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[Q] Launchers

Hey,
I'm wondering if there is any point in using launchers anymore. I've been using ADW since I got the phone. But since we have 2.1 are there any benifits to using launchers ? It seems people are recommending launcher pro. What are the benifits to using this over adw or stock? Better battery or anything ? Faster response ?

Hey, I used dxtop pro for a while, on 1.6, transferred it to 2.1 and it killed my battery. Since then changed to launcher pro and it is immense. It saves on battery and its ability to be customized makes using the phone a whole heap easier.
If anything this enhances using the phone.
Excellent replacement give it, give the free one ago and then go from there

It's all about personal preference, I prefer ADW, some Launcher Pro, and some prefer the stock.

Yeah cause most it is based on what you want your homescreen to do
Sent from my X10i 2.1 rooted using XDA App

Personally I use ADW, never quite saw what was supposed to be so awesome with LauncherPro.
ADW does what I need it to, and for me it is easily as fast as LauncherPro.
All down to personal choice really.

I've used ADW launcher when i was on 1.6 but once I've tried LauncherPro on 2.1, i love it! i think both of them are great launchers but i just think that LauncherPro is easier to use. I'm on Plus which is a paid version and they give you exclusive widgets as well, they're pretty neat but to be honest i don't use them lol. You should try both of them so you know, i think it's more about personal preference cuz both of them are awesome launchers

I recently paid for launcher pro, never tried adw but it sounds the same, prefer the fact you csn zoom further out to see all the screens at once and the message, facebook and phone book widgets are awesome similar to the ones on my dads htc which is what I was looking for. Only prob is that I get a force close every now and then. Anyone got a possible solution for that?
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

i personally love Zeam....it was what i used on 1.6 and when i changed to 2.1 i tried it but at first didn't like it...but now i've fallen in love because of how simple, yet dynamic it is.

XperiaX10iUser said:
It's all about personal preference, I prefer ADW, some Launcher Pro, and some prefer the stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ This.
I was using ADW under Android 1.6. With 2.1, I find LauncherPro to be smoother. I like features of both, and miss the features the other has.

tiwey said:
i personally love Zeam....it was what i used on 1.6 and when i changed to 2.1 i tried it but at first didn't like it...but now i've fallen in love because of how simple, yet dynamic it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for zeam, amazing app luv it, cant stand all these xtra thingies all the others have, i used adw on 1.6 and made it minimalistic tried it on 2.1 ****
zeam ftw, all my m8s use it,
THAT SED COULD THEY ALL USE DIFFERENT ICONS FFS! IM SICK OF SEEING THAT BLOODY BOX OF LITTLE SQUARES GRRRRR
rant over
zeam, try it, luv it, marry it, buy it a nice car

Wats special about zeam?
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

Hands down fastest launcher?

I've used everything from adw to pro. Is there a end all winner when it comes to speed ?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

electronicmaji said:
I've used everything from adw to pro. Is there a end all winner when it comes to speed ?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love zeam launcher pretty fast and lightweight.
Sent from my GT-I5800 using Tapatalk

I've tried most of them and I always keep on going back to LauncherPro. The application drawer is the smoothest of the bunch.

Adw ex is by far the best launcher if you get the settings right its as smooth and fast as ios on the iphone4.

I've bought, and had Launcher Pro. I liked it, but once I tried out GO Launcher, I haven't been back since.

I always go back to Launcher pro its great. I like adw ex but I wish they had the names of the transition effects. it'll make it easier to pick which one you want to use. I would use Go Launcher it smooth and its FREE, but I'm not crazy about the resizing icons or my dock when I pick a dock or an icon for the dock. It'll come out blurry and fuzzy out of focus.
But Go Launcher is great and its always improving did I mentioned its FREE. Its a tough decision but for a home replacement with all the features I would pick Go Launcher.

Pinak.ahuja said:
I love zeam launcher pretty fast and lightweight.
Sent from my GT-I5800 using Tapatalk
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THIS.
Sent from my full Trigger powered SGH-T959 using XDA App

i have a low end device (about 400 mhz cpu) and launcher pro had the smoothest transitions than all the other launchers

Zeam is the fastest for me, then comes GO Launcher. I use ADW EX tho, it has more customization than the others, but its much faster than Launcher Pro. (For me that is)
I've also tried HeLauncher, its pretty snappy. It also has a feature that has a lot of docks. From Sense, to Gingerbread, to some of the custom Sense docks on XDA.

for me, tag home is light weight and fast, but there's little you can do to its drawer or windows.
Sent from my FroyoEris using XDA App

I was using launcher pro but after running ADW EX on my wifes Eris I have switched to that for about the last week. I don't see any drop in performance and the customization is amazing compared to LP. From themes to gestures and animations, the icon resizing is great as well. If you want something no frills you can always try Launcher 7 as well. It emulates the launcher from windows phone 7. It all comes down to preference really,i actually have 4 or 5 launchers on my phone that I keep just to show people differences first hand when they are choosing for their phones.
Samsung Fascinate
Frankenclean 2.9
EB16-ish Voodoo Kernel
Tyler's Transblue Honeycomb v11
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ADW EX.. I bought it and never looked back. it is very customizable and easy to work with plus it is blazing fast!

Omnichron said:
ADW EX.. I bought it and never looked back. it is very customizable and easy to work with plus it is blazing fast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Adw ex for quite a while, but came back to launcher people in the end
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy S Fascinate Using XDA Premium App - Running Superclean 2.9.1 - 2.2 Froyo

We could all sit here and tell you what our fav launcher is and why but it would not do much good. The speed will very depending on many things. Rom, Background apps, Device, Available mem, the list goes on and on. Best bet is to try them each out and find the fastest one for you on your device

Go launcher for me... Used all 3 for sometime and Go launcher have best of both awd and launcher pro world...

As nobody can ever agree which is faster i'm going to go out on a limb and say they're all about the same!

I tried ADW ex, GO ex and some others. I don't know why, but the only launcher with real fluid animations is LauncherPro.
I also like it's widgets.
Waiting for the completely rewritten LP....
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

In terms of the "feel" of the launcher, LP has been for me, hands down the smoothest and best feeling launcher (I've tried everything there is to try I think). In terms of plain speed, probably Zeam.

Go Launcher
Go Launcher will be my preference

I just switched to using Go Launcher EX from using Launcher Pro Plus and I think Go is much faster and responsive. However, that's all subject to change after the LPP rewrite is completed.

market launchers

Hello my SGS4G community,
I would like to know everyone's opinion on which is the best launcher for our SGS4g right now?? Right now I have Launcher Pro, which is great, very customizable. However, lately it has been crashing or restarting on its own. Would like to know if there is anything in market as good or close to launcher pro. Perhaps smoother??
thanks guys

I like ADW. I never had a problem with it and very customised.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Best Launcher
I would have to say ADW as well. I have been using it for well over a year. I have tried LP, Open Home, Go Launcher and even SPB Shell 3D and I find ADW Launcher EX to be the best, but that is just my opinion.

i use Launcher Pro and ADW2 Beta

Ive been using GoLauncher, havent had any problems, seems to do much of what launcherpro did, including autorotate of home screen. but i may have to check out this ADW.....curiosity, ya know.

+1 on go launcher. Very customizable. Haven't tried many others, but don't really feel the need to. Go launcher has just about everything you might want.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Another vote for ADW; it's been great for me, and fairly customizable.
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I've tried most, luncher pro is my favorite!!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Zeam Launcher offers a scrollable dock and gesture commands to open app drawer view notifications toggle full screen view all screens open dialer and more!! I love it.
Sent from SGS 4G running Black Ice ROM with Voodoo.

I absolutely love zeam launcher. Small, fast, and easy to use. The action bindings make things so much easier. But if you want something jam packed with features, I would definitely agree with go launcher. Way too many features. Lol.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Gingerbread launcher is GRRREAT!

Thank you guys for all your insights. I must say Go launcher is a really sick launcher that I've tried besides Launcher Pro. It doesn't have the 3d app drawer like LP and Adw does, which sucks, but it has some really cool animations effects and is really smooth.

if you're rooted then you can try TouchWiz 4.5

ADW... Like a boss
lostsauce said:
I would have to say ADW as well. I have been using it for well over a year. I have tried LP, Open Home, Go Launcher and even SPB Shell 3D and I find ADW Launcher EX to be the best, but that is just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I took your advice and got the ADW Launcher EX and it is everything I wanted. I just wanted the cube transition and I got everything else for free!

I love adw ex, so customizable, many transitions, and the gestures of swiping are awesome I dont have a button for my app drawer I just swipe up on my screen and my app drawer transitions up
sent from my sgs4g 2.3.3, finally

I have spb 3d and i have to say it is pretty sick

I like Launcher Pro, ADW, and Go Launcher.
ICBINB seems to run on ADW the best for me, but Go launcher feels a bit snapper. Only things that turn me off about it are the previews and the orange selecting box.
Does anyone know how to get Sense-like previews on Go Launcher?
Sent from my awesome SGS4G

bkoon1218 said:
I like Launcher Pro, ADW, and Go Launcher.
ICBINB seems to run on ADW the best for me, but Go launcher feels a bit snapper. Only things that turn me off about it are the previews and the orange selecting box.
Does anyone know how to get Sense-like previews on Go Launcher?
Sent from my awesome SGS4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have to agree about Go launcher's previews and the orange selecting box. It would be nice if we were able to customize that option like you can in Launcher Pro.

Gingerbread launcher is pretty good

brandond15 said:
Gingerbread launcher is pretty good
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Click to collapse
+ 1 running gingerbread with gingerbread launcher is pretty sweet
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What is the best alternate launcher for the G2X?

Now that I finally got my G2X updated to GB I was wondering what alternate launchers, if any, people are using and how they like them. The stock launcher is nice but lacks customization features such as resizable widgets, changing icons layouts, removing homescreens, etc.

Go launcher

I can't say enough good things about Weapon 2.3 ROM and it's included TouchWiz launcher from Samsung.
If you are running factory GB on your G2x I can assure you The Weapon ROM is every bit as stable as stock if not better, with way better battery life and a bunch of other cool gee whiz features.

LauncherPro. I've been using since May 2010.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Launcher Pro - the widgets can't be beat, especially now with theme and icon pack support. At times I try another launcher, but I always come back to launcher pro for the widgets.
I've yet to find people, bookmarks, and friends widget comparable to launcher pro except sense ui. There are others that mimick the functionality, but they usually slow down the device quite a bit. Launcher Pro remains fast.

I think LP has the best ALL Around setup. The built in Widgets are great and backup/restore will save passwords so you don't always have to login again to Twitter and Facebook.
Unfortunately the developer has been ignoring it for some time and is starting to lack some features. While it JUST got theme support, it doesn't seem to be moving very fast. Very limited. Plus they don't have "whole" theme support so icons and widget themes are separate.
I'm using LP now but going back and forth to Go Launcher. Go Launcher has downloadable widgets that are comparable and cool in their own way. Also "Colorize Widgets" also make a good LP Widget Replacement.
So the 3 main ones are ADW EX, Go Launcher EX, and Launcher Pro.
There are other weird ones like Samsung TouchWiz, LG Launcher, Sony Xperia Launcher, etc.
Honestly just find one that works they way you want. I'm currently using ADW EX on my Asus Transformer because it recently added much needed support and features for tablets (which the others lack). On the G2x either one of the 3.

go launcher.. also has widgets.
but you can add to that with colorize widgets. an awesome pack made by an xda user.
the combination is unbeatable in my opionion.

I've grown quite fond of ADW, myself. Though, I haven't tried LP.
I also used a launcher called Crazy Home, awhile back. On top of having extra home screens, it gives you up to 3 desktops...each with 5 home screens. So, if you REALLY like home screens, you can have up to 15 lol. It also allows you to hide apps in your app drawer. I ended up going with ADW, because I could load my own icons, and use them...CH was a bit more limited.

I'm a huge fan of Zeam. I used it on my old HTC Magic because it was fast fast fast on the old hardware, and I continue to use it on my G2x.

Spyvie said:
I can't say enough good things about Weapon 2.3 ROM and it's included TouchWiz launcher from Samsung.
If you are running factory GB on your G2x I can assure you The Weapon ROM is every bit as stable as stock if not better, with way better battery life and a bunch of other cool gee whiz features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm going to be trying my first ROM out and that's what I'm leaning towards right now.
To the OP, I love Launcher Pro. So much to customize.

My vote goes for ADW Launcher EX for sheer speed.

gjvah said:
Go launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I like LP but now I'm using go launcher, it has so many themes to play with!
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

+1 for go launcher.

Regina 3d launcher

lannister80 said:
I'm a huge fan of Zeam. I used it on my old HTC Magic because it was fast fast fast on the old hardware, and I continue to use it on my G2x.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zeam rocks my socks. I use one home screen, a couple widgets and gestures to open my app drawer and notifications. Super fast and simple.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

I'll second the TouchWiz launcher. I'm using it standalone with Miui. It looks awesome. I've been a ADW guy since my G1 days and continued using it with the Nexus One and G2X, but I gave TW a try a few weeks ago and haven't looked back.

By far the best is launcher pro

Zeam
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I never understood the hype for launcher pro. ADW or GO are amazing though.
I use ADW EX.
Sent from my Nexus Prime using XDA Ultimate App

ADW Launcher EX

Is friggin awesome with CM7. The included free version of ADW was nice but EX is SMOOTH and ridiculously customizable. Just wish there were more ADW themes.

I agree. I just slap the adw backup file from my G2 onto my Fire sdcard and restore and I am home, sweet home. Its like butter.

androidcues said:
I agree. I just slap the adw backup file from my G2 onto my Fire sdcard and restore and I am home, sweet home. Its like butter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the backup option is awesome.

Was looking at several loaders. Trying to figure out which one to get. Is this one really neat, worth buying? I won't mention the others in your thread but one is kinda expensive for what it is. Already using the free one.

ADW EX is SUPER customizable
Granite Gargoyle said:
Was looking at several loaders. Trying to figure out which one to get. Is this one really neat, worth buying? I won't mention the others in your thread but one is kinda expensive for what it is. Already using the free one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADW Launcher EX is nice. Runs smoothly. It does have one little bug pertaining to the density hack(makes your icons bigger for tablets).
Menu>more>AdwSettings>ReSTART ADW
Unfortunately you need to do this after every bootup if you want the larger icons. Other than that, it's great. Check your inbox. I sent you a PM.

Granite Gargoyle said:
Was looking at several loaders. Trying to figure out which one to get. Is this one really neat, worth buying? I won't mention the others in your thread but one is kinda expensive for what it is. Already using the free one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're referring to SPB Shell, I've heard mixed reviews. I'm just not real comfortable paying $15 for any app that can't do my laundry...

Better than the GO one?
Will be putting whichever I get on my phone as well

Granite Gargoyle said:
Better than the GO one?
Will be putting whichever I get on my phone as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go Launcher is cool but feels clunky and slow compared to ADW EX

Will try then...thanks!

androidcues said:
I agree. I just slap the adw backup file from my G2 onto my Fire sdcard and restore and I am home, sweet home. Its like butter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, more details. How do you get ADW Launcher EX on my CyanogenMod 7 install? It runs Ok with the standard ADW but I'd also like the ADW EX version.
Can't I just download it from the Market and install?

Guardsix said:
Ok, more details. How do you get ADW Launcher EX on my CyanogenMod 7 install? It runs Ok with the standard ADW but I'd also like the ADW EX version.
Can't I just download it from the Market and install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Though you may or may not need to rename the regular ADW.apk that came with cm7. You might not even have to. Some have issues with it some don't.
ADW EX seems to move so much smoother. And I will say in advance that the Density Hack has a little bug that won't apply it after a reboot until you go to menu>more>ADWSettings>Restart ADW. Really is a great launcher even with the minor bug.

CodenameDeadpool said:
Yes. Though you may or may not need to rename the regular ADW.apk that came with cm7. You might not even have to. Some have issues with it some don't.
ADW EX seems to move so much smoother. And I will say in advance that the Density Hack has a little bug that won't apply it after a reboot until you go to menu>more>ADWSettings>Restart ADW. Really is a great launcher even with the minor bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got ADW Launcher EX installed with no problem. Only thing, I had to re-do all my widgets and icons. That takes a little time. But, it's working fine. I didn't have to re-name or move anything so far.
Thanks

I got this installed and loved it! Just one question...any way to hide icons like there is in Go Launcher?

Granite Gargoyle said:
I got this installed and loved it! Just one question...any way to hide icons like there is in Go Launcher?
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Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean. You can remove them, though.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

CodenameDeadpool said:
Not sure what you mean. You can remove them, though.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Go Launcher, when you go to the screen that shows all your apps, you can hit the menu button and get an option to turn off icons that you do not use or don't want showing. Does not appear that function is in ADW. Minor gripe but I rather not look at all the system type apps all the time, mixed in with the all my downloaded apps. You can another list of them but I have found nothing to hide ones that you want to kep installed, just don't want them shown all the time.

I was a huge fan of ADW Launcher EX, but then I tried Go Launcher due to all of the hype about it and I have to say it lived up to that hype, its fantastic.

I tried to download and install the standard ADW Launcher onto my stock KF (6.3.1) but it says that my device is not compatible. This was through the Google Play store.
any other sources to d/l this launcher? I'm currently using Go Launcher EX