So Cyanogen has decided on assimilating ADWLauncher in his source. though it has been accepted in by Cyanogen, i am a bit wary of whether or not you guys will be accepting of this change or not. So i'd like all your input on this. Would you guys rather keep the regular launcher that is already in the rom and just add the changes cyanogen makes to his mainstream launcher alongside this, or would you guys rather have me make the leap to ADW.
I'd love to leap to the ADWLauncher. I much prefer it to the stock Launcher.apk, and even to the Launcher2.apk.
I'd say that you should use ADW, and maybe provide an update.zip for the current launcher, for those who like it.
-and/or-
Put both in DS Updater, so we can switch within the rom itself
those other launchers are well.. old and ugly
ADW for me!
Definitely ADW Launcher. Ive been using it for almost a month and its superior in every way imo. Would the updates to the launcher come through the DSUpdater? Cause AnderWeb updates that **** like every day..lol.
It would seem to be unanimous. Can't wait for the update!
id say at least if possible have options, adw launcher is ok, in my opinion launcherpro is better, but your da boss. I say regular launcher
Look how sexy that looks lol
ok, lemme clarify, this poll is not what apk should i copy paste into my rom, rather what app i should develop with. Launcherpro isn't open source so the above poster's request is null and void. So far this poll seems pretty one sided for ADW, though i will continue this poll a day to get everybody who doesn't stay up until midnights' query.
darchstar said:
ok, lemme clarify, this poll is not what apk should i copy paste into my rom, rather what app i should develop with. Launcherpro isn't open source so the above poster's request is null and void. So far this poll seems pretty one sided for ADW, though i will continue this poll a day to get everybody who doesn't stay up until midnights' query.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol well then i still stand by continue to develop with reg launcher. Goodnight
Just my opinion, but i really don't like any of the new launchers
i would like to keep the stock one, and if at all possible make the drawer the droid look (grey arrow)
i think it would be great to keep the stock one because you can always just install the launcher of your choice optionally by yourself
thanks!
I'm still a fan of the old launchers....... I guess I'm "Old School".....
My vote goes to ADW.
I voted ADW even though I use Launcherpro. If you can optimize ADW so it runs as fast as Launcherpro, I'd switch in a heartbeat.
I like to run a lean system, and ADW has tons of features I'll never use. I'd like to see Launcher2 as the default.
regular launcher for me. sometimes i like to switch to the ADW, but its easy to just install or uninstall.
I know the idea is to keep it pure AOSP, but I personally use ADW and think its next to perfect for my needs. I'd love to see it used in Darchdroid.
Choice of Launcher will always be a matter of personal (often religious) preference to the people who care the most about it. Launcher2 was the holy grail (for a while), and LauncherPro, HelixLauncher, ADW.Launcher, Tag Home, Zeam, etc. will all have their proponents (along with the yet to be released solutions).
My personal (selfish) opinion is that whatever makes it easier for the users of this ROM (like me) to leverage and integrate the development, themes and apps in use by the larger CM based ROM community, gives me the greatest benefit. So, to make a short story long, I would vote for staying in sync with the direction that cyanogen is moving in.
The religiously inclined will still have the ability to use their tool of choice (and continue to change), and the silent majority will continue to go with the flow and enjoy what evolves in the mainstream community at large.
Unfortunately, not every decision is as easy as "Cake or Death?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZVjKlBCvhg
Well, its supposed to be easy anyway.
coldsweat said:
I know the idea is to keep it pure AOSP, but I personally use ADW and think its next to perfect for my needs. I'd love to see it used in Darchdroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you wanna get technical about it, ADWlauncher is actually the aosp launcher. It was a fork of Cyanogen's fork of the original Launcher.
ADW
i voted adw.
iv been using it for awhile with no fc, and no glitches.
at times it may be a little "slow".
with the last update of launcherpro (sucked) the choice is clear.
Related
Which would you prefer and why? I like adw's robust options but it seems that launcherpro is more stable. Could be a placebo though. What do u guys think?
i use AWD
(10 char)
I have both installed on my Froyo Nexus and I'm constantly going back and forth between the two. It's like a personal war between the 2 devs/teams. Its pushing both of them hard and its awesome.
I finally made my choice today and went with ADW because of the number of rows and columns I can make as well as edit the widgets to my liking. I use 5 x 6 and its pretty nice I think.
Thing I miss the most from LP is the 3d launcher and the new dock.
Both of them seem stable for everyday use for me.
But once ADW added the custom widget sizing thing, I knew ADW was the winner for me. I'll still keep LauncherPro and follow its progress but right now, its ADW.
I have 7 screens but here are the middle 3.
Sistum Id said:
...its ADW. I have 7 screens but here are the middle 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What´s wrong here??
rori~ said:
What´s wrong here??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The top 86 is my current weather.
The 28% and 30 is one of them didn't update as fast as the other.
The 29.0c/84.2f is the battery temp.
Hope that clears it up.
I use LP. It already has scrollable lower row (with shortcuts), rows/columns change in Launcher mode, and 3D app drawer.
sheek360 said:
Which would you prefer and why? I like adw's robust options but it seems that launcherpro is more stable. Could be a placebo though. What do u guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both installed and have gone between them countless times but this last week I've been leaning towards LP. It's not a placebo, Launcher pro isn't quite as customizable as ADW [yet] but updates are coming twice a week and it's gets better every time.
LP - I think a great app does not need thousands of options. While they are nice, lp just seems to work how I want and requires very little from me. I tried adw many times, but always go back.
I wish it would allow you to change the launcher background color and transparency though, like adw.
I was not a fan of changing my desktop from 4x4... Everything seemed weird at 5x5 for me.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
I love launcherpro, the dev is constantly improving it and now we have a side-scrollable dock with 10 extra buttons, it really is amazing.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
After realizing ADW is open source and Launcher pro is not, I'm sticking with ADW.
It'd be nice if you could just switch launchers without setting EVERYTHING up again... Widgets, apps... I'm using LauncherPro right now, it's really nice.. Haven't tried ADW yet, but perhaps I will sometime.
I use adw and love it! I think that it is much cleaner and more "android" looking. The adw dev just released an update today that made it WAY more stable.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
ADW FTW! i have both and constantly switching too, but i like adw best
Launcher Pro. I hate ADW launcher for some reason..
I have been using ADW and decided to try launcher pro after reading this thread. They both seem to be doing a great job. They have introduced unique ideas to almost same tasks.
If the developers of both the launchers are reading this forum, please try to see if you guys can collaborate.
Both are amazing!!
And it´s freaking great, that we can choose, what we wanna use!
Android & Android Devs rock !!!!****
I use ADW Launcher because it's open source
But Launcher Pro is very good too
I to really like ADW and especially the open source side of things
However one feature i really like on LP is the screen selector notifier bar thingy at the bottom that's real nice
but still ADW is my launcher of choice! and i only just found out about the swiping up on the bottom thing yesterday! even though that's probably been in a few versions
LauncherPro.
JCopernicus said:
After realizing ADW is open source and Launcher pro is not, I'm sticking with ADW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to move away from the topic.. but I have to ask someone...
What is this instant diversion people have to closed-source software?
Just because something is open-sourced doesn't mean it is instantly better than the competition, or does it?
I myself have both installed, I switch back and forth - generally with new updates to check them out. Right now, ADW is my default, the custom widget sizes makes using a 6x6 layout possible. Which rocks!
But, LauncherPro has some great features, and is equally as good a product.
(This is not my Mod and all credit and thanks should go to XDA member, AnderWeb)
If at all possible lets keep development going by donating so he can keep releasing newer versions. Here is his direct quote:
"Also if anyone wants to donate me to buying ice-creams for my son, do it here"
Id definitely recommend ADW Launcher which has had a ton of development work done already and works perfectly with my Captivate.
On top of that there are a lot of themes that can install on top of it if you'd like.
Search for "ADW.Launcher" by AnderWeb on the market.
* Free
* Developer: AnderWeb <---- He is awesome!
* Category: Productivity
* Size: 1312 KB
* Downloads: 50,000-250,000
* Last Update: 12NOV2010 - Updated frequently
Changelog, Downloads & usage instructions/information
Check them here
To each his own "Best".
I prefer LauncherPro much more than any of the other launchers I have tried. IMHO Its much more visually appealing. It also works perfectly on my Captivate. ADW is a close second tho and does things for free you have to pay for with LP.
Well like you said we all have our favorites.
I enjoy that I can have my customized shortcuts to my favorite apps while saving screen space.
I've noticed a speed increase after switching over from stock as well.
Absolutely the best, I like the look of launcher pro but there are good themes on adw. I also like the home key binding and gesture features on adw.
Using adw and a notification bar launcher program is really simplifying my phone.
Now I wish we could change the binding for the menu key long press, I have a search button why do I need another?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897
Not to be a little overwhelmed but it feels like you're spamming this around the board D: .. there's one in android developer AND now in themes D: ..
again ADW is amazing.
darkamikaze said:
Not to be a little overwhelmed but it feels like you're spamming this around the board D: .. there's one in android developer AND now in themes D: ..
again ADW is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its kinda sketchy, its considered a Mod by some and other members consider it as simply an App.
Under these conditions its definitely not spamming.
I don't see on Earth how this is a mod. It's open-source and built off of the standard android launcher I believe, so it may be considered a mod of that, but there's nothing captivate specific going on, so feel free to advocate it as a great launcher in this apps section or even general
there have been plenty of discussions about launcherpro, adw, helix, zeam already... nothing about the development of this applies specifically to the captivate
Kaik541 said:
I don't see on Earth how this is a mod. It's open-source and built off of the standard android launcher I believe, so it may be considered a mod of that, but there's nothing captivate specific going on, so feel free to advocate it as a great launcher in this apps section or even general
there have been plenty of discussions about launcherpro, adw, helix, zeam already... nothing about the development of this applies specifically to the captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'Mod' as in 'Modify' your Launcher and use this alternative if you desire.
legend221 said:
'Mod' as in 'Modify' your Launcher and use this alternative if you desire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no modification being done to the touchwiz launcher though. this is, at best, modifying your default settings since when you install it and click the "home" button, it has cleared your touchwiz defaults
HAHAHA! I didn't know this was going to cause such a heated debate.
Let others know of this App/Mod (people that don't read every single post within XDA)
Sad...
legend221 said:
HAHAHA! I didn't know this was going to cause such a heated debate.
Let others know of this App/Mod (people that don't read every single post within XDA)
Sad...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not a debate, this just isn't a MOD and it's a bit misrepresentative of what this is. it's a very useful tool (that's been discussed in these forums a lot already). if you want to spread the word, you're in the right place for it. it was "spamming" it to the captivate android development section that I feel irked most people
edit: I should also mention this is easily and readily available in the market... people looking for different launchers will most likely find it there and may never even learn of XDA... my bad in assuming people on XDA should be knowledgeable for knowing the difference between a MOD and an APP or even that there are MANY different launcher options available
Kaik541 said:
it's not a debate, this just isn't a MOD and it's a bit misrepresentative of what this is. it's a very useful tool (that's been discussed in these forums a lot already). if you want to spread the word, you're in the right place for it. it was "spamming" it to the captivate android development section that I feel irked most people
edit: I should also mention this is easily and readily available in the market... people looking for different launchers will most likely find it there and may never even learn of XDA... my bad in assuming people on XDA should be knowledgeable for knowing the difference between a MOD and an APP or even that there are MANY different launcher options available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps youre right.
Ive deleted the info regarding this Market App from the Development section.
Hopefully the thread gets deleted quickly.
ADW Launcher is an amazing Launcher Replacement and I don't want it to be downplayed less than less than what it really is.
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I don't think it warrants a new thread...
I can't find ADW.launcher in the market. All I find is the themes. I've read that on different phones some people can not see certain apps, but other people with captivates have obviously found it. I've used both the default market app and the Appbrain app.
CaptivatedChaos said:
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I don't think it warrants a new thread...
I can't find ADW.launcher in the market. All I find is the themes. I've read that on different phones some people can not see certain apps, but other people with captivates have obviously found it. I've used both the default market app and the Appbrain app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On a Market search, type "ADW.Launcher" and you should be set.
legend221 said:
On a Market search, type "ADW.Launcher" and you should be set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or just use barcode scanner and scan this:
I've tried all of this before, but it worked this time. Lol -so strange. Thanks for the help.
There's some things I like about ADW launcher, but I wish they would put a scrollable dock and the ability to manually change icons (rather than just a theme) in there. Then I might switch. Of course, there are other features of LP I like to, like the swipe actions on each icon.
E_man5112 said:
There's some things I like about ADW launcher, but I wish they would put a scrollable dock and the ability to manually change icons (rather than just a theme) in there. Then I might switch. Of course, there are other features of LP I like to, like the swipe actions on each icon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uhmm.. there's a very nice dock on ADW.
mm try pressing the application button and drag it up.. you'll open another dock.. where you can put whatever and how many dock icons you desire..
and you can change icons.. (it's fairly new though) you hold your desktop and and click custom shortcut..
darkamikaze said:
uhmm.. there's a very nice dock on ADW.
mm try pressing the application button and drag it up.. you'll open another dock.. where you can put whatever and how many dock icons you desire..
and you can change icons.. (it's fairly new though) you hold your desktop and and click custom shortcut..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, that's pretty good. How do you get back out of the other dock. I tried swiping every which way, and couldn't do it, lol.
Will have to play around, might be time to change. Hmmm.
You swipe down instead of up..I have mine set up in a way where I do a gesture anywhere on the screen that goes up and it toggles between the two docks
Sent from xdaApp - Captivate
Hey all you D3 users. Just wondering if you use a 3rd party launcher and if so, which one and why? Prior to getting the D3 I was using a D2 flashed with Squidly's ROM, which uses ADW. I liked ADW well enough, but I'd like to hear from you all about the launcher you chose and why. Any issues installing a new launcher to the D3? Please post your recommendations, reasons and tips! Thanks!
Hi there.
Personally I am sticking with ADW launcher, paid version. It's extremely fast, has a tons of themes, and highly customizable to my liking.
If you like ADW that came with the rom or as a separate download I would suggest the paid version since you get the most up to date code, bug fixes, and performance enhancements, not to mention so extras here and there.
Works great also on my Xoom
I did have OpenHome 6 and 5 for a while but those were unbearably slow on the D2, and then they got kicked out of the market for some reason.
I agree with jediman. I like ADW launcher a lot. Themes being a big part of it.
I also use it on my NookColor.
Cool, maybe I will try ADW on the D3. Did you guys have any issues installing ADW on the D3? Did you need root? Were you rooted anyway prior to the install?
If you're not into themes but want the most features for free, LauncherPro is the best.
For speed and minimal features, ZeamLauncher.
Customization/speed can swing from GoLauncher to ADW
pick your poison (I use LauncherPro)
Personally I love Launcher Pro. I use the paid version, mostly cause I resize a lot of widgets, not sure anymore if the free version will back up your launcher either now... it's been so long since i've used the normal version.
LP's really customization and easy to do so. But it's all really just a preference thing like bobberb said, pick your poison!
Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll just have to pick one and try it out! Will report back on the one I picked.
g3m1n1 said:
Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll just have to pick one and try it out! Will report back on the one I picked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally use GoLauncher along with the CyanogenMod theme. Looks sweet and simple, and I love the blue/green color tone. Super snappy and fast, very little widget/homescreen redraw, even after heavy app usage.
I used to love LauncherPro, but as of a few months ago it seems as though the Dev stopped updating and responding to complaints. It's a shame considering it was the best 3rd party launcher on the Market.
I used ADW for a while and it has a ton of customization. The only reason I didn't stick with it is because I hate the dock button setup.
SPB Shell 3D v1.2.2 now supports the D3
I have a Dx2
I dl'ed spb shell 3d v1.2.2. And w/ frozen mkt and airplane on did a diy trial.
Liked it so much I did the email buy off the dev.s webpage. Dx is supported while Dx2 is not(yet) so there is no mkt support. Mine is V122 bld 20139
link for dl, just freeze mkt and maybe put in AP mode
http://spb.com/android-software/shell/current-version
I'm on ADW EX, but I really want the launcher that comes with CM7 again.
Go Launcher. I have all the launchers. GO Launcher combines the best of ADW and LP.
Heelfan71 said:
Go Launcher. I have all the launchers. GO Launcher combines the best of ADW and LP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, and of all launchers, its stock setup is probably the best too.
Heelfan71 said:
Go Launcher. I have all the launchers. GO Launcher combines the best of ADW and LP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, and GO Launcher is all good on the D3? No issues?
I've been using go launcher for around 3 weeks now along with go sms. Both come with major improvements over stock. I haven't used adw or lancher pro on the d3 yet but I have on my hd2 and I prefer go. I've had no issues thus far I highly recommend em. Waiting for cyanogen and all the other customs once we get access.
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App
No issues that I have seen thus far. Although, with ADW I was occasionally getting the dock bar dissappearing and not being able to get it back until after a reboot. Probably just an issue with me though.
I'm a ADW Fan too.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14612246/CAP201109062107.png
brandonmangan said:
I've been using go launcher for around 3 weeks now along with go sms. Both come with major improvements over stock. I haven't used adw or lancher pro on the d3 yet but I have on my hd2 and I prefer go. I've had no issues thus far I highly recommend em. Waiting for cyanogen and all the other customs once we get access.
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BRO, you need to change that sig!
bgdwiepp said:
No issues that I have seen thus far. Although, with ADW I was occasionally getting the dock bar dissappearing and not being able to get it back until after a reboot. Probably just an issue with me though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i get that issue too..
I have become a big fan of GoLauncher. The developer is always updating it with more and more improvements about every couple of weeks. I have tried them all and alway go back to GoLauncher.
Sent from my Rooted Droid3 using XDA App
I have been using Launcher Pro for a long time now. Had it on my D1 too. I like being able to resize the widgets. I also like its built in widgets for Twitter and Facebook.
Just a little poll to know what you guys think about skins/custom UIs that are supposed to simulate future/specific ROMs.
Doesnt matter if it's Launchers, Skins for launchers, skins for ...whatever really.
You will see them around in most developer forums. The more popular ones are Sense and nowadays there is loads of ICS Skins popping up aswell
I think they are skins to emulate future mobile operating systems and give you a taste of what to expect visually.
Took a while for the poll to appear VOTE! It's free and ... that's all.
It's good that they're there. That's what Android is about anyways. Fully customizable.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Had to choose the top one.
"Simulate ROMs" makes little sense to me, seeing as custom launchers are standalone apps often Packard with ROMs. Just because I use adw doesn't mean I'm 'simulating' cyanogenmod.
Having a custom launcher themed like stock is nothing odd, in fact this is what I've always done. Custom launchers are better than stock, most of the time, but stock (be it stock android or stock sense, ect) are aesthetically really nice. I want my phone to look nice and have superior functionality, so I use a home screen replacement.
My phone is currently running ICS-lookalike ADWex. Why? Cuz I think ICS looks great, adw is an incredibly functional and feature-filled launcher, and I can't get ICS for my phone anyways.
*silence of the lambs joke here* HAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUOvS7X9_2Q&feature=related
mmmm fava beans.
Not actually gonna vote on the poll as there is no answer that suits me. I don't use themes to emulate ROMs, but I don't think they're immature.
When I first switched to androids from iPhones (I still feel dirty for being so loyal to iOS for so long...) and looked into launchers I was steered toward Nova launcher. I found it to be pretty nice and functional but wasn't sure what all the fuss about it being the best launcher was. I was told that Next 3D Launcher would destroy my battery life and hog system resources along with not being all that customizable. Well, after installing it on my S5 G900A I haven't found any of the claims to be anywhere near true.
My battery life has been more than fine, it runs as smooth as a baby's powdered bottom, and I can use all widgets and customize everything from page transitions to "flat" 3D to full 3D. I feel like it has an infinitely more unique look and functionality compared to Nova launcher and while I won't say that Nova is 'stale', to me it feels like everyone has it and therefore the wow-factor of how awesome its supposed to be is greatly diminished.
I love Next 3D and wholeheartedly suggest it as a more than viable alternative to Nova.
Too expensive for what ya get.... Nova is better on the wallet and third party support...just change the theme and it's like a whole new launcher.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
+1 for Nova. Great option.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I agree with OP. Next launcher is awesome. Well worth the money.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Nova for free is great, themes work across many of the launchers and icon packs for that matter.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Both Launchers are really great at what they do. They both focus on two different aspects of launchers. I will say this, No one has ever asked about my phone (Galaxy s5 active) launcher when I have Nova on it. However when they see the 3d the questions and double takes come. However as fluid and perfect as Nova runs you can't dismiss it.
Only qualm about the 3d launcher is it's 16.99 and then they still have the nerve to charge you for add ons like themes and such. Kind of turning me off to the perception of greed with the Go Launcher Dev team.
imwillzillla said:
Both Launchers are really great at what they do. They both focus on two different aspects of launchers. I will say this, No one has ever asked about my phone (Galaxy s5 active) launcher when I have Nova on it. However when they see the 3d the questions and double takes come. However as fluid and perfect as Nova runs you can't dismiss it.
Only qualm about the 3d launcher is it's 16.99 and then they still have the nerve to charge you for add ons like themes and such. Kind of turning me off to the perception of greed with the Go Launcher Dev team.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said..i already paid good for phone I'm not dishing out tons more for a launcher!! NOVA ALL THE WAY
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
What a themer guys?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
imwillzillla said:
Both Launchers are really great at what they do. They both focus on two different aspects of launchers. I will say this, No one has ever asked about my phone (Galaxy s5 active) launcher when I have Nova on it. However when they see the 3d the questions and double takes come. However as fluid and perfect as Nova runs you can't dismiss it.
Only qualm about the 3d launcher is it's 16.99 and then they still have the nerve to charge you for add ons like themes and such. Kind of turning me off to the perception of greed with the Go Launcher Dev team.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well said...
Thank you Sir...g
Hey OP:
Just curious.....Why did you put [THEME] in the thread title?
Next launcher 3D is a great launcher. I used it for about a year and was very pleased with it.
I use Apex Launcher pretty much NOVA
Yeah I prefer Apex.
Tapped It!
I discovered Epic Android Learn launcher and have been using it over Nova lately. It is, of course, a more AOSP feel like Google Launcher.
Personally, I used Next 3D on my Note 3 and my S5 Active without battery drain or glitches. Love it!
I am new to this but I am looking for a great launcher for my s5 01A. Any advice would be appreciated. I am looking for a new rom as well. Are there certain launchers that work only with certain themes or are the launchers universal of the OS just depends on phone? Thank you.
I have very recently tried a whole slew of launchers - giving each one about 12 hours of rigorous beating.
I looked at the pro paid versions of Apex, Nova, Next, Go, SPB, and TSF as well as several free/trial versions of a few others I quickly uninstalled and deleted. In each case I downloaded everything there was available from the developer /for/ the launcher in question as well as 8 or 10 of the top rated themes (which also happened to appeal to me). I literally spent every waking hour of an 8 or 9 consecutive day period doing nothing but installing Launchers, setting up any and all widgets made specifically for them (or my own 3rd party favorites to fill any holes), populating home-panels, checking out icon packs, and learning & getting used to the specialties offered by each. I did this all in 4.4.2 (KitKat) on the 7" screen of my Sharp SH-06F.
I agree with @imwillzillla about the difference between Nova and Next. They are completely different types of products even though they are both Launchers. Or maybe I should say they each appeal to a totally different kind of user. If I were to compare them directly I would need use subjective and flowery language- maybe something like:
Nova is everything you think your phone should have shipped with...
Next is allot of what you dream your phone will be like in the future...
Personally I like futuristic dazzle (being a retired CG artist) so Next was totally my cup of tea! Man that thing rocks! But I dunno if I would be using it to manage a company or as my daily scheduler if I were a corporate CEO - although... Next actually gives you (essentially) two launchers for the price of one and the 2D one would work fine for a "salaryman" (maybe "business jock" in western vernacular?).
I didn't really care for Nova as much as the TSF, Go, or Apex Launchers. Nova felt ummm, a bit antiquated maybe. None of these /launchers/ noticeably eat battery power more or less than the others - but some of the widgets sure do. For example the Next Music Player has a full screen widget which when the "Gravity" feature is turned on is like something out of "Alice In Wonderland" - you almost want to reach into and behind the graphics it's so parallaxically (my new word) convincing! Leaving that widget displayed with the screen set to 100% brightness and screen Sleep turned completely OFF cut my battery life to 12 hours. Displaying a different home panel with "Gravity" turned off it lasts about 16 hours. Setting the screen to Sleep in 5min and using the phone only 5 or 10 times in a day it lasts about 50 hours. As an MP3 player using the Next Player without the widget in my back pocket or on my desk the battery lasts juuuust 60 hours.
- That's all with WiFi on, BlueTooth off, GPS off, and using wired headphones or a cable to my HiFi rig (no phone internal speakers).
rpaulin said:
I am new to this but I am looking for a great launcher for my s5 01A. Any advice would be appreciated. I am looking for a new rom as well. Are there certain launchers that work only with certain themes or are the launchers universal of the OS just depends on phone? Thank you.
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Hi Paul,
The answer to you first question depends what is you want and expect from the launcher. Pretty much all of them are improvements over what the S5 ships with. Most of them offer things like custom folders, multi-select, different wipes, and alternative icon sets. With a few of them I have found that you can install their custom icon sets, then uninstall the launcher and the custom icon remain - so there may be generic custom icon packs which work on any or most launchers - including the default ones your phone came with.
Some of the better launchers embed a video presentation of their launcher in action directly into their play-store download page which is a pretty good way of guessing at whether or not you might wanna try that particular one. If the Launcher's DL page doesn't have a video then YouTube usually does. In my case I used both resources and and watched at lease 30min. of video in total of each before I went for the install action. You can see from the above post which ones I went for after that initial research step. After purchasing and installing six different launchers and all of their associated proprietary widgets & etc. I found the Next 3D Shell Launcher to be the best fit for me. Configured like a wildman it's pretty over the top. I wanted a launcher that had all the bells and whistles AND impressed the heck out of whoever might be looking on - including me. A conversation starter if you will. In that regard Next Launcher delivers in spades! My phone is about 2/3 the speed of yours or even slightly less and Next is very smooth on it. But anyway, that's what I wanted out of it - you may have a completely different set of expectations and desires so you need to ask yourself.
Feel free to ask me any questions about any of the ones I listed above. It might take me a few days to see and answer the question but I'll be happy to do so.
On your second question it seems that there is no dependency on a particular ROM by any given Launcher - they all just work. Some require a specific minimum version of Android but the S5 I believe is installed with the very newest Android version so no problems for you there. A few launchers have some functions available only if Root access is available so rooting your S5 might be a consideration if you want or need those functions. The ones I noticed weren't of any significant advantage so I didn't look into rooting my device. And lastly some Launchers have some trouble with some specific phone models. For example there used to be problems with Next on a few of the Samsung phones but that's been addressed already - etc..
One thing to really look into IMO is how much free stuff there is available for the specific launcher and how much requires payment - and I don't really mean icon sets and themes as much as I do custom widgets or tools etc. which are designed to work exclusively with the Launcher in question. If you click on the company name of the developer for the Launcher you're interested in (at the playstore) - that usually calls up a list of items that will tell you what you want to know here.
L8r, again, feel free to ask anything and have fun trying stuff out!
Can we add labels to the dock apps and add extra rows and columns like Nova Launcher?
StormChaser83 said:
Can we add labels to the dock apps and add extra rows and columns like Nova Launcher?
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Yes you can , I haven't found anything next 3d couldn't do . Plus there are hundreds of themes and widgets t choose from and most are free . I couldn't go back to using my phone without it , I had to wipe everything and my phone wasn't the same without it.
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