Related
So I've had adw launcher for a few months now and quite like it. I use the fluxed theme and it's my regular. I've been contemplating purchasing adw ex as I like the overlapping widgets (adw regular doesn't support it). Adw works fantastically lag free on my epic (stock unrooted) so I am not to hot on chaning that, but adw ex has caught my eye. I am also curious about the page transitions, though I don't need them or anything...
So I am asking for opinions on adw vs adw ex. Anyone switch from adw to ex and regret it? (And went back?) Or is it the most fantastic thing ever and I should buy it now..
Price doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot to me but I don't want to pay for it and end up not liking it...and 15mins is not enough to test a launcher...
Thanks
Epic is as Epic does
Edit: Made up my mind and look below for my thoughts and such on the switch.
I kind of bought it on a whim when it first came out, and was not disappointed at all. I feel like it runs much faster, very nice UI, screen transitions are beautiful. I'm definitely a fan. It might just be my perception, but I think it runs a hell of a lot better than ADW. I recommend it.
ADW for me seems like the basic home replacement
ADW EX is the modified home replacement for those that want that extra "HPMH" on their phone
Thats just me... But personally ADW EX got me off LauncherPRO.
ADW EX ofc because it can be customized alot.
EX is more flexible on Tablets it seems, but otherwise I feel they're really about the same difference. Ignore all of the silly screen transitions, they're (IMO) completely useless.
The new icon drawing is interesting... Improvement, but not huge. Icon scaling is nice, plus the ability to do more rows and columns.
It's worth it to use it for a donation IMO.. I wish EX had come out a week or so earlier, as I donated to ADW just before it did, and I haven't been motivated to do it again just yet..
Well, I am trying out adw ex launcher, downloaded it just a min ago and we'll see...
And yes, the home screen scroll features are totally useless ... just slow things down
Epic is as Epic does
I purchased adw ex and totally loved it! The thing I like about it is the fact that it comes with theme-like options... ie... "iphoneish, nexusish,fast," and much more. The fast was nice for me because it changes all of the screen transitions and dock scrolling to a really fast and snappy speed. That way your not seeing a bunch of bouncing and other "UI" extras that don't matter. You can get good solid fast function out of it
mmm it eats up a lot of RAM than regular adw though imo.. though i like how it functions
ADW as a launcher in general is a fantastic launcher, how ever when I tried out ADW EX I thought it was a bunch of unnecessary eye candy that most likely takes up more battery.
Although having all of this eye candy is nice and fun to play with I feel like it defeats the purpose of a launcher, therefore I think ADW rather would have eye candy and performance than some basic functionality,which every launcher should have.
I'm all about the look and feel of a UI, but for some reason ADW EX just did not do it. It all comes down to your opinion though. If you have the money and are looking to buy a fantastic launcher then go ahead with ADW EX.
darkamikaze said:
mmm it eats up a lot of RAM than regular adw though imo.. though i like how it functions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked my EX ram usage a dozen times since you posted this and it has not over 10 megs. I have used all of the launchers and ADW EX is the best by far imho.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I've used ADW Launcher since my phone was rooted and I've switched to ADW Ex a day or two after it was released.
Quick comparition:
-ADW Ex runs smoother, most noticable is app drawer when scrolling
-I didn't encounter any FC yet, it sometimes happend in ADW
-there is no problem resizing big images used as custom icons in ADW Ex, ADW sometimes displayed artifacts and UI could become laggy- tested on theme icon packs and png files loaded from SD
Side note- I use Samsung i5700 (Spica) so smoothnes decrease is very noticable especially since device has very low memory performance (max 330 pts in Quadrant)
I am using ADW EX on my Desire Z.
I tried ADW EX after using the standard ADW for a few weeks while running CyanogenMod 6.1.
The differences I have noticed:
ADW EX:
Offers more customization. I do not care for the screen transitions but the ability to change the look of icons, overlap widgets, and customize the app drawer are definitely nice.
My phone seems to be quite a bit 'snappier' than while running ADW. I have not had any FC's, which weren't exactly common before, but did happen occasionally.
They are both great launchers, but I think ADW EX can be adjusted for better performance.
i like adw, but it has no widgets like LP facebook widget or sms widget, thats way i use Lp.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I use adw ex and its great. The transitions are smooth, unless ur using a lwp and the customization is amazing. I definitely recommend it. The eye candy does not mess up performance.
Yishtishe
Normally I would not make any kind of advertisement, but if you like ADW, I recommend to also try Go Launcher. It replaced ADW Launcher for me and seems to be often overlooked, because it's quite new.
smoothone said:
I checked my EX ram usage a dozen times since you posted this and it has not over 10 megs. I have used all of the launchers and ADW EX is the best by far imho.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol really? I'm looking at mine right now.. and i'm idle at 21.72MB :X
CPU 0%
got 3 pages.. with 12 widgets scattered randomly.. and 4 shortcuts.. with transition 4 :x
on Samsung Captivate.. what phone is yours?
Cimer said:
ADW as a launcher in general is a fantastic launcher, how ever when I tried out ADW EX I thought it was a bunch of unnecessary eye candy that most likely takes up more battery.
Although having all of this eye candy is nice and fun to play with I feel like it defeats the purpose of a launcher, therefore I think ADW rather would have eye candy and performance than some basic functionality,which every launcher should have.
I'm all about the look and feel of a UI, but for some reason ADW EX just did not do it. It all comes down to your opinion though. If you have the money and are looking to buy a fantastic launcher then go ahead with ADW EX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very simple; don't enable the transitions and other nonsense... The new icon drawing, scaling, and font text is great, especially for tablets..
When adw ex came out, I bought it without thinking twice for couple of reasons;
Customization+reliability
Plus, adwlauncher was so good n the dev was so responsive n reliable that I always felt that I was stealing it from him so it was about time I give anderweb the props deserved by paying..if I recall correct, it isn't even expensive
One of those apps u never regret u paid for
Cheers anderweb! Would it be too much to say I love u? Ha
freex10 beta3+green glow=priceless
So after a bit I've found this:
Adw.Ex just seems snappier. I don't have the little bits of scrolling lag I had on adw. The random (not often) FCs have stopped. The overlapping widgets is a nice feature, and works well. The ability to change the home screen menu button options is friggen fantastic (no more 5 deep to get my theme changed!). I also like the folder options. As in each folder can have it's own icon rather than all same theme (vs adw all folder = same icon). I don't use the screen transitions an actually found them all kind of meh... certaintly not smooth/snappy enough to use. I also don't use custom dockbar bg's (mine is transparent) but I like having the option, should I want it.
So I am happy I switched
Epic is as Epic does
DerEineDa said:
Normally I would not make any kind of advertisement, but if you like ADW, I recommend to also try Go Launcher. It replaced ADW Launcher for me and seems to be often overlooked, because it's quite new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Go Launcher is an excellent and very competitive option.
Since ADWLauncher Ex was on sale for $0.10, I gave it a wurl. It's a fine program but just doesn't fit right with me on the TF, I prefer the stock but it reminds me that the stock isn't optimus prime. On my phone, I principally use Zeam b/c that's what I'm happy with and it does what I want for my phones UX. But what is really oriented towards a tablet, let along a transformer? Everything just seems to be too phone oriented I guess and I think maybe I will play around with Terminal IDE and try making myself a launcher to play with. Maybe someday it will be a launcher that is made to fit me and my tablet like a glove (not necessary anyone else).
This got me to thinking, what do my fellow TF users find their launchers/home applications lacking?
I am always interested in learning about this sort of stuff, which is also why I tend to tune my machines to match what fits me, lol.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Actually ADW EX was great on the TF till the latest update or two. Supposedly there's gonna be a big update within a week or so.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1379978
I started using adw because it was bundled in cyanogenmod. I bought it for my tf and found out just like my phone that most of the special effect transitions had to be turned off for better performance. In fact it destroyed my krakd rom and I went to prime without the animations and I have been very happy with it. I don't need 8 frickin screens to swipe through, in fact one is perfect for me.
Fascinate CM7 Stable
+1 for ADW Ex - it's the best I've seen...
What don't you like about ADW Ex - I'm curious now....
ADW EX is nice. The last update killed the hidden dock bar which I loved. But the new revamped bar works well. I only use 2 screens.
player911 said:
ADW EX is nice. The last update killed the hidden dock bar which I loved. But the new revamped bar works well. I only use 2 screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still hide the dockbar if you want with the latest version (was fixed in the very last version, I believe). The only remaining issue for me is that I can only have 11 icons in the dock now in landscape mode - used to be able to fit many more. Also, it lets you have 13 icons in portrait, but only 11 in landscape?!?! I did report this issue. Haven't heard back though - I'm sure the dev is getting flooded with emails....
But, ADW EX is buttery smooth... Love all of the different effects and the ability to group my apps, etc....
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure ADW EX is the only truly Tablet-capable 3rd-party launcher out there. Go Launcher works well, but it's still obviously designed for a phone.
unfnknblvbl said:
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure ADW EX is the only truly Tablet-capable 3rd-party launcher out there. Go Launcher works well, but it's still obviously designed for a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoLauncher has just released a beta for the 'pad' as they call it. Its a far cry from completely optimized, but stable and works well. You can get it from thier blog, or search the TF Apps and Themes forum. (so many rules, I just don't post links)
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
jtrosky said:
+1 for ADW Ex - it's the best I've seen...
What don't you like about ADW Ex - I'm curious now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only gain over the stock it really gives me is "Folders" and I don't like the home screen experience on the TF.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
im still using stock because i love honeycomb. but then again it could just be that i just got the tablet over black friday weekend.
still messing around with it but i got the ADW ex when it was 10c too. i tried it but i usually run the stock launcher on my android phones and so i dont think ill use it. :]
Anyone using GO Launcher EX on ICS ? any issues with it ? Thats the only thing holding me back from switching to ICS because I heard it wasnt supported.
no one ??????
I Just Install GO Launcher Ex For You
its Work Fine
I've installed it and it worked perfectly fine for the few days I used it. I still prefer Launcher Pro Plus myself.
used it, no issues at all. Im back on stock launcher though, just liking the visual changes
blackhemi4x4 said:
used it, no issues at all. Im back on stock launcher though, just liking the visual changes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Nova Launcher if you want the stock feel, with some extra features. It's in beta 5. You can install it to work as your stock launcher as well. I'm using it while I wait for CM9 to be finished and Trebuchet completed
thanks for your help everyone
Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!
stunya said:
Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hubs won't work because multipicture lwp lags like hell. Also, ADW is pretty outdated, hasn't been updated for a few months.
i agree it needs an update, i just havent had guts to swap launchers. I love the dock and functionality of adw.
BTW-multipicture is working on mine right now? 5 screens, 5 separate pics, no noticable lag. Are you having issues?
i have it working ok, also until chameleon (should get my beta key soon XD )
obviously increased colomns and rows for the tablet compared to my xperia s, but works well. not as smooth as i'd like, and yes its out of date by quite a long way, but ok until chameleon/jelly bean combo!
does anyone know if its ever going to be updated again, or is it dead in the water now?
I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?
I just switched to ADWex because Apex and Nova were crashing all the time. The stock launcher wastes too much screen space so I was trying to find a launcher that would allow me to go edge to edge. ADWex does that and I've only had a few crashes with it.
It's an old launcher and doesn't like some widgets. I'm like everyone else, I'm waiting for Chameleon. Should get my email notice today!
Give Nova Launcher a try. Its really nice.
Do not assume any such thing...
stunya said:
I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.
that is a good point for sure. I didnt think about the early adopter status.
Thoughts on Nova vs Adw EX?
R2N2 said:
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make us sound like angry old men unhappy with anything stock
Currently the best launcher for TF700T is..... GO LAUNCHER HD. Give it some times nothing can catch up with it. Currently it only has about 60% of the features of Go Launcher Ex. Go Launcher Ex has proved to be the top launcher for all smart phones.
Adwex is the only launcher i'll use on tablet. Soo much faster sand flexible than other launchers. Status bar is the only odd thing i've noticed, but can get to setting from menu.
Hi,
I have an Epic 4G Touch and I have rooted it and I know there are a bunch of launchers out there. And if it wasn't for the fact that I am a "noob" I would ask this under the ROM I'm interested in...but seeing as I can't here I go...
I know there are many many many launchers and I was wondering which one is the best? And if TWLauncher is the same as the stock launcher that came with the phone before rooting it?
Thanks in advance
stephb89 said:
Hi,
I have an Epic 4G Touch and I have rooted it and I know there are a bunch of launchers out there. And if it wasn't for the fact that I am a "noob" I would ask this under the ROM I'm interested in...but seeing as I can't here I go...
I know there are many many many launchers and I was wondering which one is the best? And if TWLauncher is the same as the stock launcher that came with the phone before rooting it?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend APEX Launcher, its great!
I recommend APEX Launcher, its great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 :good:
I've been using Apex launcher since I started using ICS on my SGS and I also recommend it.
Use apex
Go launcher
I suggest either Apex or Nova launcher prime.
I bought Nova Launcher prime and was using that with my HTC amaze and One x until I switched to my galaxy s3 and started using wicked sensations ROM which employs Apex and I am happy with it.
I hated Go Launcher. It seemed like it had a ton of custom stuff like the go sms, go store, widgets, etc but it really just got in the way for me personally.
Foreverme89 said:
I suggest either Apex or Nova launcher prime.
I bought Nova Launcher prime and was using that with my HTC amaze and One x until I switched to my galaxy s3 and started using wicked sensations ROM which employs Apex and I am happy with it.
I hated Go Launcher. It seemed like it had a ton of custom stuff like the go sms, go store, widgets, etc but it really just got in the way for me personally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am very happy with Nova Launcher prime. I like the customizable gestures it has, as well as the effects for screen transition. Another nice feature is the ability to put swipe gestures on dock bar apps. On my phone, if I tap the phone icon, it opens up the dialpad. If I swipe it, it brings up my frequent contacts. It's pretty awesome.
I use Nova Launcher Prime unless I am using a CyanogenMod ROM in which case I typically use Trebuchet. Nova is fast and feature rich and very easy to customize. The only downside to Nova is that you must be using Android 4.0 or better so no Gingerbread support.
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
I use Nova Launcher Prime unless I am using a CyanogenMod ROM in which case I typically use Trebuchet. Nova is fast and feature rich and very easy to customize. The only downside to Nova is that you must be using Android 4.0 or better so no Gingerbread support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogenmod does exist in two 4.0+ flavors though. There is CM9 which is Ice Cream Sandwich(ICS/4.0.x) based. There is also CM10 which is Jelly Bean(JB/4.1.x) based.
i used launcher 360, but some time later i use only apex launcher :good: very good launcher and configurable