Database Develop

Best Launcher?

Hey guys,
Be honest, which of these three launcher do you prefer and WHY?
1.) ADW.Launcher (not EX)
2.) LauncherPro (not plus)
3.) Go Launcher EX
Which one do you guys use and why?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Personally I like the stock Launcher2. You may find this thread helpful even though it's a bit dated: [Poll] New Launcher...

I have LPP, I think without the plus you just don't get the widgets??? (I don't use them anyway).
I tried ADW a while ago and I like LP, but I didn't find TOO much difference. I find LP to basically be stock but has more features (transitions, landscape). It's fast, and for me, like I said, I just keep it looking mostly like stock.

In adw you could resize Widgets while in launcher pro (free) you can't. That is sort of a big thing. In the other hand you don't get screen transitions in adw. Go launcher takes paid thing from both and makes it free. I try all of them but I find myself changing them constantly.
Which do you guys prefer?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Shivammcool said:
Which one is better? (Don't say personal preference)
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Click to collapse
But it really is personal preference. I personally love ADW (and love ADW EX even more which I bought to support the dev... the extra features are just a bonus). I find it much better and more intuitive than both the stock launcher in Android and Launcher Pro. I have never tried Go EX because I am perfectly happy with what I have. Certain options may be a must-have for some, while others will never use it (like I never use widget resizing).
I know many people who can't stand ADW and love Launcher Pro. There is no quantifiable proof saying one is better than the other that applies to everyone. It is like saying Sense is better than stock. For some it is, for some it isn't (I can't stand Sense, but my buddy misses it even though he loves CM7 more than his stock experience). The same goes for MIUI vs CM.
This is the beauty of Android. There isn't just one cookie cutter design that everyone has to learn to live with. You can try different things and make the decision for yourself (or constantly change if you can't make a decision).

None of the above...I prefer the lightness of Zeam!

galaxys said:
None of the above...I prefer the lightness of Zeam!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why?
See everyone...this is what I want...peoples opinion ....
What makes zeam stand out?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

There's pleanty of prior & current discussion (2,000 posts) on Zeam's thread...check it out:
here

Shivammcool said:
In adw you could resize Widgets while in launcher pro (free) you can't. That is sort of a big thing. In the other hand you don't get screen transitions in adw. Go launcher takes paid thing from both and makes it free. I try all of them but I find myself changing them constantly.
Which one is better? (Don't say personal preference)
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it's personal preference. A good example is that I don't care about resizing widgets. No widgets I use need to be resized. I, personally, don't prefer those kinds of widgets. But I can see how someone else might.

brettbellaire said:
Of course it's personal preference. A good example is that I don't care about resizing widgets. No widgets I use need to be resized. I, personally, don't prefer those kinds of widgets. But I can see how someone else might.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess......there's like only 2/3 Widgets that I sometimes resize
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Shivammcool said:
I guess......there's like only 2/3 Widgets that I sometimes resize
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had a tablet with 3.1, I'd put up some widgets and resize them, but on my phone I just prefer to open an app.
BUUUT, to me that's the point of a thread like this. Get everyone else's personal preference, and decide which one best suits your needs.

brettbellaire said:
BUUUT, to me that's the point of a thread like this. Get everyone else's personal preference, and decide which one best suits your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah....well said......I would like everyone to say something why they use the launcher they use
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I would reword your reply (or original post) saying that you don't want people to JUST say it is personal preference. And that you are wondering the reasons why people prefer the launcher that they do.
The way you asked made it seem like you were looking for a definitive "best" launcher, which there isn't one launcher that will fill that for everyone.

Number 2 becuz its so customizable and it fits what i want
Sent from my Arc using XDA premium App

Now that i've finally tried it i can't believe i waited so long to install Launcher Pro. It really is so much better than the other Launchers i've used. Launcher Pro is to Launchers what Cyanogenmod is to ROMs.

bassmadrigal said:
I would reword your reply (or original post) saying that you don't want people to JUST say it is personal preference. And that you are wondering the reasons why people prefer the launcher that they do.
The way you asked made it seem like you were looking for a definitive "best" launcher, which there isn't one launcher that will fill that for everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok....its changed
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

DirkGently1 said:
Launcher Pro is to Launchers what Cyanogenmod is to ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deep
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

In term of 'free' features, which has more. ..(not including go ex)
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

What I like in a launcher is speed going to all apps, back home, going to menu... I hate when it lags and redraws the icons or something.
I've been using go ex for a while and now I've changed to launcher pro and now I think I'll try Zeam (looks like the lighter).
In term of features I think ADW is the one with more options

GO launcher EX
Reasons:
1) allows you to create folders in you app drawer.
2) allows you to hide apps from the app drawer ( i think launcher pro does too)
3) you can do gestures on the home screen
4) scrollable dock with as many as 3 rows
5) you can have notifications on the dock

[Q] More than 5 Home Screens?

I was wondering if there was a way to change the number of screens on the Droid 3's motoblur. I noticed the welcome video had 7 screens and that sounds perfect to me. Also, does motoblur no longer have profiles? I'd love a work/home profile for apps.
-cm

It's not Motoblur, whats on this Droid!
More homescreens means another installing launcher I think...

I would also like to figure this out, I only want 3 screens, 5 its more than I need
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App

I prefer one screen myself, with my most used apps nearest the bottom + the dock buttons. I use Launcher Pro for that. Launcher pro also allows me to hide over 30 stock apps that I don't want to see. LP will allow for up to 7 screens.

CLB-NL said:
It's not Motoblur, whats on this Droid!
More homescreens means another installing launcher I think...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to agree with it not being Blur, but if you go to the Files app, Internal Storage->Android->data, and scroll down the list, one of the folders is for an app named 'com.motorola.blur.home'... hmm... I wonder what that could be It seems Motorola themselves just wants to move away from the name, but they can't seem to update their apps to reflect that

I was running 1 screen for a while on my OG, and loved that set up, but I'm using more widgets now than I was then. And until I can use that sweet quick contacts widget in LP, I'm stuck with the blur.
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App

Home launcher options

hey all,
I am running the tiamat hammerhead rom... I like it but right now there are not too many great themes for the xoom. A few color changing ones and the touchwiz port which i did like, but im down for something more. The best way to go about this short of doing my own theme is to get a good home launcher and use some custom animations and icon packs...
Here is the rub.. A lot of the home launchers are too phone-ish.. If that makes sense. Any suggestions? I was partial to ADW ex launcher but i looove the stock launching set-up. I mostly would like to maybe change animations, speeds, etc, but most importantly use icon packs. Any ideas for me or suggestions on good launchers with a stock home screen feel? I dont want my xoom to have a home screen like a giant phone lol

I just stick to stock until someone makes a launcher for honeycomb

Kippui said:
I just stick to stock until someone makes a launcher for honeycomb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol i guess that will be the case. No one has any advice...

I would recommend ADW EX, but since it hasn't been updated in 3 months and isn't fully compatible with 3.2...

Yeah adw ex doesn't work well with 3.2 at the moment. I believe the older adw (non ex) works but u gotta find an .apk for that
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

ryan562 said:
Yeah adw ex doesn't work well with 3.2 at the moment. I believe the older adw (non ex) works but u gotta find an .apk for that
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I had adw at first but was disappointed in the phone type lay out... Oh well...I will wait for a better option and let this thread die LOL

ryan562 said:
Yeah adw ex doesn't work well with 3.2 at the moment. I believe the older adw (non ex) works but u gotta find an .apk for that
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, imo, ADW EX works great, so smooth with my config and I like having 6 screens. ADW settings is mostly disabled, meaning I can't change the size of icons, basically. But everything else works really well.

okantomi said:
Not true, imo, ADW EX works great, so smooth with my config and I like having 6 screens. ADW settings is mostly disabled, meaning I can't change the size of icons, basically. But everything else works really well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me not being able to access those settings is killer and which is why i don't use it at the moment.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App

ryan562 said:
Well for me not being able to access those settings is killer and which is why i don't use it at the moment.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thy made a 3.2 compatible version today... Still not all the way there in my opinion and quirky as anderweb releases tend to be at first until they find all the bugs. Props to them for the effort but i am still not sold. Gonna have to just try the stargate theme coming out soon! Which looks badass!

[Q] Anyone using Themer?

I just saw this newly developed app, Themer: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer&hl=en
Is anyone using it? How does it work? I guess the easiest solution is just to install it. But the waiting list is so long. I want to know if this app can install a homescreen theme without purchasing the apps that the original designers used. Thanks.

Looks like you can do the same stuff with exposed framework
Sent on my Moto X

yeah. I am using it. waiting for more themes. I check it every couple of days to see if I like any of them.

I'm not 100% sure what will happen if you get a theme that used widgets you don't have. The themes that come preinstalled use Themer widgets that come with the launcher so they work out of the box on any phone. One of the widgets is very powerful like uccw.
Sent from my Moto X.

Well, the waiting period was shortened. With this code "MSTRCD" I was able to use Themer...after five minutes, I decided to uninstall it for such reasons as: 1, not really customizable after I applied a theme. For instance, I cannot resize a widget. 2, There is no simple way to switch a default app if I change my mind later.
Themer indeed can do multiple homescreens. But again, it is hard to Create anything new.
So far, the major downside of Buzz is it consumes more rams than Themer.
If you are interested in using it now, I got the code from here: http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/10/10/grab-this-themer-beta-invite-code-good-for-40000-uses-and-help-mycolorscreen-test-its-beefed-up-servers/

freeintruth said:
I guess I am just trying to see the main difference between Themer and Buzz launcher. With Buzz, for the widgets to work, which I do not already have, I need to download them. Some recent screens on mycolorscreen require Zooper Widget that costs $2...and Buzz cannot yet do the overlapping widgets. I wonder Themer can actually solve all of them together and remain to be free.
Oh, forgot to ask one more question: the biggest thing with Buzz, for me at least, is to be able to have multiple wallpapers. Can Themer do various homescreens in case I like three or four screens?
Thanks guys for the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet most people that build themes will use the included widgets and other built-in features. You can have as many pages you want and can have different wallpapers for each of them. Have a look at this video about how to theme with Themer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kJUZM0Vl3Ys

Its cool. Just needs more themes!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I just got it set up yesterday. It's a really cool concept and it works as advertised but there just aren't any themes that I like at the moment. I'm sure once it's out of beta a ton of themes will pop up.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I've had it for about a week and I like it. Like said above , it needs more themes but that will most likely not be a problem when it is out of beta. And to the post above it is actually still very customizable. More that the stock launcher but not as much as something like nova. I am impressed by it and can't wait to see what they bring in the future.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

KNiGHTx4 said:
I've had it for about a week and I like it. Like said above , it needs more themes but that will most likely not be a problem when it is out of beta. And to the post above it is actually still very customizable. More that the stock launcher but not as much as something like nova. I am impressed by it and can't wait to see what they bring in the future.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I prefer nova for now. Maybe once some more themes are out I'll switch over.
Sent from my Moto X using XDA Premium

Got a free code for Themer: TJMUH7. Enjoy

I tried it, but concluded that Themer is basically for the less experienced and the lazy users. The biggest problem with it is that it requires you to set it as your default launcher, which means that you lose all the useful features of nova launcher or whatever custom launcher you had before. No matter how simple it is to switch themes, the launcher is too important to the overall android experience to replace it.
With that said, if you take the time, you can port whatever full theme you like from mycolorscreen.com using the appropriate apps and get proper theming without replacing your launcher. Personally, themes are not a big deal because I feel like I will get bored of it very quickly. So I just stick with changing the wallpaper once a week and call it day.

Its a pretty cool app that makes theming your phone really easy by just selecting the theme, downloading it, then apply. It's kind of like the MIUI theme app but I think that was for just lock screens. There was a couple really neat themes I liked, I just couldnt sacrifice all of my nova launcher settings for this launcher. Plus having quick access to my most frequently used apps on the desktop was a must.

Was but the themes sometimes are more restrictive than I would like

AndreaCristiano said:
Was but the themes sometimes are more restrictive than I would like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^
I've only been using it for a few hours and as much as I love the look, I don't know if I can sacrifice the function of Apex/Nova.

AndreaCristiano said:
Was but the themes sometimes are more restrictive than I would like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cc16177 said:
This^
I've only been using it for a few hours and as much as I love the look, I don't know if I can sacrifice the function of Apex/Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I would like to see gestures and more transition animations added to Themer. What functions are you guys missing?

mentose457 said:
I know I would like to see gestures and more transition animations added to Themer. What functions are you guys missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically the themes sometimes are too all encompassing

AndreaCristiano said:
Basically the themes sometimes are too all encompassing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Why not make your own? There are some really nice features. The themer everything widget just like uccw but imo better implemented. You can easily, without another app, set different wallpapers for each page. I'm pretty optimistic that it will turn into a great launcher, possibly better than the competition.

mentose457 said:
I agree. Why not make your own? There are some really nice features. The themer everything widget just like uccw but imo better implemented. You can easily, without another app, set different wallpapers for each page. I'm pretty optimistic that it will turn into a great launcher, possibly better than the competition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible we will see

gunnyman said:
yeah. I am using it. waiting for more themes. I check it every couple of days to see if I like any of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you find something you like, you CAN spend a few minutes to tweak it to your liking. I found one and changed the background to black - bam! Done.
mentose457 said:
I'm not 100% sure what will happen if you get a theme that used widgets you don't have. The themes that come preinstalled use Themer widgets that come with the launcher so they work out of the box on any phone. One of the widgets is very powerful like uccw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. IIRC simiclock/simitext are two examples. They are automagically there.
eyeisdasteve said:
Its cool. Just needs more themes!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, it was about a five minute learning curve, without looking at the tutorial to start making my own, BASED off of what I downloaded.
_MetalHead_ said:
I just got it set up yesterday. It's a really cool concept and it works as advertised but there just aren't any themes that I like at the moment. I'm sure once it's out of beta a ton of themes will pop up.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I specifically like the theme "Now" and turned the background black. Download something close to what you like and then head to the latrine for a deuce. You will leave with something you can work with.
mentose457 said:
I know I would like to see gestures and more transition animations added to Themer. What functions are you guys missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They just removed this from the voting yesterday, maybe they are adding this in soon?
I ultimately stopped using themer for the time being due to lack of functionality with G+ and Hangouts. I really like the unread SMS and Email counter that you can add (like I did with my modified "Now" theme), but something similar should/could be added for G+, Hangouts and surely other things that people use (voice, skype, IRC...)
BTW, I have nothing to do with this app. I'm fighting my hardest to stay stock/unrooted with my Moto X and themer is pretty nice helper when I start to get bored.

Nova launcher.. I don't see what all the fuss it?

So I'm trying nova launcher instead of Touchwiz. I honestly do not see what the fuss is. The only thing I like is the ability to move the app drawer button to the center of the dock. After that, I see no speed difference or awesome features.
I know most people seem to like it, but I just dont see it. Am I missing something?

LOTS of customizations.
Resizing of all third party apps
Resizing of the desktop and drawer
Font customization
Lollipop animations
Custom Google search widget
Custom animation speed
Forced landscape mode
And many more. ..
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

hendog4385 said:
LOTS of customizations.
Resizing of all third party apps
Resizing of the desktop and drawer
Font customization
Lollipop animations
Custom Google search widget
Custom animation speed
Forced landscape mode
And many more. ..
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
there is no questions any custom launcher bring added functionality. I personally can't live without a 5x5 grid, badge notification on almost any app and a vertical scroll drawer. The lollipop animations are also pretty cool

You my friend must be using a different version then all of us. So many features. Blows tw away by miles.
BAD ASS NOTE 4

Araltd said:
So I'm trying nova launcher instead of Touchwiz. I honestly do not see what the fuss is. The only thing I like is the ability to move the app drawer button to the center of the dock. After that, I see no speed difference or awesome features.
I know most people seem to like it, but I just dont see it. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you joking? You must be joking

So there is a bit of a learning curve to using a launcher if you are new to them. For Nova I would focus on the items I starred in the screen shots below. Play around with it. You will see the benefits, trust us.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

ShrekOpher said:
So there is a bit of a learning curve to using a launcher if you are new to them. For Nova I would focus on the items I starred in the screen shots below. Play around with it. You will see the benefits, trust us.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that was the kind of answer I was hoping for.

ShrekOpher said:
So there is a bit of a learning curve to using a launcher if you are new to them. For Nova I would focus on the items I starred in the screen shots below. Play around with it. You will see the benefits, trust us.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome that you did that.

My personal favorite is assigning Shortcuts to App Icon swipe up. (Direct Dial Wife on swipe up of Phone Icon)

Araltd said:
So I'm trying nova launcher instead of Touchwiz. I honestly do not see what the fuss is. The only thing I like is the ability to move the app drawer button to the center of the dock. After that, I see no speed difference or awesome features.
I know most people seem to like it, but I just dont see it. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing icons individually or as a pack, multiple docks, transition effects, size of icons can be changed, swipe action for individual icons, folders can be changed, several add ons suchs as unread counts, now comes the final question - did you use the pay or the free version. A lot of the really cool stuff is only available in a paid version and trust me it is lightning fast compared to touchwiz.

I'm using nova prime. I'm still learning, this is the first time I've ever used anything other than what was baked into whatever Rom I was using. My last phone was the s3 and Darth stalker had the Xperia launcher I think... I've been using touchwiz was the last month, I just didn't like the menu (app draw) key on the right side.

Araltd said:
I'm using nova prime. I'm still learning, this is the first time I've ever used anything other than what was baked into whatever Rom I was using. My last phone was the s3 and Darth stalker had the Xperia launcher I think... I've been using touchwiz was the last month, I just didn't like the menu (app draw) key on the right side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it looks like nova has been great for you. Even answered your question in the other thread for what you wanted. Say NOVA IS GREAT. SAY IT. LOL
BAD ASS NOTE 4

I tried it a few times. I'm with op can't see any real.benefits.
Only launcher that I used for more than 1 hour was the Aviate one.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Nova restore option is anoother HUGE plus
I love the back-up restore option with Nova prime that I can use to quickly restore all my short cuts and widgets. Even between devices. I would use for this alone.

Araltd said:
So I'm trying nova launcher instead of Touchwiz. I honestly do not see what the fuss is. The only thing I like is the ability to move the app drawer button to the center of the dock. After that, I see no speed difference or awesome features.
I know most people seem to like it, but I just dont see it. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP you may want to try "Go Launcher EX" its more user friendly in my opinion. I love it because the them options and whatnot with it are endless.

I seriously love Nova launcher it's always been my go to and I've tried quite a few. I wish it was possible to pin action memos as a widget though. It's not enough to get me to stop using Nova, but damn that would be perfect if it was possible.