I've tried these launchers:
- Stock
- Trebuchet
- Nova Launcher (lastest beta)
- Apex Launcher
- Holo Launcher HD
on Paranoid Android 2.13 (based on CM10.0.0) with Trinity kernel on stock UI and CM10 surfaceflinger fix applied and decided to see which launcher(s) was/were the smoothest.
Here's my breakdown:
- Stock
This is arguably the smoothest launcher running on the nexus, animations are buttery smooth and has absolutely null delay when loading app drawer, no matter if you just opened it the second after you closed GTA3. The downside is that the customizability on this one is the Android launcher standard, so no custom icons, no rotation, etc. No redraws, no anything. It is lagless (if you have a healthy device).
- Trebuchet
This one lacks smoothness, and even if you open the weather application to check the forecast and go back to the drawer, it will force you to wait a while while (see what I did there?) loading the drawer.
- Nova Launcher (lastest beta - beta7 and beta8)
This may be the most feature-rich launcher, but while it is smooth with page transitions and doesn't redraw the screen while rotating, the transition to the app drawer still stutters (just a little bit, but still not 60fps), and not even the UI Lock option in the labs section can fix this.
- Apex Launcher (lastest beta)
This launcher is just as feature-rich as Nova, but it won't recognize the Nexus 7 workspace so you have to set it up yourself to make it look right. Transition to app drawer is similar to that of Nova's, and it redraws the screen when rotating, which is a huge bummer for some users.
- Holo Launcher HD
This is the only launcher I've seen that is as smooth as stock. Try it out: install it, and swipe the screen. You'll feel like you are actually moving the pixels with your fingers, even if it is full of widgets. Now open the app drawer, and see how Project Butter was meant to work. If you install Nova or Apex after doing this, you'll notice it's just not the same. Sometimes it will delay a bit while loading the app drawer but this can be fixed by checking the Keep in memory option. Only redraws stuff when rotating with at least one widget in a homescreen.
NOTES:
- Beta versions do not represent the final product, so keep an eye out for updates!
- Sometimes Apex nor Holo Launcher HD will not recognize the Nexus 7 workspace and must be configured manually.
- Every launcher redraws the app drawer when rotating (this usually takes ~3-6 seconds).
The easiest way to see how smooth is a launcher, do this:
- open the app drawer, then
- press the home button
Repeat this as fast as you can and you may see if it stutters or delays the opening of the drawer (Nexus 7's hardware was not meant for stuttering, so you got to be mercy-less).
So far:
- Stock is super-smooth, portrays Project Butter, but not much customizability.
- Holo Launcher HD is as smooth as Stock, but comes with more customizability.
- Nova and Apex's lastest beta versions are stuffed with lots of nice features, they are smooth but not as Stuck or Holo Launcher HD.
- Not to offend the CyanogenMod team, but Trebuchet is a little suckish for the Nexus 7, it doesn't really show off what it can do.
Also there are SPB Shell and TSF Shell, both are one of a kind launchers with swift performance in mind. I haven't really tried them out but I've heard they are extremely smooth!
So tell me, what do you think about those launchers? Which one do you primarily use? I use Nova Launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
DanielEGVi said:
I've tried these launchers:
- Stock
- Trebuchet
- Nova Launcher (lastest beta)
- Apex Launcher
- Holo Launcher HD
on Paranoid Android 2.13 (based on CM10.0.0) with Trinity kernel on stock UI and CM10 surfaceflinger fix applied and decided to see which launcher(s) was/were the smoothest.
Here's my breakdown:
- Stock
This is arguably the smoothest launcher running on the nexus, animations are buttery smooth and has absolutely null delay when loading app drawer, no matter if you just opened it the second after you closed GTA3. The downside is that the customizability on this one is the Android launcher standard, so no custom icons, no rotation, etc. No redraws, no anything. It is lagless (if you have a healthy device).
- Trebuchet
This one lacks smoothness, and even if you open the weather application to check the forecast and go back to the drawer, it will force you to wait a while while (see what I did there?) loading the drawer.
- Nova Launcher (lastest beta - beta7 and beta8)
This may be the most feature-rich launcher, but while it is smooth with page transitions and doesn't redraw the screen while rotating, the transition to the app drawer still stutters (just a little bit, but still not 60fps), and not even the UI Lock option in the labs section can fix this.
- Apex Launcher (lastest beta)
This launcher is just as feature-rich as Nova, but it won't recognize the Nexus 7 workspace so you have to set it up yourself to make it look right. Transition to app drawer is similar to that of Nova's, and it redraws the screen when rotating, which is a huge bummer for some users.
- Holo Launcher HD
This is the only launcher I've seen that is as smooth as stock. Try it out: install it, and swipe the screen. You'll feel like you are actually moving the pixels with your fingers, even if it is full of widgets. Now open the app drawer, and see how Project Butter was meant to work. If you install Nova or Apex after doing this, you'll notice it's just not the same. Sometimes it will delay a bit while loading the app drawer but this can be fixed by checking the Keep in memory option. Doesn't redraw stuff when rotating.
Note: beta versions do not represent the final product, so keep an eye out for updates!
The easiest way to see how smooth is a launcher, do this:
- open the app drawer, then
- press the home button
Repeat this as fast as you can and you may see if it stutters or delays the opening of the drawer (Nexus 7's hardware was not meant for stuttering, so you got to be mercy-less).
So far:
- Stock is super-smooth, portrays Project Butter, but not much customizability.
- Holo Launcher HD is as smooth as Stock, but comes with more customizability.
- Nova and Apex's lastest beta versions are stuffed with lots of nice features, they are smooth but not as Stuck or Holo Launcher HD.
- Not to offend the CyanogenMod team, but Trebuchet is a little suckish for the Nexus 7, it doesn't really show off what it can do.
Also there are SPB Shell and TSF Shell, both are one of a kind launchers with swift performance in mind. I haven't really tried them out but I've heard they are extremely smooth!
So tell me, what do you think about those launchers? Which one do you primarily use? I use Nova Launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good analysis, was going to do a similar post but am working on the 'best' kernel guide. I use Apex ATM. I have tried Nova but some things annoy me that can't be turned off.
I get the annoying redraw problem with Apex when with V6 Supercharger.
I had a look at Holo Launcher HD might have another look now.
Just tried Holo Launcher HD because of the glowing report particularly this line.
Doesn't redraw stuff when rotating.
Have to say my impressions are almost the opposite of yours.
Its a complete mess "out of the box" the icon spacing is awful , leaving a half millimetre of the label text visible. The margins are set to medium which is pretty much unusable, the choice of icons is a randomly arranged Launcher settings . Settings and a folder with people, calendar and gallery.and for some reason theres 2 google search bars.
OK so thats all fixable but I mention it because you criticise Apex launcher for similar reasons and it is actually a little bit better on default settings.
Next is rotation. Its absolutely terrible on holo launcher. Easily the worst I have ever seen on any phone or tablet. It takes 6seconds to get it to recognise a home screen rotation. In the Drawer its not as bad but it blacks out and redraws exactly like Nova and Apex.
I have no interest in trying it any further. I am not sure what the opposite of buttery smooth is but i would describe this launcher as "sand in the crack rough"
Edit: Just to mention neither Apex nor Nova redraws the home screen and all three are exactly the same in drawer, i.e black screen for 3 seconds and redraw.
jarayn said:
Just tried Holo Launcher HD because of the glowing report particularly this line.
Doesn't redraw stuff when rotating.
Have to say my impressions are almost the opposite of yours.
Its a complete mess "out of the box" the icon spacing is awful , leaving a half millimetre of the label text visible. The margins are set to medium which is pretty much unusable, the choice of icons is a randomly arranged Launcher settings . Settings and a folder with people, calendar and gallery.and for some reason theres 2 google search bars.
OK so thats all fixable but I mention it because you criticise Apex launcher for similar reasons and it is actually a little bit better on default settings.
Next is rotation. Its absolutely terrible on holo launcher. Easily the worst I have ever seen on any phone or tablet. It takes 6seconds to get it to recognise a home screen rotation. In the Drawer its not as bad but it blacks out and redraws exactly like Nova and Apex.
I have no interest in trying it any further. I am not sure what the opposite of buttery smooth is but i would describe this launcher as "sand in the crack rough"
Edit: Just to mention neither Apex nor Nova redraws the home screen and all three are exactly the same in drawer, i.e black screen for 3 seconds and redraw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice catch, I found my mistake: I tried rotating without adding widgets. Launchers don't really feel the need to redraw until you add at least one of them. Editing right now.
But Apex does redraw when there are widgets, Nova should not. I'm talking about the lastest beta versions. And Holo Launcher HD is still the smoothest as stock when it comes down to animations.
By the way, Apex and Holo Launcher HD must be configured (like you and me said) to get it look right on the N7 workspace. It shouldn't be a hassle.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
DanielEGVi said:
Nice catch, I found my mistake: I tried rotating without adding widgets. Launchers don't really feel the need to redraw until you add at least one of them. Editing right now.
But Apex does redraw when there are widgets, Nova should not. I'm talking about the lastest beta versions. And Holo Launcher HD is still the smoothest as stock when it comes down to animations.
By the way, Apex and Holo Launcher HD must be configured (like you and me said) to get it look right on the N7 workspace. It shouldn't be a hassle.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Apex is 1.3.0 Beta 5. It doesnt redraw when rotating home screen with or without widgets as far as I can tell. You are talking a black screen transition and then redraw? Or something else. Its certainly instant whatever its doing.
Does your Holo Launcher not take sever seconds to rotate home screen? Im talking quite literally 6 seconds on mine which is obviously unuseable.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788518
Which incidentally is soooo nice.
And agree its not a big deal setting up the screen workspace but given that they all suffer from that its unfair to criticise just one.
I would just love to be able to rotate the app drawer without redraw. Thats about my only feature request.
Mh, Holo Launcher.. thx for the hint, I didn't know about that launcher! I'll try..
DanielEGVi said:
- Apex Launcher (lastest beta)
This launcher is just as feature-rich as Nova, but it won't recognize the Nexus 7 workspace so you have to set it up yourself to make it look right. Transition to app drawer is similar to that of Nova's, and it redraws the screen when rotating, which is a huge bummer for some users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is my take on Apex 1.3.0 beta6 running PA 2.13 with default kernel. Home screen rotation takes about two seconds. Moving from the home screen to the app drawer is instantaneous...no delay or lag whatsoever. Even if I go back and forth quickly. I am running four widgets on the home screen. However, I only run one homescreen, and that may make a difference. App drawer rotation takes 3-4 seconds because of the redraw. FWIW, I tried Nova (app store version...not sure if it was the current beta) and didn't like the icon spacing, and I could see the top of the text for icons in the dock.
And please forgive my n00biness, but what do you mean by "Nexus 7 workspace"? Is that the screen layout when rotating the device from portrait to landscape?
texas_treo said:
Here is my take on Apex 1.3.0 beta6 running PA 2.13 with default kernel. Home screen rotation takes about two seconds. Moving from the home screen to the app drawer is instantaneous...no delay or lag whatsoever. Even if I go back and forth quickly. I am running four widgets on the home screen. However, I only run one homescreen, and that may make a difference. App drawer rotation takes 3-4 seconds because of the redraw. FWIW, I tried Nova (app store version...not sure if it was the current beta) and didn't like the icon spacing, and I could see the top of the text for icons in the dock.
And please forgive my n00biness, but what do you mean by "Nexus 7 workspace"? Is that the screen layout when rotating the device from portrait to landscape?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know Apex, Nova, and stock enter app drawer instantaneously, but I'm talking about 60 frames per second animations. Apex and Nova only look nice when they are on lastest beta, the Play Store versions perform ugly on the N7.
About workspaces: Android's layout is different across devices, mobile phones have a different layout than tablets. However, Nexus 7 imtroduces a phablet workspace where the status bar and the navigation bar are separated. So yeah, the workspace is basically the layout.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I've been torn on which one to use. Seeing as how I'm paranoid android I have trebuchet installed which I'm just not impressed with at all. I also have holo, nova and apex installed. I can't make my mind up which one to use. I know the newest apex update seems dramatically smoother, and they have a tablet mode though it's a wip. But they all seem buttery smooth when the home screens are empty, start adding widgets and shortcuts and then it all goes to hell lol.
Sent from my HTC Vivid using Tapatalk 2
The latest Apex is almost as good as Nova except it doesn't have the menu icon in the top right corner of the search bar (very useful) and has a "g" instead of "Google" in the search bar. I use tablet UI at 177 or 160 occasionally for better play store app compatibility.
Nova's backup feature is also slightly better in that it doesn't overwrite the previous backup. Really not a big deal but it seems to make me a little more comfortable not over writing a previous setup and the file size is small.
The one thing I miss from Apex is that if you set a gesture, like swipe up, to open the app drawer, the same gesture closes the app drawer. Nova does not do this.
I disagree about apex launcher
I am on beta 6 and its as smooth imo as stock
But I agree with everything else you said thanks for the comparison, it was an interesting read as I haven't tried some of those
Sent from my HTC Incredible S
Apex would be the best if they just fixed the grid issues. Holo seems to be the only one with a proper grid, but it reloads the home screen too much. And I don't mean reloading as in shutting down the whole launcher, there's just a 1 second delay when hitting the home button and the icons and widgets all reload
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Cor-master said:
Apex would be the best if they just fixed the grid issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex has become the slowest launcher with the latest update.
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9300 mit Tapatalk 2
I think it's world's faster than it used to be. Apex has always been slow compared to the competition. Overall there is no clear winner, everyone I've tried has issues. Is there a better copy utility than desk migrate? Post ics its because useless and does nothing. I like to switch constantly and don't like to keep them all installed... Well suppose I could just use titanium backup lol
Sent from my HTC Vivid using Tapatalk 2
Did any one mention novas latest update? Since then its been ICS based which is what caused lag and stutters. Now however its jelly bean based and is AMAZING to say the least. Butter smooth like the stock launcher with all the customization.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Speaking of which, is it possible to get rid of the blue lines that appear when scrolling between homescreens? (in Nova)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
StrangerWeather said:
Speaking of which, is it possible to get rid of the blue lines that appear when scrolling between homescreens? (in Nova)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lines? Screen shot please.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Yeah I have been using nova launcher and I have filled all of my screens all the way full with some big Widgets and it still is very smooth so I prefer nova launcher
Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk 2
ÜBER™ said:
Lines? Screen shot please.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a screen shot:
StrangerWeather said:
Here is a screen shot:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah you have it in tablet mode that is why.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Related
Hello, I am quite new on the Xoom and Android, and I just discovered that we can easily change the ICS Launcher ... I thought we could only do this by adding a piece of software on top of ICS and I didn't want to do that for performances reasons ...
But yesterday I discovered I was totally wrong about the launchers, I tried "Nova Launcher" which is free on the market, and I was absolutly amazed about this launcher fluidity : using the stock ICS launcher, I couldn't add a widget without slowing down everything, going from icones pages to icones pages became then laggy ...
Now with Nova Launcher, no more lags !!! (well, as always, except if you use animated backgrounds but I don't).
I was feeling like having a Quad Core Xoom ! Plus the sliding effects are beautiful (3D cube effect), you can also have a dock on the bottom of the screen, chose how many columns and lines of icones you want, etc ...
Any Xoom user should install this, you will feel like having a new device with perfect fluidity !
Great info! Thanks!
Sent from my Xoom
Had to try it Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 running ICS after reading about it here and WOW the speed is amazing. Stock ICS was pretty good but this is just another level. Highly recommendable!
Nice. I like this.
Thanks I'll Install That
A little trick : to have the best fluidity possible, I disabled the option which let the background image move when you change of icones page (sorry, I don't remember the exact name of this feature in the options menu).
APEX is the other high quality ICS launcher. I ended up going with Apex on both phone and tablet. Try the free one on market.
Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
APEX is the other high quality ICS launcher. I ended up going with Apex on both phone and tablet. Try the free one on market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree! I have Apex on my phone and tablet as well. Best launcher I've ever tried (out of many) and the developer is very open to suggestions and bug reports. Bought the pro version to support this great app.
I also feel Apex Launcher is the best. Plus, Apex Launcher integrates directly into the Cyanogenmod Launcher Settings. It's a neat feature if you're into that. (I am not sure if Nova Launcher does this...)
With the intention of supporting the developer and unlocking the pro features, i also bought Apex Launcher, and I am having no regrets.
I was on Apex, but switched to Nova. I like its dock better on tablets than Apex's; it's a bit bigger and spaced more normally. I also noticed Nova's search bar in both phone and tablet mode is correctly proportioned to the stock launcher's search bars and the Apex one is a bit bigger and stretched. It's picky, but I'm CDO (OCD in alphabetical order) by nature. Also, I like Nova's organization and the fact by integrating Nova Prime with TeslaUnread, I don't have to install another app for unread counts on my widget locker. There's also the issue Apex has with themes on tablets where the themed icons are tiny and look minuscule compared to the ones without a themed icon which are but normal size. I've brought this up MANY times and each time I get a "oh, we just found the bug and fixed it" every time, so Idk if they just found the wrong bug and fized something else by accident or the bug is more pesky than it appears, but I'd much prefer Nova's correct theme scaling regardless of if I have to apply it myself. Currently, however, I've switched from Lustre back to stock ICS cuz I like the rounded better. Does Apex Pro have the platform folder style? That's another thing in Nova I couldn't live without. Plus the overscroll effect on tablets in Nova has correct margines but goes way too far off the screen in Apex.
Nova isn't THAT good - ok, it's fast, but it has some bugs, like dock isn't docked - there can be icons UNDER dock, which is quite stupid (and I haven't seen option to alter that), then, placing icons into dock is frustratingly inaccurate (hovering over the icon place will place icon to RIGHT (not correct, but as direction -> left, right) place).
Not good for me. I prefer stock. Will try Apex now...
I didn't like NOVA.
I am using Go Launcher EX (not the tablet/HD version, but the regular version).
Loving NOVA!
Don't need the dock. With EOS rom, I can add quick launch items to the status bar. Who needs a dock?
Anyhow, very stable and fast.
Also the gestures are a good feature as well. Just remembered that I can also change icons easily.
ravenhr said:
Nova isn't THAT good - ok, it's fast, but it has some bugs, like dock isn't docked - there can be icons UNDER dock, which is quite stupid (and I haven't seen option to alter that), then, placing icons into dock is frustratingly inaccurate (hovering over the icon place will place icon to RIGHT (not correct, but as direction -> left, right) place).
Not good for me. I prefer stock. Will try Apex now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have absolutly no problem with the dock, all is OK for me, I didn't find a single bug yet.
ADW Launcher EX (the paid version) is still the smoothest launcher. Maybe it doesn't have that ICS look that you may love, but it is the best launcher for tablets.
It is smooth even with live wallpapers (only the lightest, but it behaves far better than stock/nova/apex launcher)
Im using Nova a week now and it's awsome! And the bar ahhh it's epic
using Nova after i saw recommendation here!! im satisfied but i have one problem...when i receive sms on ics xoom they dont appear on the screen like it was in honeycombdoes anyone have this problem?
I've been using Nova since its inception, but its just not what I desire for my Xoom. Both Apex and Nova lack the small features I really want for my tablet, but I'm really leaning towards purchasing Apex. It just has a little bit more.
Nova is fantastic for my GNex, but the Xoom is a totally different experience. I can't wait for Chameleon launcher in the fall.
I went back to ADW. Too many force closes with Nova. I too am waiting for Chameleon.
RampageDeluxe said:
I've been using Nova since its inception, but its just not what I desire for my Xoom. Both Apex and Nova lack the small features I really want for my tablet, but I'm really leaning towards purchasing Apex. It just has a little bit more.
Nova is fantastic for my GNex, but the Xoom is a totally different experience. I can't wait for Chameleon launcher in the fall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love them both (Apex has better themes SO FAR but Nova's are coming close already, and the tablet layout of Nova is 10X better on Nova since the overscroll effect actually works best on it and grid sizes are more correct). I prefer Nova's aesthetics (like Holo design for TeslaUnread + the option for changing the Color Theme in the latest beta that makes all of the blues whichever colour you pick). I've got Nova Prime and regular Apex since regular Apex has 9/10 the paid features of Nova anyways. I'm excited for Chameleon as well, though, so we'll see what happens!
I'm looking for a portrait "hub" layout of sorts for my nexus 7.
I've been reading through XDA and other forums for the past few days checking out the different tablets and homescreens.
I have found some fantastic ideas from others, but they all use either ADW EX Launcher or Launcher Pro Plus.
Launcher Pro Plus doesn't play very nicely with Jelly Bean.
ADW EX works decently, but I cannot get the show/hide status bar to remove the top bar on ADW unless I take my DPI back to 160dpi to kick my notifications bar to the bottom of the screen.
I don't like the tablet UI b/c I use my device 99% of the time in portrait mode.
Unfortunately this makes neither LPP or ADWEX viable options for me.
Is there a launcher that allows to 100% disable transitions and you can jump to page 'X' without seeing any of the other screens, the same ADW and LPP do?
Thank you in advance! Any and ALL help is GREATLY appreciated.
I read that twice and I still have no clue what you are talking about. Maybe you can post a video.
downsay said:
I'm looking for a portrait "hub" layout of sorts for my nexus 7.
I've been reading through XDA and other forums for the past few days checking out the different tablets and homescreens.
I have found some fantastic ideas from others, but they all use either ADW EX Launcher or Launcher Pro Plus.
Launcher Pro Plus doesn't play very nicely with Jelly Bean.
ADW EX works decently, but I cannot get the show/hide status bar to remove the top bar on ADW unless I take my DPI back to 160dpi to kick my notifications bar to the bottom of the screen.
I don't like the tablet UI b/c I use my device 99% of the time in portrait mode.
Unfortunately this makes neither LPP or ADWEX viable options for me.
Is there a launcher that allows to 100% disable transitions and you can jump to page 'X' without seeing any of the other screens, the same ADW and LPP do?
Thank you in advance! Any and ALL help is GREATLY appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried go launcher ex?
Apex and Nova does this as well.
darkamikaze said:
Apex and Nova does this as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please guide me to where I might find those settings?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I guess I am aware I can Set the screen transition to none, but that still shows the screen as I move from one screen to another. I am hoping I can click directly on a shortcut that will take me to the desired screen (jump to screen x) without any other transition showing. Instead I see the other screens pass by even when clicking on jump to screen.
Does that make sense?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Just wondering if any of you switched over to Nova or if your sticking to the stock launcher.
Ive noticed some lag with stock but I enjoy the widgets touch wiz offers.
Stock or aftermarket launcher?
I'm currently using aviate by yahoo and I like it a lot especially with the transparent setting
I pretty much switched to Nova Launcher right away. Didn't even bother playing around with the Touchwiz launcher
Nova, latest beta. Looking good.
I'm using TW with no issues at all.
nova all the time.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
As soon as I got all my apps installed, switched to Google Experience.
This is clearly a question - it belongs in Q&A, moved. Please post in the correct sections.
Thanks.
DutchDogg54 said:
This is clearly a question - it belongs in Q&A, moved. Please post in the correct sections.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like your work is cut out for ya today lol.
devynbf said:
As soon as I got all my apps installed, switched to Google Experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the Google Now Launcher? I use a lot of different lauchers in my Note2 but Go Launcher is the one I have the most setup due to the extensive customizability-gestures-3D effects but it wasn't as impressive when I quickly installed in on a Note4 in Best Buy perhaps because I hadn't customized it yet but I also like the Google Now Launcher & Nova & Themer.
I generally immediately get rid of TW but it wasn't as bad in the Note4 but still not ultra smooth or interesting as the other lauchers. I really like the ability to change launchers which is another reason Android is & the next time I play with a Note4 I'll go through more launchers as it could definitely look cooler & be more functional.:good:
I switched to Nova Launcher beta instantly. TouchWiz isn't bad, but I can't stand the grid spacing as I like to keep a few widgets and apps on my main home screen.
I've already switched to Nova, phone should be here Friday. ??
DruHill said:
I switched to Nova Launcher beta instantly. TouchWiz isn't bad, but I can't stand the grid spacing as I like to keep a few widgets and apps on my main home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree grid of icons gets old fast like lame iOS & I also try to keep icons to a minimum (Go Launcher lets you program 5 base hideable icons to launch additional apps with gestures like swipe up as well as scroll swipe across to another 5 icons & another 5 icons (5x3=15 x 2 including the programmable gestures upon a long press menu = 30 apps-shortcuts-functions) & I use a lot of widgets so I don't even have to click icons to access some data. I don't think non-Prime Nova lets you customize as much as Go Launcher but there are more & more cool launchers being developed & still setting up other launchers I previously mentioned.
Switched to Nova pretty much immediately. As mentioned above I can't stand the spacing between icons. Also I need gesture support, especially with such a large phone. Why that still hasn't been built into the touchwiz launcher I'll never know.
First thing I did was install the ADW launcher. I've been a fan for a long time.
Lets hear what launcher you are using, why you are using it, and any negatives that there might be about it . I'll start:
I'm currently using Aviate Launcher because of looks and simplicity. Icons are smaller and you can use Icon Packs to change the look of stock icons. It knows when I am home travelling, at work, shops and restaurants, and even morning and night time, and changes based on what apps are most relavent for those situations. It also will create "collections" of apps depending on what type of app it is. For example under my Entertainment category I have Netflix, YouTube, Flixter, HBO Go and The CW in the main view and I can expand the category to see even more apps such as IMDb and Eventbrite. These collections can be modified, added or removed. It also has all of my apps listed in alphabeticle order on the far right screen for apps that might not be in a specific category. I'll update this post with screenshots for those who are curious to the look of it.
Not sure why I couldn't edit my original post to add pics from the mobile app...
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Free mobile app
I am using nova for it is the best battery friendly launcher out there. Not only that but also that the performance and speed is unbeatable than any other launcher. I currently am running it with mador icon pack with black wallpaper in order to save battery. I have tried tons of launchers out there in the play store and occasionally revert to aviate launcher too.
How I have my phone set up with nova launcher
Xperia 206b
Best app drawer sorting & more.
A minor bug where upon uninstalling an app from this drawer the launcher crashes, but rare. Not lollipop ready. No longer supported.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/best-launcher-xperia-206b-workatound-fix-t2704222
Now I am using action launcher 3 plus and is very good closest to nova too in simplicity and battery friendly
Nova is pretty clean
Sent from my XT1254
ccheww said:
Nova is pretty clean
Sent from my XT1254
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Where did you get those widgets with the temperature and what not
CchewW's Nova Home
wadamean said:
Where did you get those widgets with the temperature and what not
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Icon Pack: Moonshine
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nexbit.icons.moonshine&hl=en
Clock Widget: Digital Clock Xperia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonyericsson.digitalclockwidget2&hl=en
3 Battery Gauges: Battery Widget Reborn (I added 3 widgets and placed them next to each-other)
$2.49 - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.apps.reborn.pro&hl=en
Free - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.reborn.beta&hl=en
P.S. Notice the Hours Gauge - this displays hours left on charge (which is clearly incorrect in my screen shot) - it will take a few charge cycles for the App to calibrate this number.
Nova launcher. It has never ever given me a problem and it has a ton of features. Sometimes I even forget that I'm not on stock launcher, lol.
Sent from my Droid Turbo using XDA
Apex launcher, "smoke & glass" icon pack.
I use Nova. I like having a clean setup and Nova allows me to customize pretty much every aspect of the launcher. I even have Lollipop animations and folder colors now In order: Homescreen #1, Homescreen w/ folder open, App Drawer.
I've been using Apex (free) on my previous Galaxy S3. I went to try Nova on this new phone, but noticed you can't disable the widgets from the app drawer... Apex does this on the free version. So, I'm sticking with Apex on the new phone too... it does everything I need it to, is very customizable (even on the free version), and it's fast too.
schwinn8 said:
I've been using Apex (free) on my previous Galaxy S3. I went to try Nova on this new phone, but noticed you can't disable the widgets from the app drawer... Apex does this on the free version. So, I'm sticking with Apex on the new phone too... it does everything I need it to, is very customizable (even on the free version), and it's fast too.
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You cant disable from the app drawer But u can do one better
and remove it from showing in the app drawer
Action Launcher 2 cause it just works
Nova prime. Gestures alone is win. Don't need to go all the way to top for notifications. Been using it for years.
I use Themer. Can't beat it. With this and Color Status Bar, I have a custom and easily swappable setup that helps me recover from my crack flashing addiction.
Hmmm... I have the pay version of nova, holo, and action. I tend to use action 2 most, the setup for folders and blinds exists nowhere else and is exceptionally useful. I switch to holo otherwise for change of pace, its the same as nova, apex, etc but lighter and smoother. The launchers that try and give you a changing setup depending on time and/or place totally don't work for me.
Lol, I just use stock google now launcher. ?
I used Aviate for a day or 2 and noticed horrible battery life. I'm talking like 12 hours and battery is down to 25%. Switched to Goggle now launcher and have much better battery life, so I'm sticking with that for the moment. I'll bounce between this, themer or Buzz launcher.
Would anyone recommend a different launcher to replace Touchwiz?
I've used nova launcher on my OP1 but are there any other launchers that would be recommended?
honestly i haven't used Nova since my Nexus 6p days, after Oneplus 3t i started using default launcher. the samsung one isn't that bad
I have been using Apex launcher since Galaxy S3 together with weather/time/cal widget beautiful widgets app (I found out about this thanks for flossy on youtube) it makes for a perfect experience and I set all the backgrounds to black, looks like app icons are physically above the screen.
Tried giving the stock launcher a good try. I ended up going back to Nova. I like the customization too much. The good news is it's faster then hell on this phone. Love it.
I also ended up going back to SwiftKey. It does such a good job of knowing what I want to type.
I like stock but Nova is great on this phone. Especially if you get into the sesame integration, very quick to use.
Action launcher is the only other one worth a damn IMO.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
I started out with Action Launcher as I backed it up on my previous phone, put that data on the Note 8 and restored after installing all my apps. Have gone back to TW, it;s not near as bad as it used to be.
I love Next Launcher 3D.
Check out lawnchair. It's a customizable Pixel launcher. Loving it so far. The black theme with Note8 screen looks amazing.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/lawnchair-customizable-pixel-launcher-t3627137
I've been using Smart Launcher Pro for a couple years now. It really makes everything simple and organized for you.
Apex Launcher
I use Apex Pro, with dark matter icons. Swipe down for notification and swipe up for app drawer. Double tap puts the phone to sleep. Blacked out my nav bar so there is no burn-in buttons on the screen. Loving this phone!
Apex Launcher
I use Apex Pro, with dark matter icons. Swipe down for notification and swipe up for app drawer. Double tap puts the phone to sleep. Using xwidgets with the s8 clock widget. Blacked out my nav bar so there is no burn-in buttons on the screen. Loving this phone!
I've been using Nova Prime for a LONG time. I'm actually sticking with the stock TW for the time being (there's a "update" that allows for down swipe to pull down the notification)
Nova prime or action launcher. They both have Android O features. Most other launcher seem old or outdated. Good luck.
Lightning Launcher has no equal. I've used most including Nova (which I like), but I always go back LL. The app allows unparalleled creativity & options. Definitely the most power & complex launcher I've ever used.
stronggeek said:
Lightning Launcher has no equal. I've used most including Nova (which I like), but I always go back LL. The app allows unparalleled creativity & options. Definitely the most power & complex launcher I've ever used.
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^^^^^^This x10!!!! It still is mind blowing how little people know about it and talk about it. There isn't a launcher that comes close in customization. I guess the learning curve scares people away.............
joachimi86 said:
^^^^^^This x10!!!! It still is mind blowing how little people know about it and talk about it. There isn't a launcher that comes close in customization. I guess the learning curve scares people away.............
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I just tried this...to see if it can replace nova....
the learning curve scared me away lol
Try Flick launcher. Available in play store. This is still in Alpha stage, but an amazing launcher. One of the only launcher that allows background blur in the app drawer. This replaced Nova on my phone for now. No other launcher could do that in years!
New Microsoft launcher Beta recommend for most users, easy, simple, beautiful, easy to connect to PC. try it out. it's amazing. its free
Action launcher for power user and Advance users. paid version is better.
Textra (text message)
Gboard (keyboard) or swiftkey
Piktures (Pic gallery)
Samsung internet browser for High contrast mode (if you like black theme).
Weather widget
a4ol said:
I have been using Apex launcher since Galaxy S3 together with weather/time/cal widget beautiful widgets app (I found out about this thanks for flossy on youtube) it makes for a perfect experience and I set all the backgrounds to black, looks like app icons are physically above the screen.
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a40l, most of the launchers I have tried do not let me use the weather widget that I use with stock touchwiz. Could you tell me specifically what weather app you are talking about that gives me a good weather widget for Apex? I'm gonna give it a try. Your post makes Apex, & your configuration, sound inviting. Thanks
I use tabs in the app drawer instead of folders, so Nova Prime works the best for me. And it's still the quickest launcher around, bar none.