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Probably not the first thread on the subject but nevertheless: Which home screen replacement are you using and what do you like about it?
I developed a home screen replacement called "Simple Home" and it is all about simplicity. Feel free to try it out (search for "Simple Home" on Android market). I'm interested to hear what features people really want to have in their launcher!?
I use launcher pro. my favorite feature is having the scrollable dockbar.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
At least you were somewhat up front about spam, if misleading in the title.
I am genuinely interested due to fact that I've developed an app in a certain way, not out of any commercial reasons! If it was an unsolicited post then I would a) not answer you b) not ask questions or c) not promote a free app. My post is meant as a basis for a discussions. Yours on the other hand is not!
regarding the scrollable dockbar in launcher pro: hmm yes, it is very nice feature to have some kind of menu bar with pinned apps. Strange though that it disappears when you go to the app drawer. On the other hand there needs to be some kind of icon for the return button some how.
something to try could be developing a way to organize the app drawer using sections, folders, etc. if I knew anything about app creation that's what I would be working on haha.
Sent from my Droid
You can enable/disable the return home button in preferences. I particularly like the extended froyo theme dock for pinned apps. Keeps my desktop clean. I don't care for multiple dock rows as I just use 4 icons, but I like the options. I recently paid for the paid program of launcher pro.
The best part is you can make it simple or complex in options. Theme support is also nice... and its speed is wonderful.
I think launched pro has it figured out. If you are building a launcher perhaps try to think out side the box instead of trying to compete with such an already complete launcher.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
ADW all the way on my X10
infernox51 said:
something to try could be developing a way to organize the app drawer using sections, folders, etc. if I knew anything about app creation that's what I would be working on haha.
Sent from my Droid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny thing you mentioned it, because this is exactly what I've done for my app and of course using frecency sorting (frequency + recency). This is exactly what I want to have for my app drawer plus filtering to narrow down the list (which is also in there).
player911 said:
You can enable/disable the return home button in preferences. I particularly like the extended froyo theme dock for pinned apps. Keeps my desktop clean. I don't care for multiple dock rows as I just use 4 icons, but I like the options. I recently paid for the paid program of launcher pro.
The best part is you can make it simple or complex in options. Theme support is also nice... and its speed is wonderful.
I think launched pro has it figured out. If you are building a launcher perhaps try to think out side the box instead of trying to compete with such an already complete launcher.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am, I think the ones that are out there really do the Android style launchers to perfection. My approach is simplicity and speed. I personally don't believe in arrangeable desktops. It works fine when you have a few apps but when you have a fair amount installed it becomes tedious to do rearrangements..
ADW. But I like eye candy. If your going for simple you could have a niche to yourself.
One feature I'd like, played with a few programs last night as was not happy with any, is a task SWITCHER.
Double tap home and bring up a nice screen, if it can use a wall then even better.
No killing just switching.
Yes, I agree! Ubuntu- or mac-style task switcher would be truly great. I don't think that exposé will work as good on a mobile phone as on a PC
My approach was to add an indicator on top of app icons in my app drawer for apps that are running (according to the ActivityManager) together with the ability to sort the list on running apps. I find that simple and very useful..
I tried ADW, Helix, LauncherPro, Simple Home, and PandaHome. I like Panda's side docks & app hiding, and ADW's hidden dockbar & screen swipes to launch apps (though it still FCs on my Droid 2.1R) . I'd prefer something simple. I don't need more than 3 screens and usually go to 2. I don't need a task switcher because long-pressing Home shows my last six apps. I don't need flash, I just want it to work. ADW works for me now because I have four quick action buttons (so it replaced Helix) and six more in the dockbar, though I can scroll for more. Just my .02
I have used Stock sense, ADW, and LuncherPro in the last 3 days and I like LuncherPro by far the best. I like having the 4 icons on the bottom to clear icon clutter on the screen and the menu system is nice.
So I just signed up here after getting a G2X. I have been into Android for about a year. I started out with the Cliq XT which I actually loved, then got the Defy which I hate to see go, and now am on the G2X [the first superphone to really impress me since it can actually do something my Defy couldn't]
I am very happy with my G2X. I don't get the fuss over screen bleeding as phone displays have come such a long way from my first cell phone, the Panasonic GD55. I also have not had ONE reboot. My battery life is between 4 to 6 hours and I'm pretty much browsing the web ALL day.
but lately, I've wondered, am I wrong? dumb? blind?
I only use three home screens. The main one has just 4 small icons: camera, messaging, browser, and navigation. Then to the right home screen just the weather widget, and to the left screen, the android power bar widget. and after that, nothing else, nothing.
Is there something I'm missing? or am I right in not loading up the screens and just hitting the menus if I need something? I realize, for example, the google search widget would work for me, but I don't see the point of having it on the screen when I can just press browser and it opens to a blank google window I don't facebook much, but I can just open the app drawer, click the facebook button, and it's all right there.
So am I just crazy? or is my approach more common and popular than I think?
On another note, I'm missing some things from my defy. I was able to install the connected music player apk to use instead of the horrible stock one, but I'm missing my airplane mode button and timer built into my clock/alarm app.
but still...I feel weird..they added homescreens to make it 7..so people obviously love them and need them..and yet if I really wanted to I could put EVERYTHING I use on one.
Its your phone best used how you see fit. I have on extra page filled with a few apps I use since I've gotten into rooting my phone and playing around with things the devs help and teach me on. But I do the same I go to the app menu if I wanna use something too.
Sent from my HTC G2 using XDA Premium App
You're not an idiot lol I myself have a pretty much bare set up haven't really customized anything due to the fact that I've been bouncing from rom to rom. Plus the wonderful thing about android is that you can pretty much do what you please. If you're only using 3 pages I'd suggest you use Launcherpro or ADW (or whichever launcher you prefer) and have only 3 pages up so you're not left with all these blank pages. I used to just use 1 page back on my MT4g Bottom line is you're not an idiot
I know exactly what you are saying. I've got launcher pro and have the dock all customized with 15 icons in 3 docks. Some camera apps and different markets and the usual messaging and stuff.
Now I'm like...why do I need anything in my home screens? I've got my vacation days left widget on the home screen and the launcher pro contacts widget on another. That's it.
But then I downloaded three icon packs and see myself customizing the screens more. There sure are a lot of cool choices. If I do that the dock choices become redundant.
I just don't use most of the apps in the drawer enough to put them on a home screen. Only a select few.
Having a blast playing around though.
Instead of having all my apps on one page, I'm thinking of giving the pages themes, like games, tools, camera, messaging etc.
I also like to keep one home screen blank so the wallpaper, living or not, is highlighted.
i also have 3 screens
I also have just 3 screens.
I use LauncherPro + QuickDesk + SwipePad
Screen #1 just has 9 icons for each of my fave Google apps: Browser, Calendar, Market, Latitude, Maps, Navigation, Talk, Voice and YouTube.
Screen #2 has minimum of 2 icons: Shortcut > Direct Message > My Wife
The second icon is either my ToDoList for the day or a ShoppingList.
I use ColorNote.
Screen #3 is for my widgets.
Battery Monitor Widget, Catch Notes Widget, Pure Calendar Widget.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
I really love the scrolling dockbar in LauncherPro. I use just two dockbars for a combined quick access to a possible 10 apps + 10 gestures.
I also use SwipePad for quick access to 12 more apps, and also QuickDesk for additional quick access to s'more apps & shortcuts
Using the Hidden Apps feature of LauncherPro, I hide most of my apps in the app drawer.
I access everything else from the capacitive touch Search button.
I run simple as well. However adw ex utilizes both cores for instant function.
Buy adw ex. Open settings/Profiles and select FAST SETTING.
it will be like nothing you've had before.
I call it Instant.
I don't even use any animations at this point.
Its more impressive not to even need any then to watch one.
It will impress you.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Hi folks, I'm looking for what I'd call a "launcher". But I DON'T want a Sense-Replacement like ADW, SPB Shell or things like that. I'm looking for a WIDGET that allows me to place app shortcuts. Like Multicon. Unfortunately, Multicon has only 1x1 to 1x4 vertical widgets, but no horizontal ones. I need a horizontal one because I want to be able to put more apps on the screen - on a Sense-Screen, there's only 16 shortcuts possible, but you could easily fit 25 with even larger icons. Can you recommend any widget? Performance is quite important for me. Don't need background picture and scrollable content or stuff like that. Just a plain launcher that allows for more icons than Sense would. And the icons have to be large enough - 1/4th of the normal icon size is too small.
Have you looked at circle launcher
I might have the wrong idea, but maybe elixir (in market) may be useful. Has a range of sizes (1*4, 4*1 etc.) allowing for a large number of apps/switches to be placed on home screens.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Wave launcher is awesome imo. I use it daily and I use it with all launchers (I swap launchers). It takes about a week to get used to. But after that, It's smooth sailing.
You say you don't want a Launcher
Even though you say you don't want a Launcher, you should look at LauncherPro... I use it with 9 down by 5 across easily (Could probably do 6 across) which gives my 45 icons on one screen. Isn't that what you are looking for? You just choose the number of rows and columns you want in the options.
I turn off labels since they aren't needed.
Wave launcher for me also
jersey_609 said:
Have you looked at circle launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I think its quite good, but it doesn't allow for very many icons. 8 will still look fine, but that's about the upper limit. Plus, its cumbersome that you have to tap twice - once to open the circle and once to select the app. It doesn't react instantly.
melloyello said:
I might have the wrong idea, but maybe elixir (in market) may be useful. Has a range of sizes (1*4, 4*1 etc.) allowing for a large number of apps/switches to be placed on home screens.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but Elixir has like ten thousand other features that I don't need/want, so it's like Bloatware in my case. I had tried it weeks ago, but I don't think the icons were any good at all. Too small. Maybe I missed something?
Thanks also for the suggestions about WaveLauncher. I tried that, but it doesn't really work well for me. When I'm on the homescreening, I'm always turning around the Sense screens instead of opening the wave.
Any other suggestions?
try wave, circle launcher, quickdesk, widgetlocker (set it as longpress search key), swipepad, powerstrip, more icons... those come to mind.
Hope that helps.
Hi Firefall
I'm in the same situation as you! The one I'm using now (after some searching) is Launch-X. They have the free and paid version. If aesthetic is not key, and you don't need more than 5 shortcuts per roll (this is ideal I think, not too small, but better than 4 per roll which I think is too sparse), free version is good enough I think.
In fact, Launch-X can go to the next 5 shortcuts (it comes with left-right buttons). If used on launcher which allow scrolling, you only need to swipe.
I combine it with Folder Organiser (this type has aplenty to choose from) which can group various apps into a folder (e.g. System, Apps, Games, Multimedia, etc.). So, now I have 5 folder shortcuts (in Launch-X) on my Sensation desktop, and each shortcut opens up another 10-20 apps. I find this two steps acceptable for a clean desktop.
Alternatively, you can consider Swipepad, which I'm using for quick access (esp to switch off my Sensation) in whichever app I'm currently running. Another alternative you can consider is Smart Taskbar.
Didn't Folder Organizer do this? You can also do it with Extended Controls.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G
TheBiles said:
Didn't Folder Organizer do this? You can also do it with Extended Controls.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.. I think for such nested folder feature, you need the paid version of Folder Organiser. I haven't tried it yet.
If you're looking for a very simple launcher, You can download this :
simplehome
it was on the market, I worked on it for translation.
Here is a screenshot
apk is just right here
mrassol said:
If you're looking for a very simple launcher, You can download this :
simplehome
it was on the market, I worked on it for translation.
Here is a screenshot
apk is just right here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the APK, I couldn't find it on the market. I will try it soon. It takes up the whole screen though, right?
Folder organizer also looks somewhat useful, but I'm not sure if it is what I want. Will also try that. Extended controls doesn't really look like a launcher from the market screenshots, do you actually use it as a launcher?
@leyvatron: I've tried SwipePad, that's not what I want, it should be on the homescreen as a widget. PowerStrip seems to be similar to it. The QuickDesk concept however looks interesting. Thanks for that! Also, WidgetLocker MIGHT be a good alternative for the Sense lockscreen.
@Sian: Thanks for sharing your experience with Launch-X. I tried it and it seems quite good, the free is too limited in my opinion. But it comes closest to what I'm looking for so far when configured appropriately.
Personally I just create a folder on my homescreen using GoLauncher, works great for the task you are trying to accomplish!!
i, a newbie and cant find anything on how to install a launcher, no matter what i do it goes back to sense, im swithing between using home switch.....help please.
i just got my new sensation as a free upgrade cause they could not fix my desire hd........much better phone
Go clear the defaults associated with HTC Sense or try Home Switcher.
how do i clear the defaults on sense when i cant get an option??????
donaghb said:
how do i clear the defaults on sense when i cant get an option??????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
settings/ applications, sense launcher, Clear defaults
and thanks for replying
No problem bro
=GO Launcher HD for Android 2.x=
Here is the beta version of GO Launcher HD for Android 2.x, which is the tablet version of GO Launcher.
We need you guys to help us use it and tell me what you feel about the new features.
Tips:
1. Available for tablet devices with Android 2.0 or up.
2. Same functions with GO Launcher HD v1.07.
3. Please use v1.07 version on your tablet with Android 3.0 or up.
This is only beta version, if there’s any problems or bugs please send feedback to us through “Menu->Feedback”.
Download: http://61.145.124.93/soft/3GHeart/golauncher/pad/GOLauncherHD_2.x_beta2.apk
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=About this post=
Hey xda guys, here is GO Launcher Dev Team and I'm the product manager who is in charge of GO Launcher EX.
We will bring out GO Launcher v3.0 in near future which includes a lot of new features.
I will release every beta version here and hope that you can tell me how you feel about our new features.[/FONT]
=Newest Version on Market=
Now the newest version is v3.01.
Market page: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex
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=Newest Beta Version=
Next version is v3.02 and there are some new features mentioned below:
1. (New) Combined interface of launcher and locker theme preview
Download: please click here
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=About GO Launcher=
GO Launcher is the most popular home app in Android Market. It allows users to customize home screen, change themes, use smooth transition animation as well as various widgets and screen locks. It brings you a fresh and extraordinary mobile operation experience.
=Features=
- Thousands of personalized themes
- Various widgets and screen locks (weather, switcher, calendar…)
- Extremely smooth transition animation
- Smooth flipping operation
- User-defined folder to easily categorize apps
Many options in preferences to help you customize you phone!
=Tips=
1. How to get themes, widgets and lockers?
a) Search ‘go launcher theme’, ‘go widget’ or ‘go locker’ in Android Market.
b) Use GO Store via menu button in GO Launcher.
2. How to set transition animation?
Use ‘Effects settings’ via button in GO Launcher.
3. Icons are too small?
Use ‘Icon Size’ option in ‘Preferences->Visual settings->Icons’ to make icons bigger.
3. Long press the app icon to enter editing mode on home screen and app drawer.
4. Glide up to open menu and glide down to pull down notification.
5. The widgets in the screenshots belong to GO Widget, attainable from Android Market or GO Store.
=Important=
1. GO Launcher is a totally free app without any charge.
2. If you cannot set ‘GO Launcher’ as the default home app, download ‘Home Manager’ to fix it.
3. ‘DIRECTLY CALL PHONE NUMBERS’ permission?
It's required by the feature to create shortcuts of ‘person’ and ‘direct dial’. GO Launcher won't make unattended phone call and cost your money.
5. ‘READ CONTACT DATA’ permission?
It's required by the feature to create 'person' shortcut as well as to add contact folder.
Our commitments are respecting user privacy and delivering cool experience. Please help us by rating this app and recommending to the others.
Want an extreme makeover to your phone? Try it out!
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wow this launcher is getting better and better.
download it now.
This has always been bugging me, but how does GoTeam actually make a living out of giving the app for free? Personal data sale?
Nice to see dev team developing
Go laucher is best for me, if scrolling would be a bit more smooth would be awesome.
I've said this elsewhere, but I'll take the opportunity to say it again here
I am still using v2.60 for one simple reason. Up to v2.60, when you exit an app you go straight back to the home screen. After 2.60 you go back to the app drawer. I prefer the old behaviour (and I'm not the only one who does) - why not make it an option in the settings, so the user can decide what they prefer?
I have a request, could you please make it an option to remove the home button on the app drawer?
DnaPolymerase said:
This has always been bugging me, but how does GoTeam actually make a living out of giving the app for free? Personal data sale?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL that made me laugh irl... I sure hope not
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Downloaded and I installed. Everything looks good so far. I def notice a difference with the transitions; feels much smoother. Keep up the good work.
Sent from my Galaxy Note (SGH-i717) using XDA Premium.
Is this version or future versions going to be based on Android 4.0 source code? Because currently it lags a lot on leaked ICS roms. Not trying to be selfish, of course.
sent from Epic 4G Touch w/ICS
Whoa...someone that can actually hear my voice. Don't know how many times I have tried to reach out to Go to have this changed.
Moving apps from the app drawer to the home screen is horrible!!!
Change it so if you are in the app drawer and your tap and hold on a app you have two options when you slide it to the left or to the right. One being the home screen, the other being the all screens mode. Takes way too long to customize my home screens the way its set up right now.
DnaPolymerase said:
This has always been bugging me, but how does GoTeam actually make a living out of giving the app for free? Personal data sale?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no personal data sale!
We sell themes to get money and GO Launcher is totally free.
Magic Stick said:
Nice to see dev team developing
Go laucher is best for me, if scrolling would be a bit more smooth would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to uninstall the previous version and try the beta2 please.
We do something to improve the scroll performance.
emd2009 said:
I have a request, could you please make it an option to remove the home button on the app drawer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's hard to do this.
No plan to do this in near future. But we will bring you a new design app drawer.
interpole00 said:
Is this version or future versions going to be based on Android 4.0 source code? Because currently it lags a lot on leaked ICS roms. Not trying to be selfish, of course.
sent from Epic 4G Touch w/ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, use the feedback button in menu to tell us where you feel lag in GO Launcher.
synergeticink said:
Whoa...someone that can actually hear my voice. Don't know how many times I have tried to reach out to Go to have this changed.
Moving apps from the app drawer to the home screen is horrible!!!
Change it so if you are in the app drawer and your tap and hold on a app you have two options when you slide it to the left or to the right. One being the home screen, the other being the all screens mode. Takes way too long to customize my home screens the way its set up right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, we will bring out a new-designed app drawer in near future.
Change the method of moving apps to homescreen.
bugujun said:
Change the method of moving apps to homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the only method I use. Others are too long and time consuming.
Can you please add an option to disable and hide the dock?
Also when you guys remake the app drawer, can you make it so we can drag an app from the drawer into a special area that will hide the app?
Absolutely love Go Launcher. It is the best out there.
However I would appreciate it if I were able to use my phone's built-in app transitions (opening an app from the homescreen and back) instead of the "zoom" ones Go Launcher forces on me. I hope you guys are considering adding this to a future version. Go and LauncherPro are the only launchers I know of that have this behavior and LauncherPro hasn't been updated in about a year.
Please consider letting us have this choice. You guys do great work and I'm thrilled to hear about 3.0!
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
Is transparent status bar working?
DEFYing the Android planet with ICS
It's cool but not going to do it in near future.
HI,
I had a Tab 2 10.1 for a day but it had to go back for a replacement, hopefully I'll get it in the next couple of days.
Anyway, I noticed that there seems to be a dead area around the edges of the screen where you can't put icons, is it possible to use all the screen for icons?
Cheers.
Use all screen areas
gadjet0 said:
HI,
I had a Tab 2 10.1 for a day but it had to go back for a replacement, hopefully I'll get it in the next couple of days.
Anyway, I noticed that there seems to be a dead area around the edges of the screen where you can't put icons, is it possible to use all the screen for icons?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably referring to the stock Samsung TouchWiz launcher.
With that launcher snippets and icons are forced to tay somewhat in the middle of the screen.
Try installing alternative launchers, Nova or Apex both allow to place items near the edges. In addition, you will be able to change the density of rows/colums and to suppress icon descriptions.
In paid versions you also will be able to make apps drawer sub-folders. Both of them offer a better arrangement of items when the device is turned in landscape mode.
Thanks for the information, it's obvious when I think about it, I use GO launcher EX on my S2.
Cheers
I you like go launcher ex then you could try go launcher hd in the tablet
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app