know about it or have good lock apps in their country
A few honorable mentions, the people that used it early on and didn't know you could make the gesture area invisible so they stopped using it and the folks that think it's too slow or not smooth.
pcriz said:
One hand and any launcher has always worked. You don't get the animation like you would on the new gestures though.
Frankly one hand has always been better but I also think a lot of people:
1. Get on the Android hype train and think "no one can do anything better than Google's implementation"
2. Are over whelmed by configuring one hand op
3. Think it's a replacement for one hand mode that makes the screen small and never bothered
4. Simply don't know about it or have good lock apps in their country
A few honorable mentions, the people that used it early on and didn't know you could make the gesture area invisible so they stopped using it and the folks that think it's too slow or not smooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not really the same, specially coming from other brands that have Android gestures working how it's supposed to be.
FCORivers said:
It's not really the same, specially coming from other brands that have Android gestures working how it's supposed to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I said they were the same.
pcriz said:
It's a limitation of how long it takes OEMs to update. The pixel update for older devices didn't drop until the beginning of December. It's still an issue caused by Google's source, we are just waiting for the update that fixes it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come the gestures work on non-rooted OnePlus and Xiaomi phones running Nova?
jim262 said:
How come the gestures work on non-rooted OnePlus and Xiaomi phones running Nova?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's a completely different phone...
The fix hasn't been implemented yet on Samsung phones.
You ask that as if every oem holds hands and updates their software at the same time. Or as if it wasn't broken on the first phone to have Android 10 on it..
It was certainly broken and a fixed needed to be made for it, as far as why Samsung hasn't implemented it yet? I think that is a question for Sammy.
I have used one in the past called PixelizeD it's in the theme store I'm pretty sure it works just fine on both Android 9 and 10.
It's just a theme not a launcher but it gives you a pretty nice home screen.
Deeemm79 said:
Tried it, doesn't work.
Is there anything additional that needs to be downloaded??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to execute this adb command:
adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural
OneUI2 is disabling this feature. Not the launcher.
Third party launchers like Lawnchair only "support" the full screen gestures, but they've not properly optimized it. You will get weird animations.

Question 3rd party launcher (Nova) - Not being able to tap icons for a short time after returning to the home screen

Title says it all ... I had already reported this in another thread somewhere ...
However, I was not aware that this is actually a Google issue, explained here:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1018524&p=6907317&viewfull=1#post6907317 or
Nova Launcher
The premier custom launcher for Android, loved by over 50 million.
novalauncher.com
Many of you probably knew this, I did not ...
Still, I used Nova on OnePlus 8 pro as well and there such issues were NOT present.
Anyway, looks like we'll just have to accept it.
I've not experienced these issues on my P6P. I'm trying it now and Chrome and Pocket Casts seem to open up immediately. Same with the other listed issues: Clear All is there, and the animations look just a fluid.
Nova is working fine on my P6P, i can return to the home screen and open something else instantly.
Gestures have worked fine with Nova for some time, they worked from the off on my Pixel 5 and that was in October 2020.
Use quickswitch
GitHub - skittles9823/QuickSwitch
Contribute to skittles9823/QuickSwitch development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
I know the delay you're referring to, it's certainly a minor annoyance but not enough of a deal breaker for me to no longer use Nova - the benefits outweigh such a con!
I'm intrigued by QuickSwitch but see Nova isn't supported so unsure if this would even be able to help?
cd993 said:
I know the delay you're referring to, it's certainly a minor annoyance but not enough of a deal breaker for me to no longer use Nova - the benefits outweigh such a con!
I'm intrigued by QuickSwitch but see Nova isn't supported so unsure if this would even be able to help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sorry I wasn't paying attention. I know I had/have the delay with lawnchair and this always fixes it. Think it's something to do with recents.
No worries
notegalaxy said:
Ah sorry I wasn't paying attention. I know I had/have the delay with lawnchair and this always fixes it. Think it's something to do with recents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries at all!
I'd stick with the pixel launcher mods but I like being able to rename honescreen apps/folders....
foobar66 said:
Title says it all ... I had already reported this in another thread somewhere ...
However, I was not aware that this is actually a Google issue, explained here:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1018524&p=6907317&viewfull=1#post6907317 or
Nova Launcher
The premier custom launcher for Android, loved by over 50 million.
novalauncher.com
Many of you probably knew this, I did not ...
Still, I used Nova on OnePlus 8 pro as well and there such issues were NOT present.
Anyway, looks like we'll just have to accept it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the latest beta build of NOVA Launcher? As of this writing, that would be 7.0.54.
burbank said:
Are you using the latest beta build of NOVA Launcher? As of this writing, that would be 7.0.54.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ... version 7.0.54 ...

Question OnePlus Launcher

Maybe I didn't search hard enough, but anyone know if it's possible to install the OnePlus launcher on the Pixel 6 Pro? I successfully installed, but it refused to load, even one install that was reported to work on any Android phone. I'm using ProtonAOSP with gapps.
I bought a Pixel 6 Pro out of love for its superior night camera which is fabulous for catching northern lights here in Alaska, but I absolutely love the OxygenOS launcher on my OnePlus 8 Pro. It's a weird request, I know.
All I have to say is,"why?"
Coming from One+ and Samsung..... All users flash roms to come to a Pixel UI and you want a OP launcher on a Pixel? I'm stumped
I'd recommend Nova7 as it's a better fit for phones than OP launcher.
If it's a tinkering matter I totally understand,but, OP on Pixel?
You can also try lawnchair launcher 12. I was missing a few things after moving from 1+ 8 pro to P6 but lawnchair did the trick for me. Basically a pixel launcher with some more customization.
psychotropic said:
Maybe I didn't search hard enough, but anyone know if it's possible to install the OnePlus launcher on the Pixel 6 Pro? I successfully installed, but it refused to load, even one install that was reported to work on any Android phone. I'm using ProtonAOSP with gapps.
I bought a Pixel 6 Pro out of love for its superior night camera which is fabulous for catching northern lights here in Alaska, but I absolutely love the OxygenOS launcher on my OnePlus 8 Pro. It's a weird request, I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which features exactly are you looking for?
There are several available launchers on a Pixel, I can't think of any feature set that OP has that is not available, since you can customize about anything, including icons and how animations/gestures work.
As others have said. What's the point?
Anyway, installing the APK will not be sufficient as the OnePlus launcher also relies on a number of native libraries.
You will need figure out exactly which libraries and make them available in /system/lib(64) via a Magisk module.
Too much hassle for what ...
Specifically, I really like this one touch close all apps button. It's a good visual decluttering for me versus memory issue. If I feel overwhelmed by everything I have open, tap the one button and it all feels clean again.
avid_droid said:
All I have to say is,"why?"
Coming from One+ and Samsung..... All users flash roms to come to a Pixel UI and you want a OP launcher on a Pixel? I'm stumped
I'd recommend Nova7 as it's a better fit for phones than OP launcher.
If it's a tinkering matter I totally understand,but, OP on Pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know! I'm weird!
arvylas said:
You can also try lawnchair launcher 12. I was missing a few things after moving from 1+ 8 pro to P6 but lawnchair did the trick for me. Basically a pixel launcher with some more customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a look.
Closing the apps in that way is not recommended and actually worsens battery use. Doesn't do anything for memory use either really as the phone has plenty and manages it well enough. This is why it has been gotten rid of in later versions of Android.
psychotropic said:
I'll give it a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you're rooted with lawn chair just use quick switch in magisk and you'll have all you need.
400ixl said:
Closing the apps in that way is not recommended and actually worsens battery use. Doesn't do anything for memory use either really as the phone has plenty and manages it well enough. This is why it has been gotten rid of in later versions of Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, I charge it enough. It really is more of a psychological visual decluttering for me. I know, it's really best to let Android manage your open apps.
If you scroll all the way to the left you get a clear all
psychotropic said:
Maybe I didn't search hard enough, but anyone know if it's possible to install the OnePlus launcher on the Pixel 6 Pro? I successfully installed, but it refused to load, even one install that was reported to work on any Android phone. I'm using ProtonAOSP with gapps.
I bought a Pixel 6 Pro out of love for its superior night camera which is fabulous for catching northern lights here in Alaska, but I absolutely love the OxygenOS launcher on my OnePlus 8 Pro. It's a weird request, I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[APP] [PORT] [MODDED] [10+] ONEPLUS launcher 4.6.5 [NEW UPDATE]
A modified version of ONEPLUS launcher version 4.6.5, ported for use on any rooted ( and / or ) TWRP compatable Android 10/11 device. Unlike other OnePlus launcher ports, this includes: A fully functional dark mode that respects the system wide...
forum.xda-developers.com
I remember using this on my pixel 2xl. Hasn't been updated in a minute though but it will do the job
One thing i like most about One plus launcher is to hide apps with fingerprint.
Left swipe to reveal but with fingerprint.
Is there any launcher which has this feature?
Check out Ruthless Launcher
Google Play Link
It has a clear all button on the left most page of the app switcher.
Also has app locker function with fingerprint unlock.
Dev is really responsive on Telegram and the app receives frequent updates.
It's customisable - app icons support, grid options etc, loads of features including At-A-Glance and Google Feed etc. Been using it for a few years now.

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