Database Develop

Home screen launcher love triangle

Hi everyone, I've been playing with new Nexus S (my first android phone) for a few days now, and I can't decide on which homescreen launcher to use because each has features I like and lacks some that the others have. Maybe someone can find a remedy for me. I've made some notes about what I like or dislike about the following three launchers I've used.
ADWLauncher EX:
Separate catalogs on drawer
Lacks scrolling dock (hidden dock is less intuitive to me)
Best homescreen transitions
Go Launcher:
Gesture response for icons on dock
Tab to see running apps from app drawer that lets you kill or switch between tasks easily. However, the tab takes away space from the icons. Maybe there's another way to access something like this, a gesture for example? (image here)
Best edit function for screens: provides convenient way to move icons from one screen to another, lets reposition screens, delete
2 touch access to phone settings from menu button
Share access from menu button
Launcher Pro:
Missed calls/sms/email notification in the doc

I personally like Zeam..
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

The main reason I use LPP is because of he cal widget and being able to use custom dock images. Over ADW EX that is.

Launcher Pro Plus, by far.

http://www.appbrain.com/app/homesmack/com.teslacoilsw.homesmack

I like Zeam. Light and fast!

Actually I'll further confuse you.
32 Home Replacements Reviewed
http://hubpages.com/hub/Droid-Home-Replacement-App-Comparison
There's a way to get the "counts" in ADW with paid app "ADWNotifier".

kschang said:
Actually I'll further confuse you.
32 Home Replacements Reviewed
http://hubpages.com/hub/Droid-Home-Replacement-App-Comparison
There's a way to get the "counts" in ADW with paid app "ADWNotifier".
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You're terrible.

That review is crap.

That review is crap. Launcher pro hard to configure my assss.

kevin2516 said:
That review is crap. Launcher pro hard to configure my assss.
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I am guessing you mean LauncherPro? Compared to drag-and-drop of HelixLauncher dock config, LauncherPro dock IS hard to config.

Why is LauncherPro so popular here? I feel like its the most limited. No long-hold uninstall or edit from the homescreen like the others. I liked it the least out ADW, Go Launcher, and LauncherPro.

glasslung said:
Why is LauncherPro so popular here? I feel like its the most limited. No long-hold uninstall or edit from the homescreen like the others. I liked it the least out ADW, Go Launcher, and LauncherPro.
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Yes it is.

glasslung said:
Why is LauncherPro so popular here? I feel like its the most limited. No long-hold uninstall or edit from the homescreen like the others. I liked it the least out ADW, Go Launcher, and LauncherPro.
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I think LPP was the first Launcher to have a drop-to-uninstall function.

Zeam. Minimalistic, light, fast, awesome.
Sent from a piece of ginger bread

I have tried them all and I always end up back with LauncherPro plus.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Anyone switch over to another launcher right away?

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

[DISCUSSION] What Launcher are you using and why?

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.

What Launcher for my Xperia Z3?

What Launcher you suggest for my Xperia Z3 Compact ?
I don't like the normal one it's a way too big for the compact.
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
Which one you suggest me ?

I use NOVA Prime, no issues so far.

Nova Launcher is the best!!!

RayRewind said:
What Launcher you suggest for my Xperia Z3 Compact ?
I don't like the normal one it's a way too big for the compact.
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
Which one you suggest me ?
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Look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735764

For completeness Solo Launcher should also be mentioned, it's prettier than Nova Launcher, though a tad slower. Personally, I use Nova Launcher Prime.

Aviate in my opinion is the best looking and smoothest! I use aviate or nova depending on my mood

I quite like Action Launcher. Has everything I need...

Nova Prime [emoji106]
Sendt fra min D5803 med Tapatalk

Moist said:
I quite like Action Launcher. Has everything I need...
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I'm using Action Launcher 3 as well.

RayRewind said:
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
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I'm using it myself and love it.
No such bug for me, but you might check Apex Settings -> Drawer settings -> Hidden apps. Maybe you've hidden some apps by mistake.

I'm using Aviate, if you prefer smart launchers.

emwu_ said:
I'm using it myself and love it.
No such bug for me, but you might check Apex Settings -> Drawer settings -> Hidden apps. Maybe you've hidden some apps by mistake.
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Oh hell that was the problem ! Thanks emwu for helping me out now I got the App also in my menu It was hidden by default

Lightning Launcher - I've tried them all (yeah, who hasn't!).
It's not as fancy and a bit more complicated to set up than others but seriously there is simply none that is as customisable as this one.
Features I like the most are that on the main screen you can both scroll horizontally and vertically and you can also put widgets in folders, supercustomize the app drawer, change each folders' appearance.. you name it, you can customise it all.
Links to play:
Pro version, Free version

Nokia Z Launcher ftw.

Once again... Nova Prime.
Customizable in very many ways but not bloated (love the 1/2 grid). Fast as hell. Easy on battery (there are quite a few launchers which aren't and who wants his launcher to drain battery...). Most icon themes are made for Nova. There are launchers which are laggy even on high-end devices (tried Aviate recently... lol) and use a lot of resources. I think those should be free for your apps, not your launcher.
Use it for 2 years now. From time to time I try other, also new, launchers (to watch the progress) but there is none that wouldn't make me wish to go back to Nova. Imo it's the best launcher ever.

Used to only use Nova... but for some reason have been sticking with Google Now. Seems to be the quickest, most stable, and I don't have to worry about constantly tweaking (not that you have to with Nova, but if it's possible to tweak, i'll tweak). Guess I'm just boring nowadays!

carlyman said:
Used to only use Nova... but for some reason have been sticking with Google Now. Seems to be the quickest, most stable, and I don't have to worry about constantly tweaking (not that you have to with Nova, but if it's possible to tweak, i'll tweak). Guess I'm just boring nowadays!
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well you can tweak it with xposed + xposed gel settings then it gets much better
have always preferred apex over nova. similar, but all the features I need are in the free version, while to get the same important features for me in nova I would have to get the paid version...so why should I if I have them for free in apex?!
and actually, there were a couple of features in apex that I didn't find in nova.... not even in the paid version... apex all the life!! :good:

KK Launcher Pro, xposed and mods

Nova here, too. But I do find the phone is slightly more laggy with it. Or maybe that's some other issue.

I use Smart Launcher 2 Pro. I got tired of rows and columns of icons, so I have it set up with a circle of icons and I'll dig into the categorized drawer if I want to run anything else.
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

Alternative 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.