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Best launcher?

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
Click to expand...
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

[POLL] Best Tablet Launcher? (NEW - ICS Updated!)

Hey guys, since its not possible to edit my last poll thread, im creating a new one to include more options and ICS based launchers.
I think for now im going to leave the other thread since the comments contain lots of useful information.
So like the last thread, post any pro's and con's you found on any of the launchers and the overall feel of it on your tablet.
Let the polling begin!

I think Nova runs better/smoother than apex. I know there are a couple graphical errors at the moment, but im hoping there will be a update soon seeing as i bought prime and dont want it to be a waste. I have it installed as a system app and it smooth as butter. Im usually docked, so the portrait mode layout isnt of concern for me right now.
Once they take a look at it for tablets, IT WILL DOMINATE!

Gibve a try to
Go Launcher HD Beta.....
WOW
---------- Post added at 11:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
But apex haven't dock icon or not?

Still liking ADW EX

I love ADW EX but with ICS there is a blue line in the horizontal on top of the screen.
Does anybody knows how to take it out???

Nova the best at the moment 4 me..
Sent from my rooted Transformer TF101

Go Launcher hd

Right now I think the most complete tablet launcher is the stock ICS launcher. Google intended to step up their game as far as interface goes and with this addition they have really made significant improvements to ease of use, beauty and the goal of eliminating the need for skins. I have played with SPB Shell, Nova, ADW and most recently the Go Launcher Beta. Of them all, I think the Go Launcher is going to eventually evolve into something pretty special due to the commitment of the developers to improve. However for now at least, I'm enjoying the stock ICS launcher (or the slightly themed Asus Launcher) as the "one" that just works and is customizable enough to meet my fickle and ever changing needs.

SWEagle said:
I love ADW EX but with ICS there is a blue line in the horizontal on top of the screen.
Does anybody knows how to take it out???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 (reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally hate the blue line, so I'm using Nova for now)

Go launcher Beta !

Nova and Apex for sure. Clean, stable, and ICS exclusive.
Go Launcher HD seems ok but it's way too early in beta to tell anything. It's not ICS exclusive. Doesn't show widgets in app drawer even though the stock ICS app drawer shows widgets. It has a special edit mode but I don't really care about it because how often would I use it anyway? It also seems bloated and take a lot of system resources. Putting icons and widgets on my screen is already easy enough.

ASUS Launcher shortcut
Hi!
I have an ASUS Transformer tablet with ICS that is setup for my work needs, which require each screen to be setup a specific way with shortcuts, etc exactly the way my job requires them to be. This isn't a great arrangement for my personal tablet use needs, so I am using Go Launcher for my custom setup.
It has been annoying to have to choose which launcher I want to use, every time I use the "Home" function, so I set Go Launcher as my default. However, I still need to use the ASUS Launcher sometimes. I know I can clear defaults for the launchers in settings, but I hope for a quicker way to load the ASUS Launcher when I need it.
I have been trying to find a shortcut for switching the launcher back and forth from the built-in ASUS Launcher, to Go Launcher EX.
I've read about a couple of apps to do that, Home Manager and Home Switcher, but the review comments for them make me very leery of trying them.
Is there a way I can have a shortcut for the ASUS Launcher on my Go Launcher Screen, so that I can just load ASUS Launcher? It seems like there should be a simpler way to switch between them without having to install yet another app.
Thanks so much for any advice you can give!
Barbara

Apex launcher without a doubt
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

BabeB said:
Is there a way I can have a shortcut for the ASUS Launcher on my Go Launcher Screen, so that I can just load ASUS Launcher? It seems like there should be a simpler way to switch between them without having to install yet another app.
Thanks so much for any advice you can give!
Barbara
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure about Go Launcher but on ADW EX you can long press then hit custom shortcuts/pick your activity /activitys scroll down to launcher and tap it then tap launcher(2.launcher) and that will create a shortcut that opens the stock launcher

Thanks so much for the response, but Go Launcher didn't include such an option...at least, not that I could find.

Home switcher in the app store
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

@Bongzilla: OK...I had been leery of using it, based on many of the reviews I read, but since you are using the same tablet as I am, I'll give it a whirl. Thanks so much!

I've been using GO Launcher EX, but I'm not entirely enamoured with it I love the transitions and the themes, but it freezes fairly often and its been reverting my wallpaper to the default every once in a while...

Been using ADW the whole time and loved it for the most part. It's not buttery smooth but that's more on my end of having way too much on hubs, changing wallpapers, widgets and such.
Seems like it's been abandoned though so I'm waiting until I get my Prime before moving Apex. Between the ones I've seen so far, I've liked Apex the best, especially over other guys like Nova and Go Launcher.

I like ADW above APEX for a few reasons.
Compatibility with Simple Text is better with ADW. Somehow APEX is cropping the icon. ALso screen size is better on ADW. With ADW you can align left, where APEX will leave a huge gap in between widget/icon and left/right side.
All in all, I like APEX more for its smoothness and simplicity. Will make a switch when screen size and icon size is changed.

Icons

I recently downloaded ADW launcher using the flux theme. Not bad but I'm thinking of going back to stock launcher but would like to keep the fluxed icons. Is this possible?
ATRIX 2 / Victory Rom

smgulsby said:
I recently downloaded ADW launcher using the flux theme. Not bad but I'm thinking of going back to stock launcher but would like to keep the fluxed icons. Is this possible?
ATRIX 2 / Victory Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am not sure if it is possible with the regular ADW but i know in ADW EX that you if you go into the theme setting of ADW that you can set the theme to stock, and then you can just change the icons. If you need me to screen shot what i am talking about i can do that for you.

I think the OP wants the icon pack separate from ADW so they can use them in the stock launcher. In that case, I'm not aware of the icon pack's location. I've often wondered this myself. There are apps that will change any icon for any app on screen. Just need access to the icons.
Sent via Tapatalk with VictoryRom_v1.1

Oh haha. I am sure that he could use an icon pack from the android section and use desktop visualizer to apply the icons. But that does take A LOT of time to do. But if you do use the icon packs from the android section, there are a lot of options too. Like a lot of options.

i think you can try to do it,maybe it sucess

I have adw ex but prefer go launcher. Can have certain themes with different icons, if that is what you are after.

[Q] ADWLauncher with stock ICS drawer

Using a Xoom and I'm redoing my hubs layout and the only one that it works fully with and that I want to use is ADW. Now that being said I also like the stock app drawer. Now I guess my question is, is there anyway to use the stock app drawer with ADW even if it's only a shortcut.

You can make it look like it, but you wont have the tabs.
Sent from my LG-VM670 using Tapatalk 2

daytonboi said:
Using a Xoom and I'm redoing my hubs layout and the only one that it works fully with and that I want to use is ADW. Now that being said I also like the stock app drawer. Now I guess my question is, is there anyway to use the stock app drawer with ADW even if it's only a shortcut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used ADW in absolutely ages (GO Launcher is by far the best IMO) but set the background to black and set the transition to 'stack' if it's available. GO Launcher has all of this and it has tabs which you can customise the look of. Just sayin'

Try Holo Luncher based on ADW sources

Highly recommend Nova Launcher for S3

Hey folks,
I highly recommend replacing the touch Wiz launcher with nova launcher. I have found it much more intuitive, and much easier to use. (I am not affiliated with Nova in any way.)
Several advantages:
1. The bottom bar (dock) of apps is highly customizable, with as many apps as you choose. You can also create multiple pages of docked apps, so it's possible to access 10 or 15 apps on the lower dock.
2. The App drawer is automatically alphabetized, unlike touch Wiz, which I find so much easier to use. There are of course workarounds on touch Wiz, but why bother? I just dock the icon for the app drawer on the lower dock so it's always available.
3. Nova has one step back up of your screen layouts so that if you are wiping your phone regularly in order to reflash ROM's, it's trivial to reset your screen layouts by doing a restore from nova. This saves a lot of tweaking time.
4. You can customize the layout of your desktop with variable margins, a persistent search bar on all pages, gestures, and with nova launcher prime ($4), you also get unread counts for SMS, missed calls, and Gmail, which is very nice.
5. Basically everything is customizable and modifiable. I greatly prefer it over the stock touch Wiz launcher. Check out the free version of nova, as it has virtually all the features other than the unread counts.

I personally prefer apex but I can see the appeal in nova. They are pretty similar.

jsb5388 said:
I personally prefer apex but I can see the appeal in nova. They are pretty similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Apex but had a super annoying rendering hug that would display a box on the main home screen for a split second...
Not even considering that I spent a few hours tweaking Apex for a few hours (loved that it had so many options) but 90% of the Nova defaults were perfect for me and after going from Apex to Nova was convinced that it was right for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S3

android94301 said:
Hey folks,
I highly recommend replacing the touch Wiz launcher with nova launcher. I have found it much more intuitive, and much easier to use. (I am not affiliated with Nova in any way.)
Several advantages:
1. The bottom bar (dock) of apps is highly customizable, with as many apps as you choose. You can also create multiple pages of docked apps, so it's possible to access 10 or 15 apps on the lower dock.
2. The App drawer is automatically alphabetized, unlike touch Wiz, which I find so much easier to use. There are of course workarounds on touch Wiz, but why bother? I just dock the icon for the app drawer on the lower dock so it's always available.
3. Nova has one step back up of your screen layouts so that if you are wiping your phone regularly in order to reflash ROM's, it's trivial to reset your screen layouts by doing a restore from nova. This saves a lot of tweaking time.
4. You can customize the layout of your desktop with variable margins, a persistent search bar on all pages, gestures, and with nova launcher prime ($4), you also get unread counts for SMS, missed calls, and Gmail, which is very nice.
5. Basically everything is customizable and modifiable. I greatly prefer it over the stock touch Wiz launcher. Check out the free version of nova, as it has virtually all the features other than the unread counts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*1. Love Nova

lowg said:
I tried Apex but had a super annoying rendering hug that would display a box on the main home screen for a split second...
Not even considering that I spent a few hours tweaking Apex for a few hours (loved that it had so many options) but 90% of the Nova defaults were perfect for me and after going from Apex to Nova was convinced that it was right for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried Go launcher?

Just fyi... the "work around" to get the app drawer alphabetized is clicking the menu button with the app drawer open and then clicking, "view type" and switching to alphabetized. Not exactly complicated. Or even a work around.
Nova is great, but I'm actually enjoying touchwiz. I do want to switch over and play with nova more... But eh, not seeing a huge need. Coming from sense (which I hated) I'm quite happy on tw.
Though I do miss being able to back everything up
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

How does ADW work on it. I have been rocking them for a while. I am picking my S3 up next weekend when I get back in town. My wife already has hers though and she is rubbing it in my face lol.

adw for ics is apex, is it not?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

doeboy711 said:
How does ADW work on it. I have been rocking them for a while. I am picking my S3 up next weekend when I get back in town. My wife already has hers though and she is rubbing it in my face lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i start to use ADW ex on my old EVO and is really good launcher, by personal reasons i movo to iphone and now that i back to android i found more launchers, and Nova is really good maybe even better than ADW ex, IMO

Using Apex launcher plus. I tried Nova first, but Apex has a few more features. Just my opinion. Coming from my Dinc running Holo launcher after a VERY long run with LauncherPro (rip).
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

badseed767 said:
Using Apex launcher plus. I tried Nova first, but Apex has a few more features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I prefer Apex Plus also.

Installed Nova and noticed it was killing my batter so I uninstalled it.

Apex here... Nova didnt impressed me
Sent from Verizon Galaxy S 3 w/ XDA APP

I've been using nova launcher for about a week and I like it a lot. It's very smooth and very fast. It is easily customizable as well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

I noticed Nova was a bit smoother than Apex for me, so I've been using Nova and loving it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA App

Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!

tars16 said:
Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this? On my last rooted phone, Droid Incredible, it worked perfectly. Haven't tried it on this phone though cuz I don't feel the need to root. REQUIRES ROOT:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780828
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

piiman said:
Have you tried Go launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running GL - i like it allot.. runs great on the sgs3 with/ICS theme

Apex and Nova are both based on the stock 4.0.x ICS launcher, so they're very similar, but Apex gives more features for free.
You're definitely making a mistake if you use Go Launcher or ADW or LauncherPro on this phone, since those are Gingerbread-based. The ICS launcher is just a much, much better base.

tars16 said:
Any idea what's up with the widget selector for Nova? I click on the widgets tab and instead of the expected widget drawer I get a list of widgets similar to ginger bread.
Is this a feature that's unlocked with nova prime? Or is that widget drawer option something different? Other than that Nova is pretty sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need root.
If you have root you can go to Nova Settings... Drawer and enable Widgets in Drawer.
Sent from my Galaxy S3