Related
This is a small (growing) list of the apps that I use daily on my Evo, and that I couldn't imagine living without. I have installed and deleted hundreds of apps, and have spent over $200 in the market on apps that I don't need, so hopefully someone out there in internet land will find this helpful.
I'm going to start this off with the most important app I have and the best purchase I have ever made with regards to the Evo (aside from the Evo itself): LauncherPro Plus.
LauncherPro is in my opinion the best home replacement app available today. I have tried many others including but not limited to ADW, Better Home, DxTop. I used to be a big fan of Sense, and I still like it compared to the stock launcher, but it really can't touch LauncherPro. With LauncherPro, you can completely customize your phone's interface, from the number of homescreens, to custom docks, and everything in between. What I really love about it is the scrollable dock, with the ability to assign whatever apps you want as shortcuts, along with assignable swipe actions. For instance, I have my notifications bar hidden, so I assigned the swipe from the app drawer to drop my notifications down. A swipe from my camera icon opens up the gallery, a swipe from the dialer loads my call history. LauncherPro is extremely stable, I haven't had a single force close from it in over a month (there have been many updates since then), and the dev is incredibly responsive so any issues get cleared up relatively quickly. There is a free version available in the market, but the paid version includes Sense-like widgets (people, calendar, bookmarks, messages) and is available from LauncherPro for $2.99.
Apps-
Swype- I seriously HATED this keyboard when I first tried it. Now I can't live without it.
Smart Keyboard Pro Great multitouch keyboard, very fast with great word correction. I've tried them all, this one is my favorite. I even like it better than the Droid X multitouch keyboard that I was in love with back on 2.1
JuiceDefender- JuiceDefender still works well for non-rooted phones. It turns off your antennas when you're not using them. Simple, but extremely effective.
Spare Parts- All this app does is give you access to hidden settings on your phone. It's extremely useful for checking what apps are using the battery the most (partial wake usage). This app combined with System Panel gives you all the tools you need to track down pesky apps that might be preventing your phone from sleeping properly and killing your battery. I don't really mess with any of the other settings or use it for anything other than battery and usage statistics.
AppBrain- The best way to keep track of all your apps. Sync your app list to your desktop. Now with OTA market installs.
MeCanto- Music streaming service that streams YOUR OWN music so you don't have to store it locally on your Evo. It starts out streaming from your desktop but also uploads your music to their servers so you can listen without leaving your desktop on. Sound quality is way better than you would expect.
Pandora- Free, sounds better than Sirius, and turns me on to a ton of bands that I wouldn't have found otherwise.
MovieFone- I love going to the movies so this app is indespensable for me.
RingDroid - I used it to make my ringtone, Tom Araya's scream at the beginning of Angel of Death \m/. Use it to turn any song into a custom ringtone.
SystemPanel- Waaay more than a just a task manager, use this to track down problematic apps and battery issues. Has a steeper learning curve than all other task managers, but is well worth it once you figure it out. An absolute necessity, right behind LauncherPro.
EasyTether- For sharing your internet connection with a desktop/ laptop. One time fee of $10, works like a charm.
Chrome to Phone- By far one of the coolest features of Froyo. Send websites, maps, youtube videos OTA to your phone from your desktop with the press of a button.
Dropbox- App for online backup, storage and file sharing.
Widgets-
SiMi Clock- Very nice, semi minimalist clock. I really hate the Sense flip clock and it's imitators, this is a great looking alternative
SiMi Folder Widget- I used to use Folder Organizer but this one is much nicer. Has less features than FO but it has everything that I need and I think the folders look a heck of a lot nicer than FO.
Beautiful Widgets- Awesome replacement for the stock HTC flip clock. Has many different skins, a smaller clock widget, and also comes with various toggle widgets that I don't use because I prefer...
SwitchPro- Toggles for all the various antennas and many other things. Great way to consolidate many toggles into a smaller slot on your phone, many different options for customization.
System Info Widget- Great widget that displays your system info at a glance. Battery, temperature, RAM, ROM, SD card geebees.
Gauge Battery Widget- Battery meter modeled off a fuel gauge from a car. Just as awesome as it sounds.
Android Agenda Widget- I like it better than all the other calendar widgets out there and it's free.
Visual Bookmarks- There really isn't a great selection of bookmarks widgets out there, so I settled on this one. It's free, it does what it's supposed to do and has zero issues.
Games-
GalaxIR Star- Awesome fast paced multiplayer RTS.
Armored Strike- Cool Worms-like multiplayer game.
Robo Defense- Hands down the best tower defense game on Android.
Dante: The Inferno- VERY polished action/ puzzler based off the first book from Dante's divine comedy. My current favorite game.
Iron Sight- Like Armored Strike except in 3D and no multiplayer yet.
SpeedX 3D- Really cool game with accelerometer based controls. Hard to describe, you're flying through a tunnel trying to avoid colliding with blocks and other obstacles. Great time waster.
Homerun Battle 3D- Just getting into it, I can see why this is one of the most popular games for Android.
Hyper Jump- Cool twist on the stale jumping game genre. Little Big Planet style artwork, great control. Fun game to play when you only have a few minutes.
Radiant- Awesome updated Space Invaders style game with great retro style graphics.
Meteor Blitz- Really cool asteroids style game with awesome graphics, and great control.
Assassin's Creed- Altair's Chronicles- Great Gameloft action/platformer with some of the best 3D graphics I've seen on Android. Control is surprisingly simple.
SpaceSTG- Awesome single player space RTS that is like a cross between GalaxIR Star and OGame.
Heavy Gunner- Use your thumbs and the accelerometer to control gun turrets, shooting down what I think are supposed to be alien ships. I love this game.
N.O.V.A- Bad ass futuristic first person shooter, very similar to Halo.
Glyder 2- Relaxing flying game where you pilot your character around a MASSIVE open word collecting crystals and power ups. Reminiscent of Pilot Wings for the N64.
Fruit Ninja- iPhone best seller now on Android. Cut flying fruit in half with your sword be swiping the screen. Sounds really stupid but it is HIGHLY addictive.
Mini Squadron- Holy crap this game is amazing. Another iPhone best seller. Dogfighting with cute little planes. Multiplayer as well.
Angry Birds- The iPhone bestseller is now available on Android for FREE. Quite possibly the most addictive Android game I have played yet.
Sinister Planet- A little gem of a space shooter. Controls are a little difficult at first but once you get used to them the game becomes extremely fun. Very challenging game.
Reckless Racing- Top down racing game. Awesome controls, and some of the best graphics I've seen on my Evo
SteamBirds- Turn based, top down dogfighting. Highly polished and highly addictive.
Armored Defense- New TD game. A little tricky at first but a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Defensoid- TD game with cool retro graphics.
Grave Defense- post apocayptic/zombie themed TD
Gun Bros- Cool dual stick shooter
Tank Hero- Fun little tank game. Try bouncing your shots off walls.
Rocket Bunnies- Awesome time waster. Pilot your rocket bunny from planet to planet picking up your friends while avoiding baddies. This might become my new favorite game. (Thanks dirkyd3rk!)
Air Attack HD- Top down shooter, like 1941 but with a significant graphical overhaul. Awesome graphics, great gameplay.
*For Rooted Phones ONLY*
Wireless Tether- Exactly what it says, and it works great.
Titanium Backup- Still learning how to use it, but it did help me remove all the pre-loaded Sprint apps that I don't need.
AutoStarts- Startup manager, lets you disable apps from loading at startup, and many other conditions. Its amazing to see what causes some apps to load. For instance, IMDB is set to load when the the phone's storage is low, crazy. It also helps explain why certain apps reload themselves after killing them and now you can prevent that from happening. I now have over 220 mb of RAM available after startup.
Juice Defender- Disables data connection based on profiles that you set, increasing battery life dramatically. Can also throttle CPU but I use SetCPU for that.
SetCpu- CPU overclock/ underclock that automatically adjusts CPU speed based on profiles that you set. Works very well with Juice Defender to save battery and increase performance.
ROM Manager- Great tool that lets you download ROMs directly and flash them straight from the app. Reduces the headache of having to manually boot into recovery to flash ROMs. It has other great tools too, like ROM backup/restore, flashing different recoveries, and updating your ROM all through the app.
Root Explorer- File manager for rooted phones. Allows full R/W access to entire system including system and data folders.
Hot Reboot- Quick reboot like Desire HD. Just reboots your ROM and not the entire phone. Great way to free up memory and to fix sluggish performance. I recommend doing it once a day to keep your phone performing at its best.
Remote Desktop- Awesome way to access the file structure of your phone from any browser on your computer. Can send and receive sms as well.
PicMe- From the same developer as ShootMe. Does screenshots but within your computer's browser instead of directly on the phone. Much quicker and easier to use this for caps than ShootMe.
Quadrant- The standard for benchmarking. Be warned though- A higher benchmark score does not always translate to better real world performance.
Check back often as this list is constantly being updated. Feel free to ask me any questions about any of the apps I've listed.
Also, if anyone has any app recommendations, feel free to post them and maybe we can compile a combined list of the XDA EVO forum's favorite apps.
reserved
10char
...and one more
Apps:
Folder Organizer- Lets you organize your apps into categories, then lets you put them up as widgets/shortcuts, and when you click on it, a popup with all the related apps comes up. Epic to say the least
Jam11- relatively good app for streaming music from iTunes onto your phone anywhere.
Flikie Walls HD- Great wallpaper app.
Vlingo- Like a better version of google voice search, because it also integrates more commands and is more accurate
Games
Gameboid- GBA emulator..
Psx4droid- Psx emulator
Super Tumble- weird puzzle game where you delete support from under a star to try to get it safely on a platform below
Amtalee- Definately one of the most intense puzzle games ever in which you flip around a tower of blocks on a map to fall into a hole. Sounds easy? Get ready to scream in frustration.
Zenonia- Basically an intense Zelda clone
Widgets:
Battstatt- A great word battery meter; displays your battery level remaining in a text string
Audiomanager Pro- Lets you set sound profiles, perfect for students/buisness people'
You can access the battery history option of spare parts through launcher pro via the activities option under add to homescreen.
I was using launcher pro plus for a time but have since gone back to sense. Yes launcher pro is a nice stable launcher but I had to use extra apps for widgets.
Switchpro widget is a good app but it bugs out sometimes when trying to turn on/off mobile data.
Right now my current apps are:
Tasker (replaces ALOT of other apps like switchpro, juicedefender,battery loggers)
Current widget
Temp+cpu v2
Root explorer
TIB
Astro
Wireless tether
Tempmonitor
Tasker is my favorite to date and the most powerful.
What the crap?! I had no freaking idea that Gameloft made Android versions of all these games. Just switched from iPhone a few weeks ago and I was having H.A.L.O. and Dungeon Hunter withdrawals....THANK YOU .
Why the heck aren't they in the Market? Or am I just a n00b...
abn.geek said:
What the crap?! I had no freaking idea that Gameloft made Android versions of all these games. Just switched from iPhone a few weeks ago and I was having H.A.L.O. and Dungeon Hunter withdrawals....THANK YOU .
Why the heck aren't they in the Market? Or am I just a n00b...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are dumb, not you. They aren't in the market.
Welcome to the winning team, by the way.
Hey nice list guys. I'll add some of my favorites as well.
Apps:
Zombie Booth: Take a picture of someones face and it will transform them into an animated zombie! Pretty neat experience.
PowerAMP Music Player: A very neat and nice graphical music player for android. Has a built in equalizer and tons of nice features.
Games:
Unblockme Free: An addicive puzzle game where you move pieces out of the way in order to move the red piece outside.
Totemo: Another puzzle game where you get rid of little heads in a specific number order. Graphics are pretty good for a android game.
N.O.V.A: A halo like clone for android. Online multiplayer included as well as a single player campaign. Nice experience for those looking for a quick death match.
Firehouse scheduler: if you work shift work it is a must have app put in one rotation and it automatically fills in the rest also syncs with google calender so you don't have to manually transfer all that info.
Sent from my warmed up evo
BUMP!!
Added Reckless Racing, SteamBirds and Armored Defense to OP. If you haven't tried those games yet, TRY THEM.
ROM Manager
Absolute System
Cache Cleaner
SetCPU
LauncherPro
Xda-dev
My-Cast Weather (by Garmin)
Pandora
GikSoft Screenshot
Engadget
Sent from AOSP's no nonsense froyo ROM / HERO200
great thread!! Keep up the good work... Now if I could only get my apps to download from the market...
Collin_Ph battery tweak
Absolute System Root Tool
Cache Cleaner NG
LauncherPro+
skAmped battery widget
Xda-dev
My-Cast Weather (by Garmin)
Pandora
GikSoft Screenshot
Engadget
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Apps:
Rom Manager
SetCPU
aLogcat
OS Monitor
System Panel
AK Notepad
Alarm Klock
ASTRO
Cache Cleaner NG
Dropbox
GPS Status (for clearing GPS history [faster lock times])
Handcent
Linpack
MyBackup Pro (Must have, worth the 4.99$)
Pandora
Rom Gripper
Gameboid
SNESoid
Root Explorer (Best tool ever)
Shazam
Speed Test
Terminal Emulator
TweetDeck
WinAmp
XDA
Widgets:
Circle Battery
Simi Clock
Simple Text
Minimalistic Text
Thanks for the list
Angry birds
Swype
Chrome to phone
Ad free
Titanium backup
Those are absolute must haves for me
Via fresh-evo
Apps: On end call
Games: Slice it, throttlecoptor, moron test.
Collin_Ph battery tweak
Absolute System Root Tool
Autokiller Memory Optimizer
Battery Icon Mod
Cache Cleaner NG
Desktop Virtualizer
LauncherPro+
Xda-dev
My-Cast Weather (by Garmin)
Pandora
GikSoft Screenshot
Engadget
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
_MetalHead_ said:
MeCanto- Music streaming service that streams YOUR OWN music so you don't have to store it locally on your Evo. It starts out streaming from your desktop but also uploads your music to their servers so you can listen without leaving your desktop on. Sound quality is way better than you would expect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Audiogalaxy also rocks!
don't forget mobile defense....
Yes, it is still in beta, but I've had it from the beginning, and it is a major life-saver.
I'm sure that once they come out of beta, this list will still be here, so I'm putting it in.
Check it out https://www.mobiledefense.com/session/new
** Claystone Launcher- A quick update and we just launched our first theme pack **
- A lot has been happened over the last month with Claystone Launcher
- We have now had over 14,000 downloads combined from the following App Stores:
Android Market
Android Freeware Market
Handango / Appia
SlideMe
MobiHand
GetJar
Handster
Aproov
** Themes **
- We just launched our first theme called BlueBerry and added skinning to the features
- We designed and launched a solid business user theme with a clear, crisp interface and colour scheme
- Our goal is to release many themes over the next few months (catching up wit the other launchers)
- Search Android Market fore the keyword "claystone" to install and see all the latest.
** New Features ***
- Besides themes we added sharing functionality and more customization and preferences (a big request from our users)
- Performance and memory management was tweaked and enhanced over a challenging 5 week period of intensive testing, retesting, and responding to user feedback and suggestions
- Launching a new home screen replacement has really been challenging because there are so many solid options already available
- Claystone works on more devices and adjust performance settings to match the hardware capabilities
- Performance can also be adjusted through Preferences if you want to tinker with speed and performance
** We Debuted Claystone on XDA Forums and your feedback is welcomed **
- We welcome your comments, feedback, suggestions and requests for additional Claystone themes.
- Inside the App you can conveniently "Share Claystone" item on the options menu to share Claystone with your friends.
- You can also conveniently rate Claystone and send the Claystone Team a feedback email from Claystone preferences
*** Thanks ***
- I thought I would take some time to reconnect with the XDA forum community and say thank you for all your support and feedback over the last two months.
- I have uploaded some of the latest screen shots and the current APK if you would like to see all the latest changes.
### Minimum Requirements
- Android smart phone or tablet
- Android 2.1 and higher
- OpenGL 1.1 and higher
- Normal screen size or higher
- Medium screen density (160 mdpi) or higher
Claystone Is Now Available in the following App Stores:
- Android Market
- Amazon Android App Store (soon)
- Android Freeware Market
- SlideMe App Store
- Handango App Store (Appia)
- GetJAR App Store
- Search for the keyword "Claystone" to install Claystone from Android Market
- To get the latest version use Android Market updates
Sound amazing and would live to help you test it, but where's the link?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Sounds sweet
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Initial impression is that its very confussing and difficult to use... it took me a while to work out what I was looking at. Don't get the widget folder as it negates what a widget is. I do like the potential concept, but this really needs a lot more thought into user experience.
To start with look at changing the folder controls to make them easier to select.
This is a very original approach and I'll going to watch this one with interest...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Often only shows black screen on HTC legend.
The dock icons are too big and there is hardly any customization possible.
But it is a really interesting idea and different from other launcher. I'll stay tuned.
Sent from my HTC Legend
Widget Question
pantera70 said:
Initial impression is that its very confussing and difficult to use... it took me a while to work out what I was looking at. Don't get the widget folder as it negates what a widget is. I do like the potential concept, but this really needs a lot more thought into user experience.
To start with look at changing the folder controls to make them easier to select.
This is a very original approach and I'll going to watch this one with interest...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We would really appreciate any more detail you can provide about Widgets. We are tweaking the UI throughout the beta program and any additional ideas or recommendations would be really helpful.
Kevin
Can someone post screen shots?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
claystoneinc said:
We would really appreciate any more detail you can provide about Widgets. We are tweaking the UI throughout the beta program and any additional ideas or recommendations would be really helpful.
Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless I'm missing something the only place to add widgets is in the folder at the top of the screen. This limited the use of widgets... for example if I add a 2x2 clock thats all I can see and use unless I expand the folder. This is compounded by the difficulty in using the folder controls. Widgets are supposed to provide quick and easy access and viewing of apps and info you use most, currently this is lost in Claystone... If you could make widget use a little more traditional it would go a long way...
Like I said previously though the whole user experience would be vastly improved if you added larger controls to the folders making it quick and easy to expand/close etc.
Like ms_green says the dock is a little large and it makes the screen feel a little cramped.
A very short review, sorry for being blunt:
* On my Droid Incredible: great, now applications are even smaller/hard to read. UI is not very responsive. Toolbar buttons are too small but making them any bigger would mean even less real estate.
* Tablet: Ooooh now you're talking! The layout makes much more sense, especially in landscape mode. This is actually getting closer to WebOs' take on multitasked UI.
I think this app has a great future on tablets.
Ima dl right now
Sent from my SPH-D700-EPIC-using Tapatalk
Can someone post screenshots? Thanks
This is great!!! VERY GOOD!!! the concept is amazing
things u might want to improve:
The loading speed of panels are slow. Even opening the appdrawer takes no less than 3 seconds, not to mention browser etc
When u scroll vertically but a bit sideways on a panel it just pops u into another panel, very excruciating
Panels. seriously, all u can have is a home panel and a widget panel? i want to make my own (not just folders) for example media, games etc
"items" u can add. to be honest all there is is file explorer, browser and youtube (not to mention the youtube one really sucks). U need more of these "items", but i understand this is a beta
lol no offense
I could see this possibly having potential on a bigger screen, like a tablet maybe. But as it stands things feel too cramped on my 3.7 inch screen. Also things are a bit slow atm.
It's an interesting concept, but implemented in a moderately confusing fashion. The widget box resizes widgets oddly, making things look bulky, etc.
Great idea, though.
Opening the inbuilt contacts force closes the app for me.
But apart from that, a brilliant concept! I can't wait for new additions! Great job
Misleadingg said:
This is great!!! VERY GOOD!!! the concept is amazing
things u might want to improve:
The loading speed of panels are slow. Even opening the appdrawer takes no less than 3 seconds, not to mention browser etc
When u scroll vertically but a bit sideways on a panel it just pops u into another panel, very excruciating
Panels. seriously, all u can have is a home panel and a widget panel? i want to make my own (not just folders) for example media, games etc
"items" u can add. to be honest all there is is file explorer, browser and youtube (not to mention the youtube one really sucks). U need more of these "items", but i understand this is a beta
lol no offense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the great feedback!
You can create more panels ("folders") as well, you can copy and paste any item in any panel. In our next drop we are going to make it simple by adding applications to the "create" menu.
Meltus said:
Opening the inbuilt contacts force closes the app for me.
But apart from that, a brilliant concept! I can't wait for new additions! Great job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind telling us what phone/version you are using? We'll look into it. Thanks.
downloaded and will try it out on my Viewsonic G Tablet when I get home tonight
I'm a visual person. Anyone got screenshots?
Nothing to see here...
Hello, everyone. I have decided to make this Recommend-An-App thread so that YOU can share your favorite apps with everyone in this community.
But there is one condition. NO SUPER POPULAR APPS.
Don't post apps like PowerAMP and Flipboard and Swiftkey. EVERYONE knows about these apps.
The purpose of this thread is to make everyone aware of new apps which are largely unheard of. Apps which are not so popular. I was too tired of seeing numerous lists full of apps I already knew about.
So everyone, start posting! A brief summary would be appreciated (Unless the name is self-explanatory) as well as a PlayStore link (we all are too lazy to search for ourselves)
I will try to keep this list as up-to-date as possible.
So, here's my list (You probably would've heard of some of these, but I guarantee, not all of them ) -
1) Atom Launcher- A great launcher with many options for customization while maintaining a minimalistic look. I personally recommend Typo Black Theme to go along with it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dlto.atom.launcher&hl=en
Typo Black Theme- https://play.google.com/store/apps/...uYXRvbS50aGVtZS5OYW11U01vZGVyblR5cG9CbGFjayJd
2) WordWeb - In my opinion, THE best dictionary out there. Why? Because its offline. Doesn't require an internet connection!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...3b3Jkd2Vic29mdHdhcmUuYW5kcm9pZC53b3Jkd2ViIl0.
3) Wallbase - I've tried 'em all and nothing has helped me find better wallpapers than this app. And most of them are full HD.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jaXRjLndhbGxiYXNlIl0.
4) LyricsPlayer - This app shows a notification on the status bar when you're playing music, clicking on it automatically searches for the lyrics and displays them.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...xLDEsImNvbS5jYXJsb3NnczkxLmx5cmljc3BsYXllciJd
5) Holo Compass - The most minimalistic and cool looking compass around.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.surix.holo.compass&feature=search_result
6) Circle Alarm - A holo themed and minimalistic alarm app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS50amVhbm5pbi5hbGFybSJd
Here's another - AlarmQuick https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.kinst.jakub.alarmquick
7) Node- Just a super cool live wallpaper
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5zdWZmaWNrLm5vZGUiXQ..
8) Pimp My Music - This is great for fixing up the ID3 tags in your songs and for finding all the right cover art.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImF1LmNvbS5waWNrdXAucG1tIl0.
9) T.E.A.M. Battery Bar - This displays a coloured bar on top of the status bar showing the battery level (remember MIUI?). A must have for me.
https://p lay.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.batterybar&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5wdnkuYmF0dGVyeWJhciJd
10) Active Lockscreen - I think this is one of the best lockscreens out there.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jZWxsdGljay5sb2Nrc2NyZWVuIl0.
11) ConvertIt - Another holo themed and minimalistic app, this one is a unit converter.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5kcmlua2RyYW5rd2FzdGVkLmFuZHJvaWQuY3Z0Il0.
12) Phone Addict - This great little app counts how many times I check my phone. Over a period of time, shows the day I checked my phone the most times, the least times, and how often I check on average.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wYW5kdXRlY2hub2xvZ3kucGhvbmVhZGRpY3RmcmVlIl0.
13) Llama - For me this app is a MUST HAVE. I'll explain how it works. Basically, when you're at home or at work, your phone is getting signal from multiple cellphone towers nearby. What this app does is remember these towers and triggers certain profiles when they are in the vicinity. So, when I reach home, my phone automatically turns silent and when none of these towers are in range i.e. when I'm outside, it automatically increases the ring volume. You'll have to let it scan once, of course.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5rZWJhYi5MbGFtYSJd
14) Godville - This is a super simple game. You are God and you create your hero and lead him on quests etc. Superb time-killer.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwxLDEsImNvbS5nb2R2aWxsZWdhbWUuYW5kcm9pZCJd
15) Plasma Sound HD - This is a super cool app which lets you create music which is visually stunning too. Try it out yourself.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5yai5wcm9jZXNzaW5nLnBsYXNtYXNvdW5kaGQiXQ..
16) Sensor Music Player - A music player which lets you use various sensors to change track, pause etc. For example, if I'm using my headphones and my phone is in my pocket, I can just tap my pocket to change the track. Pretty cool. eh?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS56Z3VpLm11c2ljc2hha2VyIl0.
17) Clockr - A text based clock similar to minimalistic text, but just simpler.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwxLDEsImNvbS56ZWhyby5hbmRyb2lkLmNsb2NrciJd
18) TasteKid - This is a very handy app. All you have to do is type the names of certain movies, music artists, books you like and it analyzes your taste and suggests similar movies, music, books etc. https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS50YXN0ZWtpZC5UYXN0ZUtpZCJd
19) My Device Storage Analyser - This app has a very nice UI and is a simple way of finding out which files are eating up your space.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...2JpbGVfaW5mb2dyYXBoaWNzX3Rvb2xzLm15ZHJpdmUiXQ..
Another Alternative is Disk Usage - https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sImNvbS5nb29nbGUuYW5kcm9pZC5kaXNrdXNhZ2UiXQ..
20) Pew Pew - It is a retro style arcade game which is one of my all time favourite mobile games. Must try.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qeWFpZi5wZXdwZXciXQ..
21) Wifi Key Recovery - Ever forgotten your wifi password and cursed yourself about it? Not to worry! This app generates a list of all the wifi networks you’ve ever used WITH passwords. How’s that, huh? Of course, you need root.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=aws.apps.wifiKeyRecovery&feature=search_result
22) Fetch - This is an amazing app which has helped me find many other useful apps. This app basically fulfills the purpose of this thread.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sImNvLmFwcGRpc2NvLmFuZHJvaWQuYXBwZGlzY28iXQ..
Another alternative is Playboard.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsInBsYXlib2FyZC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
Here is another - Best Android Apps https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5hbmRyb2lkdGFwcC5iZXN0LmFuZHJvaWQuYXBwcyJd
23) NexMusic - A very nice holo themed, simple and minimalistic music player.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5sb2NvbWFpbi5uZXhtdXNpYyJd
Shuttle Music Player - A beautiful, minimalistic and Google now themed music player.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=another.music.player
24) AppGratis - This is an amazing app which tells you which paid apps are are currently free for the day. Take full advantage of it!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imediapp.appgratis
25) Flib - I have already shared a unit converter here, but this one is so awesome, I just HAD to share it. Very nice UI and surprisingly small in size.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS50ZW5kYXlzb25lYXBwLmZsaWIuY29udmVydGVyIl0.
26) Run in Crowd - A great multiplayer running game.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwyLDEsImNvbS51cnNpbmVwYXcucnVuaW5jcm93ZCJd
27) ShrtnR - Hate those dreadfully long URLs? This holo themed app is the solution!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...yLDEsImNvbS5yaWNoYXBwcy51cmxzaG9ydGVuZXIiXQ..
28) Daydream Launcher - Love daydream and wanna use it without a dock or while charging? Here is your solution.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...DEsImNvbS5icmlhbmNvLmRheWRyZWFtbGF1bmNoZXIiXQ..
29) Ultimate Stopwatch & Timer - A beautiful stopwatch and timer.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...NvbS5nZWVreW91dXAuYW5kcm9pZC51c3RvcHdhdGNoIl0.
30) Clean Calculator - A simple and beautifully themed calculator.
https://play.google.com/store/apps...bGwsMSwyLDEsImhvbWUuam1zdHVkaW9zLmNhbGMiXQ.. .
Here's another - Makina https://play.google.com/store/apps/...GwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5zZXJpb3VzYml0cy5tYWtpbmEiXQ..
Another beautiful calculator - HoloCalc https://play.google.com/store/apps...MSwyLDEsImNvbS5icm9ncmFtbWluZy5Ib2xvQ2FsYyJd
31) Next Browser - A new browser by the famous GO Dev team.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qaXViYW5nLmJyb3dzZXIiXQ..
32) Glovebox Launcher - This is an Ubuntu inspired app which takes multitasking to another level. Swipe from the left or right of your screen and it displays a set of configurable Apps/shortcuts etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5mYi5nbG92ZWJveCJd
A similar app for more advanced users is - SwipePad https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vYmkuY29uZHVjdGlvbi5zd2lwZXBhZC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
32) Software Data Cable - This lets you wirelessly sync folders between your computer and phone with a high transfer speed.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lyy.softdatacable
An alternative is - Airdroid https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5zYW5kLmFpcmRyb2lkIl0.
IMO, this on is the best - Fast File Transfer https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.floriandraschbacher.fastfiletransfer&hl=en
33) RoundR - Hate the sharp edges of your screen? This app gives a rounded look to your screen! It makes my S4 look great, especially in the dark.
https://play.google.com/store/apps...1bGwsMSwxLDMsIm1vaGFtbWFkLmFkaWIucm91bmRyIl0.
34) Copy - This is a new cloud storage service which gives 15 GB of free storage!!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.copy&hl=en
35) Jumpr - A simpler and holo themed version of doodle jump.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jtrees.jumpr
36) Now SMS - A minimalistic messaging app which is inspired by the Google Now cards ui. No MMS support, though. But I love anything holo.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=crometh.android.nowsms
37) Clock Now - A beautiful Google Now-themed clock.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsInBhc3RyeWxhYi5jbG9ja25vdyJd
38) Flava - A great looking note-taking app with a timeline.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsIm5ldC5ncmVlbm1vbi5mbGF2YSJd
39) Climatip - A weather app with a difference. It shows you what you should wear before going out rather than boring temperatures. Great UI too.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5yb2NrdGFwcy5jbGltYXRpcCJd
40) MyRealFont Lite - An awesome app which let's you create your own fonts using your own handwriting! How cool is that?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYS5teXJlYWxmb250bGl0ZSJd
41) Colours - Ever wanted to set a solid color as your wallpaper? This so is the solution!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jaXRjLmNvbG9ycyJd
42) Keymonk - A refreshingly new keyboard which has gesture typing with 2 fingers! It takes some time getting used to, but significantly increases speed.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5rZXltb25rLmxhdGluIl0.
43) SuperBeam - This app is the fastest way to transfer data from one android phone to another using WiFi direct or NFC. The fastest. Period.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5tYWplZGV2LnN1cGVyYmVhbSJd
44) InstaWifi - Ever wanted to share your WiFi network with someone, but you just can't remember the password? This app is the solution. It let's the other person either scan a QR code from your phone or you could send the WiFi details using NFC.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwyLDEsIm5ldC5qZXNzZWNoZW4uaW5zdGF3aWZpIl0.
45) Timetable - Just can't remember you class timings in school/college? This beautiful app is the solution!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...xLDEsImNvbS5nYWJyaWVsaXR0bmVyLnRpbWV0YWJsZSJd
46) Maluuba - Maluuba is a great voice assistant with an awesome UI. Almost always understand what I wanna say.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYWx1dWJhLmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
Another great vice assistant - utter!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5icmFuZGFsbC5udXR0ZXIiXQ..
Feel free to give your suggestions. Also, please inform me about broken links or any other errors and I will fix it immediately.
If you found this list useful, please press the thanks button and rate this thread 5 stars.
App recommendations by other members-
1) UC Browser HD for tablets - A great tablet with Flash support which also supports downloading videos.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLnVjLmJyb3dzZXIuaGQiXQ..
2) Archos Video Player - great media player, specially if you have your movies stored on network, finds covers and descriptions for movies and tv shows
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.archos.mediacenter.video
3) FolderMount - root needed, move data to SD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount&feature=search_result
4) AppSales - check what's on sale on Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.tsapps.appsales&feature=search_result
5) theChive - great if you like thechive.com 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thechive
6) ConnectBot - basically putty for android (Hackers Keyboard needed for proper use)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.connectbot
7) Lazy Car hands free driving
8)Traffic Eye allows you to see still images from motorway cameras
9) Rain Alarm a better way to check the weather
10) Sopcast watch movies and sports
11) Camera Ace brilliant camera app
12) Mighty Text puts texts on to your pc so you dont have to keep checking your device, also tells you when your battery is low
13) Photofunia have fun with photos
14) PDAnet turns your device into a wifi hot spot
15) Vaulty keep those x-rated photos safe from prying eyes
16) Cordy 1+2 game that is well worth the money
17) Best Parking - a must have if you live in NYC
18) Ski & Snow Report - exactly what is says. And you can save your favorite resorts for easy viewing. includes live pictures, trail maps, directions, etc. Worldwide powder reports make you think "how can i get to Switzerland?"
19) Vibe Vault - If you are familiar with the Live Music Archive (LMA), then you may already know this, but otherwise, if you LOVE live music, get this app to listen to tons of shows
20) Verizon FiOS Mobile Remote - haven't you ever wanted to set your DVR while away from home? Only works for FIOS customers
21) Sidewalk buddy love it, walk & use your phone
22) Camera MX great camera app
23) SuperBeam share files with wifi direct
24) Screen off & lock title says it all
25) Task Manager S4 Shortcut - a link to the original Samsung App's icon missing on Samsung GS4, GS3 and Notes II...and much more!
26) Data Switch SAVE BATTERY Easy - to cyclically connect to the Mobile Network or to the Wifi one...and save battery!
27) Bookmarks Easy Import - import Bookmarks from a ".htm" file exported from a Pc Browser and open links in your favorite Browser.
28) Cool Tool - Different system info everywhere you want: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImRzLmNwdW92ZXJsYXkiXQ..
29) Aqua Mail - Best mail app ever - https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm9yZy5rbWFuLkFxdWFNYWlsIl0.
30) Copy - Yet another cloud, but no limits for uploaded file volume, 15gb for free + 5gb for referral registration (here is mine, by the way https://copy.com?r=nDZ24z ): https://play.google.com/store/apps/...rch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jb3B5Il0.
31) Glowfly - Nice popup app for sms and missed calls with possibility to setup buttons you want - dissmis, replay, inbox etc.: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...lkZXJmbHkuaXNlcm0ucG9wdXBub3RpZmljYXRpb25zIl0
32) Saucillator - finger synth, very fun: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mattfeury.saucillator.android
33) ThereminCam - just check it out, hella weird: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.staircase3.facecontrol
34) Blue Mouse Touchpad (pay) - use your phone as a bluetooth touchpad from afar: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pt.teixeira.blueapps.BluePadPro
35) TouchDAW - turn your phone into a MIDI controller for digital audio workstations: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.humatic.tdf
36) CPU Sleeper - only run one core while the screen is off (genius!): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eugene373.cpu.sleep
37) AirVidPlay - easily send videos from your browser to a video app (like BSPlayer): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logonapps.Airvidplay
38) Buycott - scan items to see if they are made or owned by *%$#&ed up companies (like Monsanto for instance): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buycott.android
39) aCalendar+ (Free ver) - Great calendar app
40) Tasks - one of the nicest to do apps available.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.teamtasks.tasks&hl=en
41) Here is a very nice free flashlight
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devuni.flashlight
* Temp+CPU
* sempervidlinks
* month calendar widget
* twonky beam
(Will provide the remaining links soon)
Credits (These are not the app developers, but the people who helped compile this list)-
- I r o n M a n (Me)
- cabloomi
- hiobb
- rab1es
- lucksp
- ZordaK_
- cb56
- 200mpx
- kchannel9
- nobodyknows
- beaver2233
- ahmedsalah83
- racerke
- MadTaz
Reserved for future
ucbrowser HD tablet version but from there website not from google play. the one on the website lets you download videos
Excellent list... Already installed half a dozen of the recommended apps
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Archos Video Player - great media player, specially if you have your movies stored on network, finds covers and descriptions for movies and tv shows
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.archos.mediacenter.video
FolderMount - root needed, move data to SD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount&feature=search_result
AppSales - check what's on sale on Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.tsapps.appsales&feature=search_result
theChive - great if you like thechive.com
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thechive
ConnectBot - basically putty for android (Hackers Keyboard needed for proper use)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.connectbot
hiobb said:
Archos Video Player - great media player, specially if you have your movies stored on network, finds covers and descriptions for movies and tv shows
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.archos.mediacenter.video
FolderMount - root needed, move data to SD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount&feature=search_result
AppSales - check what's on sale on Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.tsapps.appsales&feature=search_result
theChive - great if you like thechive.com
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thechive
ConnectBot - basically putty for android (Hackers Keyboard needed for proper use)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.connectbot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mchu6am4 said:
Excellent list... Already installed half a dozen of the recommended apps
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cabloomi said:
ucbrowser HD tablet version but from there website not from google play. the one on the website lets you download videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Sent using my S4
Lazy Car hands free driving
Traffic Eye allows you to see still images from motorway cameras
Rain Alarm a better way to check the weather
Sopcast watch movies and sports
Camera Ace brilliant camera app
Mighty Text puts texts on to your pc so you dont have to keep checking your device, also tells you when your battery is low
Photofunia have fun with photos
PDAnet turns your device into a wifi hot spot
Vaulty keep those x-rated photos safe from prying eyes
Cordy 1+2 game that is well worth the money
Best Parking - a must have if you live in NYC
Ski & Snow Report - exactly what is says. And you can save your favorite resorts for easy viewing. includes live pictures, trail maps, directions, etc. Worldwide powder reports make you think "how can i get to Switzerland?"
Vibe Vault - If you are familiar with the Live Music Archive (LMA), then you may already know this, but otherwise, if you LOVE live music, get this app to listen to tons of shows
Verizon FiOS Mobile Remote - haven't you ever wanted to set your DVR while away from home? Only works for FIOS customers
rab1es said:
Lazy Car hands free driving
Traffic Eye allows you to see still images from motorway cameras
Rain Alarm a better way to check the weather
Sopcast watch movies and sports
Camera Ace brilliant camera app
Mighty Text puts texts on to your pc so you dont have to keep checking your device, also tells you when your battery is low
Photofunia have fun with photos
PDAnet turns your device into a wifi hot spot
Vaulty keep those x-rated photos safe from prying eyes
Cordy 1+2 game that is well worth the money
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lucksp said:
Best Parking - a must have if you live in NYC
Ski & Snow Report - exactly what is says. And you can save your favorite resorts for easy viewing. includes live pictures, trail maps, directions, etc. Worldwide powder reports make you think "how can i get to Switzerland?"
Vibe Vault - If you are familiar with the Live Music Archive (LMA), then you may already know this, but otherwise, if you LOVE live music, get this app to listen to tons of shows
Verizon FiOS Mobile Remote - haven't you ever wanted to set your DVR while away from home? Only works for FIOS customers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestions.
Sent using my S4
Sidewalk buddy love it, walk & use your phone
Camera MX great camera app
SuperBeam share files with wifi direct
Screen off & lock title says it all
Task Manager S4 Shortcut - a link to the original Samsung App's icon missing on Samsung GS4, GS3 and Notes II...and much more!
Data Switch SAVE BATTERY Easy - to cyclically connect to the Mobile Network or to the Wifi one...and save battery!
Bookmarks Easy Import - import Bookmarks from a ".htm" file exported from a Pc Browser and open links in your favorite Browser.
Look also here for full descriptions and other apps
cb56
Updated
Sent using my S4
Try Tasker for android,you will love it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm&hl=en
batjnr said:
Try Tasker for android,you will love it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with you but I'm not adding it to the list since its very popular.
Sent using my S4
Different system info everywhere you want: Cool Tool - https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImRzLmNwdW92ZXJsYXkiXQ..
Best mail app ever: Aqua Mail - https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm9yZy5rbWFuLkFxdWFNYWlsIl0.
Yet another cloud, but no limits for uploaded file volume, 15gb for free + 5gb for referral registration (here is mine, by the way https://copy.com?r=nDZ24z ): https://play.google.com/store/apps/...rch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jb3B5Il0.
Nice popup app for sms and missed calls with possibility to setup buttons you want - dissmis, replay, inbox etc.: Glowfly - https://play.google.com/store/apps/...lkZXJmbHkuaXNlcm0ucG9wdXBub3RpZmljYXRpb25zIl0.
List updated with new apps
Sent using my S4
brilliant! Thanks!!
Seraz007 said:
brilliant! Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're most welcome
Press the button
Sent using my S4
Hi
Anyone found a way to group apps in the appdrawer ? as in folder structure and so on?
Been trying my darnedest with no luck... On the other hand my LG G3 ( also with lollipop) allows me to do what I need with no issues
Suggestions ladies and gents?
You'll need to use a different launcher...
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Any suggestions regarding a clean and simple launcher?
Wouldn't mind a recommendation
I'd wait to hear if anyone else has any suggestions, but I hear many like Nova Launcher (I believe you'd need the "Prime" version for folders/groupings in the app drawer though).
Personally, I'm using ADW Launcher Ex and like it quite a bit, but can't recommend it as it hasn't been updated in a LONG time and many suggest it's been abandoned (although the dev recently tweeted something that indicates otherwise...)
Let us know what you try.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
After testing back and forth I ended up with Nova ( paid for the Prime edition, worth it)
tested ( not in any particular order):
Google Now = Too focused on Google now features ( that I don't use), didn't add much, and I still couldn't app folders to appdrawer
ADW = Felt a tad sluggish compared to Nova, tons of themes and such but hasn't been updated for a while ( like An Droid said) still a good launcher, seems to have more options then Nova, so better for tweaking and customisation
Apex = A toss up between this one and nova. This one might have more features, but I found the functions on nova more user-friendly. I'd say "too close to call "on this one
Yahoo Aviate Launcher = In short, too automated, it tries to learn from you, predict your actions and such. Like grouping the apps based on auto defined categories and trying to constantly come with suggestions on how to use , where to use and when to use it. Most things can be tweaked and customised, like groups and folders for apps, suggestions for apps and automation level. It just wasn't for me. Too busy and a bit of a resource hog . Though some cool features were tempting, like the location based home screen and app drawer organisation. One sett of settings and home layouts for when the tab senses it's at work, and another for home, then another for evening and another for... and so on.. tons of possibilities. I'm just not into the automation stuff
Buzz Launcher= Very interesting launcher , very customisable, tons and tons and tons ....and tons of themes. But a bit too much. Though you can always tweak everything , and if you don't like your, icon pack, home design, appdrawer etc... you just download someone else's. Tons of option...but felt a bit like everything and the kitchen sink. Don't get me wrong , found some fancy stuff in there, cool themes that go far far far beyond a desktop wallpaper tweak with funky icons. I't just more for the designer that doesn't mind fussing over 30++ pages of themes and icon + wallpaper combos, then spend a while adjusting them. But it ended up being a launcher where I spent more time testing other people "launcher" setups, then actualy using the function of the launcher it self ( if you catch my drift) if I spent long enough I'm sure I would have landed on a favourite theme ..... eventually
Action Launcher Pro = A bit like aviate, but not so automated. decent set of features, some automation and habit pattern recognition ( sees what you do and tries in certain cases to predict what you need)... but left me with a bit of a "meh" feeling. Not bad, just not great
I spent 2-3 days with each ( I know it's not nearly enough time, but gives you a sense whether you might like it or not)
WHY NOVA?
Well, it's
sleek
simple
fast
minimal resources
A decent selection of features , the the possibilities to add more
Gesture based actions and short-cut customisation
Intuitive menus and settings
In short simple enough download and leave as is, but still open to a decent amount of tweaks. very fast and responsive.
NOTE Non of the launchers were really something you would call sluggish. We are talking about a tiny margin, and a very subjective opinion! And the Shield is a beast after all
As a point of reference, I also own a note 10.1 2014 32 GB, and it's sluggish ( even after several factory resets and barely any apps / services running), not rooted though ( warranty issue ), Running stock touchWiz "enhanced" Kitkat.
Keep in mind I went on the hunt simply recourse I wanted to find a way to sort out the folders in appdrawer issue. With NovaI found that as well as a few features I didn't really look for , but welcomed non-the less.
Nova is very much Recommended!
hopes this helps
Cheers lads!
I am so pleased to share the launcher I have found that best complements the surface duo for those looking for an amazing launcher for this desktop tier device is Winx Launcher. I actually tried at least 30 launcher apps and of all of them (including the very similar computer launcher and other apps), I found the Winx Launcher to be the most powerful, elegant, compatible launcher for Surface Duo users.
What's more is that I am so proud to announce that literally two days after I shared my feedback of the app on Google play, the developer immediately responded with promises for even further Surface Duo specific features coming to add to the rare "foldable" device settings. Literally two days later he has ALREADY demonstrated a new update coming delivering further Surface Duo support! The developer does not even own a Duo but that was so beautiful to see our rare devices get individualized attention and so I encourage you to show support for this app if you are looking for a launcher that literally changes your device into a more professional one rather than a (sloppy highly restricted android experience designed for candy bars launcher like our stock version of the Microsoft Launcher)
Seperate your Duo from other devices and give this launcher a try so that hopefully we can all benefit from increased support because literally no other launcher I've seen seems to care about the rare foldable device users. This developer actually cares and is also extremely taleneted!
While the launcher is free and add free by default, it is literally 2 dollars to get access to the premium features however I believe he still offers a 1 week trial so you can access the foldable device settings which I believe is extremely worth the money considering it absolutely changes the whole way you may view & approach your Duo... And again, it's SUPERIOR to the other simular desktop like launchers, believe me I tried them!!!
I believe if people help showcase their appreciation then based on the urgent attention I received that it will expedite the developer to add the most desired feature I'd presume for us Duo users which is for the entire home screen to slidd to the inactive screen when an app is launch. I believe he can do this no problem, and that it's not a dream just something no other developers have cared to address (despite Microsoft giving them all the tools to develop on for the Surface, other developers haven't batted an eye our way even when trying to bring a Windows like experience to Android)
Also he did all this in two days, despite when looking for comments from other reviewers using my device mod, there was only one other person, as if he simply needs solid feedback to give him ideas of ways to further improve this already daily driver ready launcher!
Get his Winx Launcher from the play store
Win-X Launcher - Apps on Google Play
The Launcher inspired by famous OS to provide simplified interface.
play.google.com
And here is a video he just released today showcasing the new Surface Duo user optimizations and other updates already getting ready to be released!
Subscribe to him to see what he's up to like me!
If you love the fact someone is helping to fine tune such a core application for our devices you can even donate a coffee to him from within the app (might speed him up even further lol)
I'm attaching images of my customizations to hopefully encourage you that your Duo can also be as clean as mine with hard work and effort but if you'd like I could share my general settings which could size icons and stuff the way I have (even tho my display is set at slightly different dpi via developer settings)
BTW I'm using this awesome icon pack, but obviously I hand selected and replaced many of the typical ones with other ones, using the custom icons features.. Also I rename some apps. I haven't yet found great widgets but the app has support for widgets too in addition to the many MANY useful abilities you'll find..
Halo Icon Pack - Apps on Google Play
Shapeless icon designs with a mellow undertone.
play.google.com
HALO ICON PACK
I have decided it's easy enough to attach my settings if you want to quickly have a tested base layout like mine to start with, you might need to clean up the custom icons but maybe not but hey I have spent time adjusting this so just be happy I knocked out the fundamentals of beautifying it up for you. You should easily be able to use the offline back up restore setting to paste this folder in your documentz and then import in... The quick one drive backup feature btw makes it worth spending time customizing. I'm so pleased with this launchers impact on my Duo's experience, and have found its lighter on resources the the heavily crippled bland stock launcher
Also I attached my exact dpi settings... Note it looks even better if you haven't disabled windows level blur in the developer settings like me for benchmarking purposes... however I have it off and am too lazy to redo screenshots. And the system font I'm using (for those who know how to actually customize system fonts [root]) is CoconOrignial but I don't think that will make a huge difference between my screenshots and what you'll get with the base system fonts. I'm just trying to share some drip with you guys.
Again (for those expecting the bottom link here) this is the
Winx Launcher from the play store
Win-X Launcher - Apps on Google Play
The Launcher inspired by famous OS to provide simplified interface.
play.google.com