Related
Ok, maybe this has been discussed, and maybe this is posted in the wrong forum (I was considering apps/themes). If so, I apologize, and please move my thread.
But during my years with android, there is one thing that has annoyed me, and it still does. The animation when flipping through homescreens is really cool, but it is not nearly as smooth as it should be (compare it to the iPhone). With my magic it looked awful, with my galaxy s it was almost comparable to an iphone app drawer, but still not what I would call silky smooth. With the nexus s, it seems I've taken a step back again. I've tried stock launcher, zeam, LP and ADW. I have not tried ADW EX yet because of some credit card issues. Is there something to be done about this? I mean, the phone should be more than capable hardware wise, and everything else is blazing fast (opening various apps, settings, the widget scrolling is smooth, games run perfectly and so on).
I've currently only tried out stock 2.3.1 and CM7 alpha 2 and alpha 2-2 (jan. 6th).
Anyone with any insight in whats causing it? Is there something I can do other than disable live wallpaper and wallpaper scrolling? Disabling those two is a small let down, because I really like the features. Or am I simply imagining it?
Sorry I have no insightful input, but I would like to say, no, you're not imagining it. This has been my experience with Android overall as well.
I am no fan of Apple's tight grips and dated OS, however, I know where credit is due and they deserve respect for what they do get right: namely, the screen and the touch interface. Something about it is just 'perfect' -- almost magical. It truly responds to every command you have, and this spills over not just with scrolling or hitting icons, but with typing, as well. Their keyboard (which I'm sure succeeds thanks to a combination of hardware and software) is second to none. I've been an avid critic of Android's keyboard experience in other threads. Anyone who has typed extensively on both platforms will know the difference. I can type (and use the screen) on an iPhone, even an iPod Touch, with confidence that it'll get what I mean to press. The same cannot be said for Android.
At the end of the day, it's a trade-off. I stick with Android for its customizations, open-ended potential, market, and because I am a user of everything Google -- it just makes sense to stick with Android. I also don't appreciate Apple's philosophy, which essentially comes down to: "the average user is an idiot," which isn't entirely untrue and, needless to say, is a philosophy that works wonders for them. It just isn't for me. However, I am and continue to be critical of Android. I do so out of the desire to see it improve. They close the gap with every iteration, but it would be dishonest to say that they've matched areas in which Apple excels in; one of them being responsive touchscreen and scrolling. You're not imagining it.
dingdonghei said:
Ok, maybe this has been discussed, and maybe this is posted in the wrong forum (I was considering apps/themes). If so, I apologize, and please move my thread.
But during my years with android, there is one thing that has annoyed me, and it still does. The animation when flipping through homescreens is really cool, but it is not nearly as smooth as it should be (compare it to the iPhone). With my magic it looked awful, with my galaxy s it was almost comparable to an iphone app drawer, but still not what I would call silky smooth. With the nexus s, it seems I've taken a step back again. I've tried stock launcher, zeam, LP and ADW. I have not tried ADW EX yet because of some credit card issues. Is there something to be done about this? I mean, the phone should be more than capable hardware wise, and everything else is blazing fast (opening various apps, settings, the widget scrolling is smooth, games run perfectly and so on).
I've currently only tried out stock 2.3.1 and CM7 alpha 2 and alpha 2-2 (jan. 6th).
Anyone with any insight in whats causing it? Is there something I can do other than disable live wallpaper and wallpaper scrolling? Disabling those two is a small let down, because I really like the features. Or am I simply imagining it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've definitely noticed what you have.
Both ADW (I believe) and Launcher Pro have settings that can make it slightly smoother.
I use Launcher Pro on Bionix ROM 1.1 with stock kernel. In launcher pro, I have disabled "Advanced Settings"->"High Quality Scrolling" and it seems to be less laggy with screen scrolling.
The setting in ADW is "System Preferences"->"Scrolling Cache"->Low Quality.
The binoix rom definitely helps too.
Ye, just installed bionix and it's a bit better than cm actually. All the other tweaks, I've already configured. Still not like I would want it to be though. I'm wondering if it's that hard to actually make a smooth launcher. The guys making these launchers are doing an awesome job in all other aspects, so my guess is google isn't making it all that easy for them. The whole thing strikes me as weird, but hey, I haven't got even a small insight in developing for android.
@onthecouchagain I totally share your views on android. But I would never switch to an iPhone, it was just a comparison, because Apple really have that part nailed down.
EDIT: With bionix and OC on demand, I actually think the stock browser is smoother than ADW.
EDIT2: I've been thinking things through a bit, and the comparison with the iphone isn't entirely fair. The flexibility of the home screens by far superseede the iphone. I mean, basically the iphone only has an app drawer, and the app drawer is supersmooth on the NS. The home screens incorporate widgets that can be scrolled and update and all that, so I guess that takes up a lot more resources than an app drawer alone will. But still, the lag takes away from the user experience, and they really should try to improve it.
OP did you not find launcher pro extremely smoother over stock launcher? pretty sure LP is hitting up near 55 FPS for homescreen scrolls, stock launcher is much more choppy. in fact LP (and ADW somewhat, i find LP smoother) is buttery smooth scrolling i find. i believe LP uses more hardware graphics where stock launcher does not, that's why its smoother than stock.
however perhaps the nexus s is not yet configured with LP for its graphics? cause i know on all the other phones like nexus one and droid x, LP is insanely smoother over stock.
around 50-55 fps.
RogerPodacter said:
OP did you not find launcher pro extremely smoother over stock launcher? pretty sure LP is hitting up near 55 FPS for homescreen scrolls, stock launcher is much more choppy. in fact LP (and ADW somewhat, i find LP smoother) is buttery smooth scrolling i find. i believe LP uses more hardware graphics where stock launcher does not, that's why its smoother than stock.
however perhaps the nexus s is not yet configured with LP for its graphics? cause i know on all the other phones like nexus one and droid x, LP is insanely smoother over stock.
around 50-55 fps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm aware of that, and was using LP on my galaxy s. However, on the NS it doesn't seem smooth at all. And for some reason it freezes up real bad from time to time as well, and requires a restart. This was on CM7 alpha, so it may be related to that.
Have you tried LP on the NS or other phones?
EDIT: Tried out LP on bionix now, and it's by far the best so far. Still not perfect, but very close. I think I've read that the LP still isn't optimized for GB, if thats true, it should be really good once it is. Now I just have to get my damn pay pal account working, so I can pay for LP.
On thing about LP though. The scrolling seems very smooth once the animation has started, but it always hangs a bit after you have started moving your thumb, if you get what I'm saying. It's like it takes some time before the launcher registers that you're swyping your thumb, and then starts the animation. I haven't found a setting for this. Anyone? I know I'm being very picky here, It's kind of an obsession for me
dingdonghei said:
Yes, I'm aware of that, and was using LP on my galaxy s. However, on the NS it doesn't seem smooth at all. And for some reason it freezes up real bad from time to time as well, and requires a restart. This was on CM7 alpha, so it may be related to that.
Have you tried LP on the NS or other phones?
EDIT: Tried out LP on bionix now, and it's by far the best so far. Still not perfect, but very close. I think I've read that the LP still isn't optimized for GB, if thats true, it should be really good once it is. Now I just have to get my damn pay pal account working, so I can pay for LP.
On thing about LP though. The scrolling seems very smooth once the animation has started, but it always hangs a bit after you have started moving your thumb, if you get what I'm saying. It's like it takes some time before the launcher registers that you're swyping your thumb, and then starts the animation. I haven't found a setting for this. Anyone? I know I'm being very picky here, It's kind of an obsession for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got ya. What I'm thinking is that just like the nexus s is not optimized its video graphics in the browser for hummingbird, launcher pro also is hit by this bug and will need to wait for the driver fix from Google and Samsung. Currently its optimized for snapdragon so I'm thinking that's the problem.
For me on nexus s it works really smooth as long as I disable wallpaper scrolling... You can also check in advanced settings, clear cache on exit and play with other configs there, but disabling the wallpaper scrolling improves a lot...
Btw, on the Jobs phone, there is no wallpaper scrolling, widgets, and any other cool stuff we have in android, which also requires some work from CPU, something to think about...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
guys234 said:
Btw, on the Jobs phone, there is no wallpaper scrolling, widgets, and any other cool stuff we have in android, which also requires some work from CPU, something to think about...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I was pointing out in my last edit. But I still think it takes away from the overall user experience, and the avg user doesn't even think about what takes up CPU power, they just want fluidity and everything to work out of the box without having to be tweaked. And even though all the tweaking and options is what makes android so great, that shouldn't compromise user experience.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Hello people !
I'm also a bit disappointed by the overall user experience provided by the Nexus S.
That laggy behavior is very disappointing.
My girlfriend's iPhone 3G is even smoother at switching from one homescreen to another.
I've been owning Android handsets for the past year and the half and I thought I would get rid of that laggy behavior with the Nexus S and Gingerbread.
Well, too bad for me... same ****, different day
Allright, so just a small update. In my neverending quest for smooth home screen scrolling I discovered a new launcher galled Go Launcher. And wouldnt you know, it's a lot better than anything else I've ever tried when it comes to home screen. Can't get much smoother than this. Not a big fan of the app drawer on that launcher though, but the launcher is a clear first choice for now.
guys234 said:
For me on nexus s it works really smooth as long as I disable wallpaper scrolling... You can also check in advanced settings, clear cache on exit and play with other configs there, but disabling the wallpaper scrolling improves a lot...
Btw, on the Jobs phone, there is no wallpaper scrolling, widgets, and any other cool stuff we have in android, which also requires some work from CPU, something to think about...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah except other android phones like my nexus one are smooth as butter with launcher pro. So it must be some issue with nexus s drivers.
We know there is a graphics problem with the nexus s browser, so its not a far stretch to have similar issues with other areas not being smooth.
dingdonghei said:
Allright, so just a small update. In my neverending quest for smooth home screen scrolling I discovered a new launcher galled Go Launcher. And wouldnt you know, it's a lot better than anything else I've ever tried when it comes to home screen. Can't get much smoother than this. Not a big fan of the app drawer on that launcher though, but the launcher is a clear first choice for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is : with Go launcher switching between homescreens is smoother, but switching between pages within the app drawer is insanely laggy.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
theophane said:
Problem is : with Go launcher switching between homescreens is smoother, but switching between pages within the app drawer is insanely laggy.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I know. It's kinda annoying
guys234 said:
Btw, on the Jobs phone, there is no wallpaper scrolling, widgets, and any other cool stuff we have in android, which also requires some work from CPU, something to think about...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a fun test : remove everything you have on your homescreens and just leave one app icon. Switch between homescreens, and you'll notice that even with nothing on the desktop, performance is still crappy.
I guess that widgets have nothing to do with those lags.
Sent from my Nexus S
Adw on cm is smooth? Try to download eugene373 gingerbread launcher. Its file size is smaller and other benefits
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Yes, there is an occasionally happening swipe lag in the home launcher, browser and other application. It is like it missed a swipe. It is very annoying and I even had it with the ADW launcher EX. Reminds me of the bug on the Nexus One. There I had the same problem that often the first swipe on the home launcher wouldn't do anything. I can't believe that this missed swipe or lag however you wanna call it slipped through the testing. I am a bit disappointed because I haven't had any problems with the Sense UI on my MT4G and missed swipe or laggy swiping.
mine was laggy aswell, but once i rooted, did a full WIPE/CLEAN/DATA wipe and a factory reset it didnt lag anymore???
now its silky smooth, and applying the 1.2Ghz kernel did make the iphone look like a snail
hansmrtn said:
Adw on cm is smooth? Try to download eugene373 gingerbread launcher. Its file size is smaller and other benefits
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADW on CM isn't smooth at all. Haven't tried out eugene's.
smaberg said:
mine was laggy aswell, but once i rooted, did a full WIPE/CLEAN/DATA wipe and a factory reset it didnt lag anymore???
now its silky smooth, and applying the 1.2Ghz kernel did make the iphone look like a snail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. This is stock launcher you're talking about, I presume? I'll try it out.
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.
If you're hesitant to replace the stock home screen, as I was, you should at least try out launcher pro to see what you are missing. Scrolling is buttery smooth, both between home screens and on the app drawer. RAM actually INCREASES from using Launcher Pro (with a rooted, but stock froyo phone, stock home screen kept me around 200-225mb RAM...launcher pro gets me between 220-250 mb RAM). Finally, and probably most importantly, there are a TON of features to try out in terms of usability, personalization, notifications, etc...
Also, in case you didn't know, it's free. Give it a shot and potentially enjoy a better g2x experience!
I've been using it ever since I've gotten the phone. It's the smoothest launcher out there imo, and makes it impossible to go back to stock.
I agree on using launcher replacements, especially if you actually delete the stock launcher and add the replacement to system apps like I do. I my self use ADWLauncher, used it since it first came out.
Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898
jrwingate6 said:
Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Edit: sorry, I see it is very relevant to the latest version of ADW!
Erislover said:
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to each his own...everyone has their own personal preference. my advice is for everyone to just try each home replacement and see which one you like best.
I have tried them all, and personally I think Go Launcher is the best. It does everything the other ones do, but the ability to put folders in the app drawer sold me. I also use Go Contacts, Dialer, and SMS. Great devs.
Sent from my HTC vision using XDA Premium App
I see Launcher Pro is 0.8.6. I'm looking up the new features now. I have the latest but it gets updated so frequently that I lose track of new features sometimes.
[Update]
Icon Packs!
I haven't used ADW Ex in a while. What features are in the latest update?
Out of Launcher Pro and ADW Ex, I really like ADW Ex the best. Seems they have a lot more control over icon sizes, themes, homescreen tranistions, etc. Launcher Pro, while has most of those things, really stands out with the Paid Version and their Widgets. I can't find full screen scrolling widgets for Twitter and Facebook that are easy to use. The Cool with with LP Pro, is I can back it up on my SD card, and now every time I download the free version, I can restore my settings from SD and immediately have my Facebook and Twitter widgets placed, logged in, and updating within seconds. I don't have to fool with signing in each one EVERY TIME I flash a new rom.
So LP Pro for me. I am really glad they introduced Widget Themes and Icon Pack Support so I can change it up once in a while.
One nice thing about ADWex is the mix and match part of the theme section. I can use an icon set from one theme, a dock bar from another and a hidden dockbar from yet another. Alternatively, all icons from all themes are always available regardless of what theme set you're using.
Sent from my LG-P999
While it's absolutely cool to discuss which home screen replacement app is the best, the only reason why I posted this thread was to encourage users who HAVEN'T tried out any of these apps to take the plunge, so that their g2x experience is enriched a bit.
like tq745 says above, to each his own, but you really should try them out and see how much better android is with them.
What if we don't like them how can we return stock?
Sorry double post
Sk8trfred said:
What if we don't like them how can we return stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just uninstall it's like installing a different browser!
As for me, I love lp. I would like the themes of adw but the scrolling apps at the bottom of lp are something I love.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.
jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try the new adwex on fast profile. Ftw
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
jrwingate6 said:
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll have to give 1.3.3 a shot when I get back home.
Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.
hiko36 said:
Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its good for sure. Once it gets hw acceleration ill check it out again.
Till then the speed of adw is wow.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Just curious to see what people think of Launcher 7, for those who've tried it. I gotta say, I put it on yesterday out of curiosity, and was surprised by how much I like it. I love Android, and balked at Launcher 7 at first because it was a completely un-Android UI, but maybe it's because I've been on Android for like 2 years now, but I find it really refreshing. I like its simplicity, efficiency, and different sleek look.
I'm curious to see how it does with battery life. I used my navigation/GPS a lot today so my battery went pretty fast, not a good test of Launcher 7. I'm running it over Synergy (lightest Sense ROM I could find) and under battery use it's not even showing up so I'm guessing/hoping it doesn't have a big effect.
sunsean said:
Just curious to see what people think of Launcher 7, for those who've tried it. I gotta say, I put it on yesterday out of curiosity, and was surprised by how much I like it. I love Android, and balked at Launcher 7 at first because it was a completely un-Android UI, but maybe it's because I've been on Android for like 2 years now, but I find it really refreshing. I like its simplicity, efficiency, and different sleek look.
I'm curious to see how it does with battery life. I used my navigation/GPS a lot today so my battery went pretty fast, not a good test of Launcher 7. I'm running it over Synergy (lightest Sense ROM I could find) and under battery use it's not even showing up so I'm guessing/hoping it doesn't have a big effect.
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Many home launchers don't use much power, i've used GO/LPP and both are normally floating around 1%. Now I used the L7 very long ago, back on my MT3GS, and it was pretty nice to have IMO, I did like the UI's feel overall. But at that time it was still buggy so I think that's why I had abandoned it. I'm a fan of eye-candy so I prefer something more flashy with fancy effects. Which is what GO gives me, it has this cool sphere effect for the app drawer.
Your biggest power drainers will be idle/standnby and Signal, and GPS.
Ace42 said:
Many home launchers don't use much power, i've used GO/LPP and both are normally floating around 1%. Now I used the L7 very long ago, back on my MT3GS, and it was pretty nice to have IMO, I did like the UI's feel overall. But at that time it was still buggy so I think that's why I had abandoned it. I'm a fan of eye-candy so I prefer something more flashy with fancy effects. Which is what GO gives me, it has this cool sphere effect for the app drawer.
Your biggest power drainers will be idle/standnby and Signal, and GPS.
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And screen if you're running a Sense ROM. I've always wondered why on a Sense ROM Screen will be like 70% under battery use, but on AOSP only like 5%. I mean, the same screen is being used on all these ROMS right? I've asked that a couple times but never found an answer. Oh well. I'm sure it has something to do with how the ROM is utilizing things, but who knows lol.
Yeah I've been a loyal LPP user for my 3rd party launcher for a while. Love the widgets and the customizable dock. My brother runs GO on his Samsung Galaxy S and is always telling me I should try it, haven't yet but it does look very cool. I've seen pics o that globe app tray thing, looks sick. Is it smooth though?
So far Luancher 7 has been VERY smooth and seems to have minimal battery influence, like you said about 2% I think it wound up being. More than if you weren't using it, but solid nonetheless. I'm doing a lot of driving to new places this week so I'll be using my GPS a lot, it's going to be hard to get an accurate guess of average battery life but as far as function/style I am a big fan.
I will say though that the strength of launcher 7 (simplicity) might turn out to be its ultimate downfall lol. I'm enjoying it now, but it's just been a couple days. I can certainly see myself getting bored with it after a while. It's very functional but there is certainly something to be said for style and flare, and that's one thing it doesn't offer much of.
As an add-on question along with what people think of Launcher 7 in general - I'm curious to hear from any users who are using the donate version - does it offer better performance and features? Or does it just remove the ad in the app drawer? I think it adds a folder feature, which is probably worth the $1.50 in itself, but curious what else it offers.
sunsean said:
And screen if you're running a Sense ROM. I've always wondered why on a Sense ROM Screen will be like 70% under battery use, but on AOSP only like 5%. I mean, the same screen is being used on all these ROMS right? I've asked that a couple times but never found an answer. Oh well. I'm sure it has something to do with how the ROM is utilizing things, but who knows lol.
Yeah I've been a loyal LPP user for my 3rd party launcher for a while. Love the widgets and the customizable dock. My brother runs GO on his Samsung Galaxy S and is always telling me I should try it, haven't yet but it does look very cool. I've seen pics o that globe app tray thing, looks sick. Is it smooth though?
So far Luancher 7 has been VERY smooth and seems to have minimal battery influence, like you said about 2% I think it wound up being. More than if you weren't using it, but solid nonetheless. I'm doing a lot of driving to new places this week so I'll be using my GPS a lot, it's going to be hard to get an accurate guess of average battery life but as far as function/style I am a big fan.
I will say though that the strength of launcher 7 (simplicity) might turn out to be its ultimate downfall lol. I'm enjoying it now, but it's just been a couple days. I can certainly see myself getting bored with it after a while. It's very functional but there is certainly something to be said for style and flare, and that's one thing it doesn't offer much of.
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I think i read somewhere that you can change the autobrightness and stuff of the screen and that sense has theirs up more or something, i don't remember.
But i use adw launcher ex and never see it on my battery stats, so i'm guessing that's good. And it never lags for me either, smooth as butter.
sunsean said:
As an add-on question along with what people think of Launcher 7 in general - I'm curious to hear from any users who are using the donate version - does it offer better performance and features? Or does it just remove the ad in the app drawer? I think it adds a folder feature, which is probably worth the $1.50 in itself, but curious what else it offers.
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Click to collapse
I didn't really notice a difference with the donate version when i used it other than it looks alot better without the annoying ads.
I installed Launcher 7 and used it pretty exclusively for a while.
I got to really like how the UI operated, and found it very quick. But I eventually stopped using it and uninstalled it.
The idea, for me, was to get to a LiveTiles experience, where I could see at a glance how many new emails and social postings I might like to read, upcoming appointments, etc... without having to deal with the rest of the crummy WP7 interface. So I suppose my goal is probably different than many. But I couldn't get there with Launcher 7 (no surprise, since it's built - and named - as a "launcher").
As a simple app launcher, it was decent, for my most-used apps... though the second I needed to use less-used apps, I was somewhat disappointed/frustrated trying to find and run them.
That and, while I eventually understood it wouldn't take me all the way to LiveTiles, the fact that it didn't have (at the time) a clock/date widget that looked decent within the interface (seems like a stupid thing, but actually became a necessity for me) made me opt for something else.
Haha, yep - after about 4 or 5 days, I'm off Launcher 7. It WAS very good and functional, but as I predicted I got bored pretty fast. I play with my phone too much to not have something flashier and more interactive.
Wound up trying Go Launcher Ex, and have to say - it's way better than LPP! Loving it so far!
Question if you read this: how do I get that sphere app drawer thing? Can't find it?
EDIT: NM, I realized they only come up with horizontal app drawer, I had it set on vertical.
sunsean said:
Haha, yep - after about 4 or 5 days, I'm off Launcher 7. It WAS very good and functional, but as I predicted I got bored pretty fast. I play with my phone too much to not have something flashier and more interactive.
Wound up trying Go Launcher Ex, and have to say - it's way better than LPP! Loving it so far!
Question if you read this: how do I get that sphere app drawer thing? Can't find it?
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yup i used Go launcher Ex ever since i got this mt4g and i can say i like this a lot more than launcher 7 ( tried it for like 2 days and then i just got back to Go L Ex)
It sucks what wit the ad s to I rather use a theme for a another launcher like adw <-, best
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
sunsean said:
Haha, yep - after about 4 or 5 days, I'm off Launcher 7. It WAS very good and functional, but as I predicted I got bored pretty fast. I play with my phone too much to not have something flashier and more interactive.
Wound up trying Go Launcher Ex, and have to say - it's way better than LPP! Loving it so far!
Question if you read this: how do I get that sphere app drawer thing? Can't find it?
EDIT: NM, I realized they only come up with horizontal app drawer, I had it set on vertical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the settings of Go launcher, look through all the settings, i've ended up on LPP again b/c it has the Sense3 widget skins, and appears to be running faster for me on miui. With GO I would get many fc's and it would lag sometimes, this started on the newer versions of GO though. Sphere is the app drawer effect, look in effects, when on home screen, press menu, goto preference, and look for effects. Sphere effect is with chariot, binary, random, and the other animations.
sunsean said:
Just curious to see what people think of Launcher 7
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having just recently moved from a WP7 to an Android phone Launcher 7 made me feel "back home" instantly. I like the WP7/Launcher 7 home screen with the big tiles; IMO it's a nice, fresh look compared to a large number of Android launchers or iOS. I never liked the 2nd page of the WP7 home screen - a one-column alpabetically sorted list of all installed apps? Boring and not very flexible.
I now use Go Launcher Ex and while I still like the look and feel of the Launcher 7 tiles, I do not miss it.
I'm too scared to root and I wouldn't know the first place to start to mod my SGS2 Skyrocket, so I looked into some themes via google play.
Go Launcher EX is pretty sweet IMO... I won't pay for themes obviously, but they have a few really cool themes for lock screen and the home screen.
Im using the sms theme, the home theme, and lock theme.
I'm pretty happy with the way it works on ICS (stock) on my skyrocket.
So, do you like/use go launcher ex?
shawnj0 said:
I'm too scared to root and I wouldn't know the first place to start to mod my SGS2 Skyrocket, so I looked into some themes via google play.
Go Launcher EX is pretty sweet IMO... I won't pay for themes obviously, but they have a few really cool themes for lock screen and the home screen.
Im using the sms theme, the home theme, and lock theme.
I'm pretty happy with the way it works on ICS (stock) on my skyrocket.
So, do you like/use go launcher ex?
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I tried it, but it drained my battery more quickly that other launchers. I'm using ADW EX, and I like it.
Don't be afraid to root, and install a rom. I would spend a good while reading the stickies, and tutorials before doing anything. If you have questions, just ask.
I use Go Launcher Ex as my primary launcher on both my Nook Tablet and my Skyrocket (As well as Go SMS for SMS) and I love it. There are a lot of themes that are available for free, though I usually modify the themes (using the preferences) to use parts of different themes.
I used to use Go Launcher, and it was pretty good, but now I've moved on to bigger and better things (I'm a Nova Prime user right now.) If you're looking for a good lockscreen, I can't recommend anything other than Widgetlocker. By far the best lockscreen I've found yet. I think it's like, 99 cents in the Play Store, but it's well worth it!
RAM hog
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda premium
I seriously dislike Go Launcher. It's a resource hog, it's laggy, and it's not nearly as robust as Apex or the S3 launcher.
Seriously, just root.. follow all the instructions carefully and everything should be fine.
Do these things, in this order:
1) root
2) flash CWM Touch 6.0.1.0 (available here)
3) make a nanbackup
4) flash CM9 Chimera v2.2 (available here)
5) install Apex launcher
6) profit greatly
I use to use Go Launcher the first weeks I was using my phone then after testing out other launchers I stuck with Apex, another good one is Nova. Since I use CM9/AOKP I just use their themes and make it fancy looking :silly:
Using go launcher and I think it's fine, I found the organization of it was better than other launchers I tried.
I would never use go launcher on ics. Apex is far better. Or nova
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah I un installed the applications related to the go launcher and needless to say I saved about 3-400 MB of ram. Needless to say I won't bother using that again.
I'm not quite comfortable rooting just yet. Maybe when I get bored of the phone as I typically get with any phone.
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
shawnj0 said:
Yeah I un installed the applications related to the go launcher and needless to say I saved about 3-400 MB of ram. Needless to say I won't bother using that again.
I'm not quite comfortable rooting just yet. Maybe when I get bored of the phone as I typically get with any phone.
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
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Either way, I would still suggest either Nova or Apex. If you're not willing to pay money, I'd go with Apex, as it'll have a couple more free features that you're used to from Go Launcher, but if you're okay dropping a few bucks on a launcher for your phone, both Apex and Nova are pretty much equal. I just like the look of the icon and the name of Nove Launcher, so that's why I went with it over Apex.
enterflux said:
Either way, I would still suggest either Nova or Apex. If you're not willing to pay money, I'd go with Apex, as it'll have a couple more free features that you're used to from Go Launcher, but if you're okay dropping a few bucks on a launcher for your phone, both Apex and Nova are pretty much equal. I just like the look of the icon and the name of Nove Launcher, so that's why I went with it over Apex.
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I have to root to get those launchers right?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
shawnj0 said:
I have to root to get those launchers right?
Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk 2
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Nope. Root helps them integrate a little bit better, but they're just ICS launchers.
enterflux said:
Nope. Root helps them integrate a little bit better, but they're just ICS launchers.
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Without root, you can't install widgets straight from the app drawer in Apex.
Or lots of other neat tricks.
I tried GO for about a week after getting my phone. As others have said, it's a RAM hog and a battery-drainer. I've also tried 360 Launcher, and am not a big fan of it for similar reasons. Apex Pro is my launcher of choice, as it's versatile, not very memory-intensive, and not much of a battery drain at all. I had intended to try Nova, but Apex has just been so good for me that I never saw a need to.
aycockonxion said:
Without root, you can't install widgets straight from the app drawer in Apex.
Or lots of other neat tricks.
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lol, then I guess he should go with Nova, as I haven't had any problems with it without root
I went with apex. I haven't checked how much memory it's using but I do enjoy their free themes. I'm not one for widgets yet, I'm still an android noob, but I am definitely loving my s2. Makes me wonder if I should've gotten the s3. But for the headache and money and effort to get the s3, its not worth it to me.
The s2 is quite the phone. Android customization ability over apple proprietary operating systems any day, IMO.
Sorry that was OT. However, I like apex. Currently using the Plate Theme 4 with a stolen blue background from another theme. It's lovely!
Based on this thread, I've looked at both Nova and Apex (in the market, not on my phone). Both look great, though I'm not sure that I like the idea of paying for unread notifications...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against it; just seems a bit odd to me. That's one of the features that I would use most. I can't see any of the other paid features that would be a ton of use to me (provided I could replace icons on either free version, Go has some good themes, but the theme builder being partially in Chinese with no way to change it is a huge turn off).
Go does have one feature I really like that Apex and Nova lack and that is the ability to resize homescreen icons, not just in the dock. Not as important on my Skyrocket, but would be nice to have on my wife's Note since the icons look too small to me on that large screen. But, like others mentioned, it is a resource hog plus runs in the background even when it is not the default launcher (I mean, WTF?!), but the kicker is it cannot use icon packs that I have purchased in the past which work on ADW, Apex, and Nova.
shawnj0 said:
I went with apex. I haven't checked how much memory it's using but I do enjoy their free themes. I'm not one for widgets yet, I'm still an android noob, but I am definitely loving my s2. Makes me wonder if I should've gotten the s3. But for the headache and money and effort to get the s3, its not worth it to me.
The s2 is quite the phone. Android customization ability over apple proprietary operating systems any day, IMO.
Sorry that was OT. However, I like apex. Currently using the Plate Theme 4 with a stolen blue background from another theme. It's lovely!
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Click to collapse
I don't know about Apex, but I know Nova can use Go Launcher themes. That opens up a lot more customization for you.
liquidzoo said:
Based on this thread, I've looked at both Nova and Apex (in the market, not on my phone). Both look great, though I'm not sure that I like the idea of paying for unread notifications...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against it; just seems a bit odd to me. That's one of the features that I would use most. I can't see any of the other paid features that would be a ton of use to me (provided I could replace icons on either free version, Go has some good themes, but the theme builder being partially in Chinese with no way to change it is a huge turn off).
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Click to collapse
I have just accepted having to pay for quality apps that are basically system parts. I've payed for PowerAmp, Nova Prime, and Widget Locker and I find it extremely worth it. They're all quality apps that run smooth and integrate perfectly. Now, for random other apps, I'm a total cheap-skate and I hate paying for anything.