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I think its time we come up with a comprehensive list of all home replacement apps. I will do my best here but if I miss something please add it as well.
Zeam,
DXtop,
Helix Launcher,
Helix Launcher 2,
Pro Launcher
Ahome,
Ahome Mini
Open Home,
Home++
Crazy Home
Sweeter Home
Better Home
Tag Home
PandaHero
NexusHome
Live! Home
GDE
Bingo! Home
Slidescreen
AdvancedLauncher
Launcher+
ADW Launcher
A nice app to manage all of these home replacements is Home Switcher.
I don't have a time to write a summary of each app but I may in the near future.
ADW Launcher
Added, Thanks.
Gimpeh said:
I think its time we come up with a comprehensive list of all home replacement apps. I will do my best here but if I miss something please add it as well.
Zeam,
DXtop,
Helix Launcher,
Helix Launcher 2,
Pro Launcher
Ahome,
Ahome Mini
Open Home,
Home++
Crazy Home
Sweeter Home
Better Home
Tag Home
PandaHero
NexusHome
Live! Home
GDE
Bingo! Home
Slidescreen
AdvancedLauncher
Launcher+
ADW Launcher
A nice app to manage all of these home replacements is Home Switcher.
I don't have a time to write a summary of each app but I may in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should make a poll for the favourite HRA - so we'll see which is worth trying
By request I've added a poll.
Gimpeh said:
By request I've added a poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx
10 chars
I just got my first android phone and i was wondering if these home replacement are apps you have to find online to download or would they all be in the market?
Don't forget LauncherPro Beta. Unless that's what you ment by Pro Launcher?
jpen said:
I just got my first android phone and i was wondering if these home replacement are apps you have to find online to download or would they all be in the market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
majority of these are in the market and are available for download. everyone has different taste because they do look different. I liked open home and panda home but then got hooked to GDE now using Launcher Pro which is pretty slick
Using GDE now. So far the most stable and fast for me. Wanted to try ADW but couldn't get it to work on my Milestone.....
I use Panda91...Like the 11 screens. Free. Uses any .png or.jpg as an icon. Uses icon packs from market. Free. Changing icons couldn't be easier. (Better Cut isn't free...)
Broken said:
Using GDE now. So far the most stable and fast for me. Wanted to try ADW but couldn't get it to work on my Milestone.....
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I can't even apply ADW since Incredible is lacking root at the moment. I wish they'd release it as a APK like what was one with Helix.
I have tried many options listed here & my current favourite is Launcher Pro , it's the fastest among all listed here
freshface is a pretty decent home replacement app i stick to anderwebs launcher but before that it was freshface
I have used
Open Home
Launcher Pro Beta
Panda
Ahome
Home++
Out of all of them I like Home++ the best. Sadly is seems to be the least stabile of them all. Launcher Pro Beta would be my next choice. I'm looking forward to ADW Launcher being an install pack. I really don't want to replace my stock launcher.
Just tried Launcher Pro Beta. Actually not too bad.Still like GDE more for the extra features.
Im using LauncherPro on my legend. I like it alot.
I'm using Tag Home on my Moment. Before that, I was using Helix Launcher.
would it be possible to post a pic or 2 of all the different launchers
Gimpeh said:
I can't even apply ADW since Incredible is lacking root at the moment. I wish they'd release it as a APK like what was one with Helix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADW Launcher is now available in the market, too
So now that I'm on Froyo I can't use my beloved Helix Launcher. I need a way to conserve desktop space. To do so I want to use a widget that allows me to add shortcuts to it and scroll through the different apps.
Think something like GDE app dock but just for the stock homescreen. Does anyone know of anything like this?
With any luck, Helix will be updated for FroYo relatively soon. I already miss it too.
You could just add a "new folder" to your home screen, name it whatever u want and fill it up with any apps (not widget). Enjoy! if you didn't know about that already of course.
Look into 'more icons widget', doesn't scroll but you can add 3+config icon in a 1x1 space or 15+ config icon in a 4x1 space.
The development of Helix has been discontinued guys
According to whom?
evilkorn said:
Look into 'more icons widget', doesn't scroll but you can add 3+config icon in a 1x1 space or 15+ config icon in a 4x1 space.
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Click to collapse
I've checked that one out. It's alright, but I don't like how small the icons are. I'd rather have a scrollable widget dock. GDE has a great one built in, I wish someone would build one outside of GDE that is just a widget.
Scrollable widgets are not possible under the stock launcher/framework, notice that you have to click a button or have it auto refresh with widgets like facebook and various twitter applications. That is why Rosie has the scrollable widgets because of the customized framework.
If your objective is to conserve desktop space, I'm using "Apps Organizer" download from the market(free) to do that. It allows you to group your applications and put the group name on your desktop. Definitely a space saver!
Use launcher pro, up to 7 screens.
evilkorn said:
Scrollable widgets are not possible under the stock launcher/framework, notice that you have to click a button or have it auto refresh with widgets like facebook and various twitter applications. That is why Rosie has the scrollable widgets because of the customized framework.
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Click to collapse
I get what you're saying, but something doesn't make sense. On GDE you can add an application dock, it works EXTREMELY well too. Why is that? It's not a rosie app or anything.
Check it out. Thats what we need in a stand alone widget.
Like I said in the first sentence, with the stock launcher. GDE is a home replacement.
Or use a home replacement. Cause gde has it.
Edit: @evilkorn. sorry, didn't see that u clarified.
whats GDE? also does launcherpro work with froyo?
oops wrong thread.
Search in the market for an app called "Launcher Dock" It's a great app!!
bcpk said:
According to whom?
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Click to collapse
According to Faruq (the author), he may start collaborating with the LauncherPro dev though
anderwebs launcher is beastly!
bullyfrog said:
If your objective is to conserve desktop space, I'm using "Apps Organizer" download from the market(free) to do that. It allows you to group your applications and put the group name on your desktop. Definitely a space saver!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I've been using it for a while now too.
ADW launcher has an app drawer at the bottom. You can flash the rc3 alternate build on the N1 Froyo. Get it HERE
Hey...
I love Sense UI, but for the last 5 days I have been running froyo and wanted to find an alternate Home Launcher. After downloading several free ones I have come by 2 that i like..
The first one is Zeam--There are settings to allow you make the home screen go full screen which removes the status bar and you can have 9 screens.
The second one is Tag Home Launcher--It has a nice launcher and lets you set the transparency on certain things.
I also want to know what launcher you prefer and why. Please don't say Sense.
ADW launcher or try LauncherPro
Launcher Pro. 3-7 screens, scrollable dockbar, pretty smooth, nice app drawer. The only downside is Sense widgets don't work in it, if you use those a lot.
killerxx2 said:
ADW launcher or try LauncherPro
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Click to collapse
Had ADW Launcher, but found the ones I mentioned before and liked it better. I am going to post some screen shots of them. They are nice. I'm running froyo which is an AOSP ROM. No Sense.
I've tried ADW and LP in the past, but for some reason I keep going back to Helix. It's pretty responsive and is nice and clean.
Home++ in the market seems to be pretty good. Seems to be faster than Zeam.. up to 7 screens and has a nice powerbar at the bottom.
IMO its between launcherpro and adw. Check any poll on this site and you'll see everyone else agrees. i personally use and lover launcherpro (3d gallery, fast, 3-7 screens, scrollable widgets, pinch to zoom home screens, 5 row home screens, dock shortcuts, and the list goes on and on lol even though this one is long enough)
Tried 'em all. LauncherPro wins for 1 reason only (for me, anyway) - 5 rows of icons on the home screens!
Just put launcher pro on. I like it. It might be the one to keep.
typeadam said:
Tried 'em all. LauncherPro wins for 1 reason only (for me, anyway) - 5 rows of icons on the home screens!
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Click to collapse
ADW has this as well. I like LPb though the best. He keeps coming up with new sweet features. Love the scrolling dock bar. 3d app drawer could use some help. Just seemed clunky for me...but it was alright.
ADW FTW. The gestures alone make it better. Plus, its open source so you can do whatever you want to it.
daPorkchop said:
ADW has this as well. I like LPb though the best. He keeps coming up with new sweet features. Love the scrolling dock bar. 3d app drawer could use some help. Just seemed clunky for me...but it was alright.
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Same here I prefer launcherpro to ADW. I like how customizable the dock is in launcherpro, you can have the dots just like ADW or you can have all icons. I know you maybe able to do the same with ADW since its open source but customizing on launcherpro is so simple.
Try Launcher Pro. Trust me it is good!
UnknownDude said:
Try Launcher Pro. Trust me it is good!
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Click to collapse
You fail for resurrecting a year old thread, and all you added was crap people said a year ago....
Zeam FTW or Launcher7 for something different
all of us have different needs,
why don't u install all the launchers you are considering and test all of them and finally choose your launcher.
i use adw launcher ex runs smooth with alot of eye candy and settings to play with just my 2 cents
What is the best launcher? In terms of functionality, ease of use, features, design, speed?
Also is there anyway to customize the "Launcher2" on the Nexus S or is it just stuck that way?
- ADW Launcher
- ADW Launcher EX (If you like ADW Launcher, try this.. it's even better; paid app)
- LauncherPro
- Go Launcher EX(never used this but have heard good things about it)
.. this is going to stirr up a debate between ADW Launcher vs. LauncherPro.
My opinion? ADW Launcher, but try out both of them and see which one fits you.
And Launcher2 on NS stock.. nope.
Thanks, I think I'm going to use ADW EX, seems to have what I want and I've used ADW before so a better version of it should be better?
Yeah, EX was initially missing a few features from the free version, but I think those have all been added now, so it's pretty much a straight upgrade.
That said, a launcher is a UI element, so the best launcher is the one with the features you want and which you find most attractive and easiest to work with. There's a reason multiple launchers enjoy success in parallel; one size doesn't fit all.
Serious_Beans said:
Thanks, I think I'm going to use ADW EX, seems to have what I want and I've used ADW before so a better version of it should be better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adw ex is way more fluid. Not sure what makes the difference, but it performs significantly better. Almost as buttery smooth as stock launcher.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I've used all of the popular ones; Zeam, GO, LauncherPro Plus, ADW, and ADW Ex and personally, the one that does everything I need it to without much fussing about is definitely LauncherPro. Zeam is nice but I couldn't figure out how to customize icons and for me that is a necessary function. GO is basically a freeware version of LPP but when I set custom icons they all came out slightly pixellated. Not very noticable but considering I've never had such an issue with LPP I saw no reason to switch to one that seems less functional. ADW just isn't customizable enough. Period. ADW Ex has a lot of functionality but when I tried to set my custom icons they came out as black squares, again why use a launcher replacement that I can't seem to get to match my theme?
kenvan19 said:
I've used all of the popular ones; Zeam, GO, LauncherPro Plus, ADW, and ADW Ex and personally, the one that does everything I need it to without much fussing about is definitely LauncherPro. Zeam is nice but I couldn't figure out how to customize icons and for me that is a necessary function. GO is basically a freeware version of LPP but when I set custom icons they all came out slightly pixellated. Not very noticable but considering I've never had such an issue with LPP I saw no reason to switch to one that seems less functional. ADW just isn't customizable enough. Period. ADW Ex has a lot of functionality but when I tried to set my custom icons they came out as black squares, again why use a launcher replacement that I can't seem to get to match my theme?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for zeam, just use desktop visualizer and then drag it into the icon bar.
FaithCry said:
for zeam, just use desktop visualizer and then drag it into the icon bar.
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Click to collapse
Good to know but I'd rather not have to have another application installed just to change the icons in the already installed launcher.
there are more to Go Launcher EX, than Launcher Pro Plus + ADW EX combined
(IMO, i think that is actually why the DEV of GO launcher renamed it to GO launcher EX)
on top of all the LPP + ADW features, you can added any amount of screens, where most launcher usually maxes out at 7 screens,
re-size widgets,
add more columns & rows for the widget screens,
same can be done with the app drawer,
you can custom arrange the app drawer icons position, or default to some sorting of your choice,
you can change individual icons or you can change the entire skin,
very easy to apply any skin / theme with the skin chooser
you can make your own skin
it integrates itself with Go SMS, which also have matching skins, or you can customize your own
there is the build in Task Manager/Killer in Go Launcher EX
and so much more options under the hood.
it's build for customization, there are way too much options, so much that you don't know from where to start and all in a easy to use user interface
no need to edit anything manually on the file system, nor need to replace any files to change the theme/skin
just download the skin/theme that you like from the market and enable it.
Zeam all the way, baby!
Sent from my Nexus S
I prefer ADW as well.
Though I wish I could say stock. =T
Stock
Can I give ADW ex looks of stock launcher ?
Can I add more home screens to stock launcher ?
onthecouchagain said:
I prefer ADW as well.
Though I wish I could say stock. =T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you wish you could say stock? Don't get me wrong the stock launcher works great and I used it for months on my MT3G but it wasn't perfect. The only reason I prefer LauncherPro is that I absolutely can't stand it when icons don't match my theme so I use a custom launcher.
LP Plus just does what I want and its dead simple to set up too. ADW had few issues. Still, one mans Cameron Diaz is another mans Oprah Winfrey
Can LPP be configured to do swipe down on home screen to drop down the notification bar?
I´m using launcher pro and its more stable than the original launcher. But every time I have to reboot, the launcher pro come with black screen then force close and then restart normally... go figure.
alexcinci said:
I´m using launcher pro and its more stable than the original launcher. But every time I have to reboot, the launcher pro come with black screen then force close and then restart normally... go figure.
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that's a weird one, never seen that before, when i was using LPP
AllGamer said:
that's a weird one, never seen that before, when i was using LPP
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just adding: non rooted, stock kernell and rom
eventhough I´m having this issue, its way better than the original launcher
alexcinci said:
just adding: non rooted, stock kernell and rom
eventhough I´m having this issue, its way better than the original launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similar issue. Doesn't happen every time but it does happen. Really isn't that much of a bother.
kenvan19 said:
I have a similar issue. Doesn't happen every time but it does happen. Really isn't that much of a bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree
Have tried a few launchers over the past few weeks, and made a comparison spreadsheet, take a look-
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc...4NmJ4X29sRk43dGc&authkey=CMfSjJgH&hl=en#gid=0
My thoughts
For a fast lightweight launcher, zeam (perfect apart from no notifications in the dock).EDIT - i have since found the appdrawer to be laggier in scrolling than go launcher / launcher pro, so cannot stand by my original near perfect opinion)
For a launcher with themes and lots of visual customisation - ADW EX
For an all round launcher - Go Launcher EX
For an all round launcher with its own widgets - Launcher Pro Plus
I use actualy crazy home pro and is very useful you have 3 desktop whit 5 pages each. Try and add to spreadsheet.
Sent from my X10minipro using XDA App
I use Arc Launcher. It isn't the most customised one but is indeed one of the most stable and refined. I just love the effects of one removing a widget on Arc Launcher!
thanks~~~~~~~~``
Nice, only thing I noticed was that ADW does have notifications with ADW Notifier, but very well done
You compltely missed on the most important thing, SPEED. For me launcher pro has absolutwly no lag at all on an htchero where as all other except zeam do. AdW has a clunky was to organize the homescreens in my opinion and although go launchwr was good, it was a bit laggy and the style didnt suit my taste
Sent from my EVO3D using XDA App
dre89 said:
Nice, only thing I noticed was that ADW does have notifications with ADW Notifier, but very well done
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Click to collapse
spreadsheet amended. thanks for the update
fowenati said:
You compltely missed on the most important thing, SPEED. For me launcher pro has absolutwly no lag at all on an htchero where as all other except zeam do. AdW has a clunky was to organize the homescreens in my opinion and although go launchwr was good, it was a bit laggy and the style didnt suit my taste
Sent from my EVO3D using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i have to agree with you that speed is important. i have only ever had lags with adw, but until i have the launchers set up with identical widgets i felt it was unfair to rank them on their perceived speed.
What you put in the "home screen notes" row is the reason I didn't use LP or Zeam.
I suggest you separate the "gestures" row into two, one for home screen, and one for dock bar.
Question for those with GO Launcher and Launcher Pro installed -
For the scrollable widgets, how do you find widget scrolling using Go Launcher compared to launcher pro? i find Go launcher very sensitive to left / right movement while trying to scroll the widget making it more difficult to vertically scroll the widgets than launcher pro. I tested this using pure messenger scroll with both.
fowenati said:
You compltely missed on the most important thing, SPEED. For me launcher pro has absolutwly no lag at all on an htchero where as all other except zeam do. AdW has a clunky was to organize the homescreens in my opinion and although go launchwr was good, it was a bit laggy and the style didnt suit my taste
Sent from my EVO3D using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i have to agree with you that speed is important. i have only ever had lags with adw, but until i have the launchers set up with identical widgets i felt it was unfair to rank them on their perceived speed.
EDIT
Had lags on LPP this weekend...half second delays or so when swiping between screens...
nxdu said:
What you put in the "home screen notes" row is the reason I didn't use LP or Zeam.
I suggest you separate the "gestures" row into two, one for home screen, and one for dock bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
done!
cheers
nepentanova said:
done!
cheers
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Click to collapse
GO has a up swipe for dock gesture.
tanjinjack said:
I use Arc Launcher. It isn't the most customised one but is indeed one of the most stable and refined. I just love the effects of one removing a widget on Arc Launcher!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ARC Launcher added (though i don't share your love!!)
nxdu said:
GO has a up swipe for dock gesture.
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Click to collapse
i thought there were only 2 gestures in GO Launcher, swipe up / down on home page (not just dock). perhaps we have our terminology mixed up..
Maybe you should add SPB Shell 3D as well - the launcher for users with too much money
nepentanova said:
ARC Launcher added (though i don't share your love!!)
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the addition of my favourite non-Sense launcher in it. Really like some of the effects that other launchers will probably never implement (like the effect of moving a widget, deleting a widget, going into app drawers etc.)
There are actually 7 screens version out there, and I got it here also from the link below. And there are some variants as well, including landscape mode (something I think is missing in other launchers.)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11856283&postcount=43
I manage to put apps into the dock as well (Miren browser and Dialer One).
Also about GO Launcher, I believe it does support swipe gestures on dock as well - it pretty much does whatever the free Launcher Pro does, except for the all home-screen views.
Maybe you may want to take a look at the NetFront Screen as well. A launcher of different concept, which I still think more works need to be done and more performance upgrade (have lags on my AOSP-loaded Desire).
Other wise, really good jobs on the spreadsheet. Appreciate it.
Have you tried Sweeter Home?
this is great, but just to let you know LPP has "resizable home screen" of 10x10 also
nepentanova said:
i thought there were only 2 gestures in GO Launcher, swipe up / down on home page (not just dock). perhaps we have our terminology mixed up..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set swipe up actions for dock icons. Just long=tap a dock icon and hit "change gesture."
This means that the dock of GO Launcher can do 10 things instead of 5, or 30 if you use the scrollable dock option.
When you update the dock notes you may want to update the app drawer notes too. You can change the default 4x4 view in the app drawer to 4x5 and 5x5, just like you can for the home screens.
Another GO Launcher note: when you use it it sends data home (probably usage stats). If you don't want GO to phone home you should block it with DroidWall. (Maybe the other launchers phone home too?)