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Im noticing that theres alot of launchers like ADW, LaunchPro, Open Home, etc...I would like to get some input of people who has some experience with each one. Which one has the most options? im looking for more transparent kinda stuff...so maybe which one has the ability to make specific windows transparent. Also ease of use, which one has more themes/icons avialable?
Thanks
I think you will find most people use either launcher pro or adw launcher.
From my experience i had MAJOR force crash issues with OpenHome. I wasnt a fan of pandaHome it was sluggish for me.
Between ADW and Launcher Pro, I think they have very similar features if you arent paying for launcher pro plus for the sense like widgets.
ADW has more themes on the market however you can download any icon you find on the web (usually .png files) i believe for both so you can customize your "theme" and layout very easily to what ever you want.
I personally have the paid version of launcher pro (only available ont he website) because it gives you a sense like people and book mark widget and i wanted to support the developer.
I dont think you can go wrong with either one.
personally, I'm a big fan of adw launcher. I like that I can modify how many rows and columns the home screens have, and also I can set the size of widgets on the screen. I don't know if launcherpro will do that as well, but even besides that, ADW is hugely customizeable, and I swear by it.
I tried Launcher Pro, but it wasn't (imo) a very good Launcher replacement. ADW.Launcher is much better, and with the Paper theme it is my favorite out of all. PHome was very slow, and I didnt really like it in general.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
I use ADW because of how its integrated into Cyanogen.
However Launcher Pro seems to move quite a bit faster in terms of scrolling and app drawer opening/scrolling.
Just my $.02
~Jasecloud4
I think the two top ones are ADW Launcher and LauncherPro.
I find myself switching between the two.
Personally find myself favoring ADW Launcher recently because it is open-source, and you know how Android fanboys loooove open source.
Thanks for all the great replies guys, im currently using the built in adw that comes with CM6 it is highly customizable...but i did find launcher pro to have a lot more options tho...anyways im going to stick with adw for now its working out pretty good so far.
omegasun18 said:
I think you will find most people use either launcher pro or adw launcher.
From my experience i had MAJOR force crash issues with OpenHome. I wasnt a fan of pandaHome it was sluggish for me.
Between ADW and Launcher Pro, I think they have very similar features if you arent paying for launcher pro plus for the sense like widgets.
ADW has more themes on the market however you can download any icon you find on the web (usually .png files) i believe for both so you can customize your "theme" and layout very easily to what ever you want.
I personally have the paid version of launcher pro (only available ont he website) because it gives you a sense like people and book mark widget and i wanted to support the developer.
I dont think you can go wrong with either one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get the bookmark widget? I only see "people" in my launcher pro plus.
I had to update and they changed the process. Bookmark widget seems a little flakey with images.
If I could have the dockbar from adw put onto LauncherPro I'd have my dream launcher.
Yea seems most (like with roms) will swear by one launcher or another. IE the person saying launcher pro wasnt a good launcher replacement. I have use both and cant see how someone using ADW could say launcher pro wasnt a good launcher replacement since they are so similar in features and performance over all (in there current state, it is possible the person tested it a while back and maybe it had issues or something then).
I get slightly faster speeds on launcher pro as well. You can set the number of vertical icons on launcher pro same as you can on ADW for horizontal icons you can get more icons app to let you have 8 on any.
As for making the dock bar the same on ADW and launcher pro i may play with my launcher pro and see how similar i can get it. sice you can set each action and create different dock images/icons and can clear icons i can probably get it to be very similar at least in look i will let you know and if i can i will place a tut.
I use both since I play around with CM6 as my experimental rom. I just never worry about customizing deeply my non daily drivers.
LauncherPro Plus, for the win!
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Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using Tapatalk Pro.
Maybe I am the minority here, but i think Sense blows Launcher pro and ADW out of the water, both in smoothness and just plain usefulness. I have used both LP and ADW for extended amounts of time and have always returned to sense and was glad I did.
Launcher pro for its sheer beauty and fluidity. ADW just seems to stutter around like the waterboy.
I gotta say Launcher Pro. especially now that it is coming out with some very nice looking widgets for people who liked the Sense UI stuff.
I do really like the customizations of ADW though. I wish Launcher Pro would incorporate the widget size customizations you can do. That would rock.
if ADW had the 3D drawer and was as smooth and pretty as LauncherPro I may switch.
takmsdsm said:
Maybe I am the minority here, but i think Sense blows Launcher pro and ADW out of the water, both in smoothness and just plain usefulness. I have used both LP and ADW for extended amounts of time and have always returned to sense and was glad I did.
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And what makes Rosie so superior? Its complete lack of customization and features?
TheBiles said:
And what makes Rosie so superior? Its complete lack of customization and features?
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Click to collapse
I wouldnt say that it cant be customized? There are a ton of themes out there for Rosie. What features are you exactly looking for?
Sorry, but a herky jerky "3D" app launcher isnt exactly mind blowing. Its a waste of screen real estate on the top and bottom. Launcher Pro STILL (as of last week I believe when i tried it again) will not allow you to change the message button to handcent instead of the default messaging app.
Its little things like that that are more annoyances. Sense, no matter what rom, or kernel, I am using, has always been smoother and done everything I asked. Plus some of the HTC widgets are downright useful and better looking then their vanilla counterparts.
This is all my experiences of course, and YMMV, but so far I just havent been impressed by other launchers.
takmsdsm said:
Launcher Pro STILL (as of last week I believe when i tried it again) will not allow you to change the message button to handcent instead of the default messaging app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using LauncherPro Plus v0.7.1.0 and it does allow you to change the message button to handcent. It also allows me to change it on the people widget.
Am I the only one that just likes plain old Launcher 2? I mean Android is so customizable already, I don't see why you would want so many different options.
I tried Launcher Pro and ADW and of the two I liked Launcher Pro better but the plain Google-made Launcher 2 is still the smoothest in my opinion.
takmsdsm said:
I wouldnt say that it cant be customized? There are a ton of themes out there for Rosie. What features are you exactly looking for?
Sorry, but a herky jerky "3D" app launcher isnt exactly mind blowing. Its a waste of screen real estate on the top and bottom. Launcher Pro STILL (as of last week I believe when i tried it again) will not allow you to change the message button to handcent instead of the default messaging app.
Its little things like that that are more annoyances. Sense, no matter what rom, or kernel, I am using, has always been smoother and done everything I asked. Plus some of the HTC widgets are downright useful and better looking then their vanilla counterparts.
This is all my experiences of course, and YMMV, but so far I just havent been impressed by other launchers.
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Click to collapse
The "message button?" Do you mean the dock icon? If so, mine has been set as Handcent for quite some time.
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Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using Tapatalk Pro.
takmsdsm said:
Maybe I am the minority here, but i think Sense blows Launcher pro and ADW out of the water, both in smoothness and just plain usefulness. I have used both LP and ADW for extended amounts of time and have always returned to sense and was glad I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Total agree, Sense is just so much smoother and doesn't crashes/freezes like adw and launcher pro. Plus I've use both for a while and got really frustrated with the constant freezing and force close and alway end up switching back to sense. Until stock froyo comes out on my phone I'm sticking with sense.
I've done my research can't find the answer. I like how you can use custom icons with launcher pro. I like the text look for icons. I dont like the launcher pro setup. I like how the original 7 screens are set up with 2.2 ota. Using launcher pro you can't get the widgets like on the original screens. I have each page set up the way i like and have found no way to do it using lp.
I would like to know if there is a way to replace the icons with the text in the original 2.2 ota. Is there an icon changer program that allows this?
How do you make custom icons?
All help appreciated. Thanks, Eric
I've used ADW and launcher pro both and they both have a custom shortcut option. I used it to change my messaging icon recently.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
HellRayzer said:
I've done my research can't find the answer. I like how you can use custom icons with launcher pro. I like the text look for icons. I dont like the launcher pro setup. I like how the original 7 screens are set up with 2.2 ota. Using launcher pro you can't get the widgets like on the original screens. I have each page set up the way i like and have found no way to do it using lp.
I would like to know if there is a way to replace the icons with the text in the original 2.2 ota. Is there an icon changer program that allows this?
How do you make custom icons?
All help appreciated. Thanks, Eric
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best quick and easy way is adw, better home, LP etc. other than that. Pull every apk from your phone and edit its icon and push back.
citanes-26 said:
I've used ADW and launcher pro both and they both have a custom shortcut option. I used it to change my messaging icon recently.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the custom short cut option works great for my needs.
Its much easier to use something like LauncherPro. Its a great app and is completely customizable.
If you go with the LauncherPro method... check out the customizations and icons and what not here
I've been using Xperia X10 for 2 months but until now I can't find better and cool LAUNCHER.. Installed ADW Launcher, Crazy Home Lite, dxTop Lite, Helix Launcher, and Home++. And, I also installed JuiceDefender..
JuiceDefender for me SUCKS. I used Home++ plus JuiceDefender and WOAH my battery drained from 75% at 11pm to 45% at 8am.
What do you think is the best Launcher and battery saver?
Or just ditched battery saver and just to stick with Launcher only.
Thanks a lot!
If you have 2.1 You should get LauncherPro Plus (paid version).
It comes with HTC-like widgets that are AMAZING!!
It is also much more customizable
I'm just using 1.6 version.
And also does the HANDCENT SMS will drain my battery even more?
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
zune 1 is gr8
ADW for me, always has been and always will be I think.
I used to be an ADW girl myself, but after the 2.1 update,
it's all about Lancher Pro Plus (paid)... Just awesome!!
Lancher Pro Plus (paid), hands down. Tried it and I 'm going to pay for it. Simply the best.
EDIT: Paid already
Tried it yesterday, I really don't get the hype.
Luancher pro plus paid as everybody said the best apps for 2.1 i wanted the update for my xperia x10 only coz this apps and games with capability of 2.1
Where can i get LauncherPro Plus?? I cant find it in Market! Ive 2.1! Thanks!
XperiaX10iUser said:
Tried it yesterday, I really don't get the hype.
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It's gotta be the HTC-like-widgets.. Scrollable Contact bar is amazing, and so is the calendar. Even when you re size them, they still look amazing.
You can also make them look more beautiful by going to this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=783427
Also you can have up to 15 icons in the dock and place whatever you want in the dock in which ever order (ex. move the app drawer button the left).
It pretty much also comes with the same features as ADW Launcher.
Just play around with it.. You'll know what I mean
Count me to the ADW fanboys, too, please. I love it's customizability. Great piece of software.
in my opinion, Launcher Pro looks nice, offers a lot of customization, but ADW offers drawer transparency, which mean you can see your wallpaper or live wallpaper when viewing your application.
I don't know if the same can be applied with Launcher Pro.
shukla said:
It's gotta be the HTC-like-widgets.. Scrollable Contact bar is amazing, and so is the calendar. Even when you re size them, they still look amazing.
You can also make them look more beautiful by going to this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=783427
Also you can have up to 15 icons in the dock and place whatever you want in the dock in which ever order (ex. move the app drawer button the left).
It pretty much also comes with the same features as ADW Launcher.
Just play around with it.. You'll know what I mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but Pure grid calendar does me just fine, I don't Twit, FB or have any need for such features, and I certainly wouldn't want 15 icons on my dock.
Can you tell me how with one dock, you can change which apps are on it?
helix launcher 2. save me some batteries.
i tried launcher pro this morning and i was not impressed with the battery consumption at all. it drained like 5% in 15 min with my music playing vs helix's 5% every 30-40 min or so
i use LiveHome u can change everything including fonts etc without the hassle of using root explorer etc has live wallpapers support 7 screens if u wanted lol change size of fonts on desktop and in drawer colors everything which adw dosent do plus more but everyone has there own taste this is just mine.
XperiaX10iUser said:
Thanks, but Pure grid calendar does me just fine, I don't Twit, FB or have any need for such features, and I certainly wouldn't want 15 icons on my dock.
Can you tell me how with one dock, you can change which apps are on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol okay, fine you win! I guess it's just a matter of opinion
Anyways to change an app on the dock, you long hold it -> Change Shortcut, and then once you have chosen the app, you can then change the icon and everything else
Hey shukla, I have launcher pro. How worth it you think the plus is? You have amazing screen all the time. You should do a video on launcher pro
Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk
I'm just using 1.6 version. How can I update mine to version 2.1?
ADW here but i'm still curious why people are using Launcher Pro.
Well, i like my desktops clean so, i have only 5 widgets 4x1 on the bottom of the screen + 2 multicon 1x3 on the sides of 1st and last screen so, i don't care about Launcher pro apps/widgets .
I also like the swype gestures on ADW.
I have swype down to switch to dock and swype up for preview.
Almost no need to press the hardware buttons
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Hi, I just bought a HTC inspire (got rid of my icrap) and I gotta say its awesome. But there is one thing bugging me. On my phone when I open applications (such as phone for example) it does this really dumb looking fade in animation. When I was at the at&t store, the samsung phones had this nice looking zoom in animation. Is there a way I can change the ugly fade into that very sexy looking zoom in?
Note: my phone is not rooted, but if needed I will root it.
anyone? Please?
Try a different launcher:
- Launcher Pro
- GO Launcher EX
- ADW Launcher
- Zeam Launcher
if a different launcher solves you issue then i would suggest Launcher Pro (as stated above) or ADW Launcher.
Oh crap, i read it wrong! You want to change the animation when opening all apps?
If yes, you can use Anim Mod *Root* from the market. You have to be rooted. There's no way around it.