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Try Launcher Pro, if you haven't tried it or another home screen replacement already!

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

[Q] Thoughts on tablet/TF specific launcher

Since ADWLauncher Ex was on sale for $0.10, I gave it a wurl. It's a fine program but just doesn't fit right with me on the TF, I prefer the stock but it reminds me that the stock isn't optimus prime. On my phone, I principally use Zeam b/c that's what I'm happy with and it does what I want for my phones UX. But what is really oriented towards a tablet, let along a transformer? Everything just seems to be too phone oriented I guess and I think maybe I will play around with Terminal IDE and try making myself a launcher to play with. Maybe someday it will be a launcher that is made to fit me and my tablet like a glove (not necessary anyone else).
This got me to thinking, what do my fellow TF users find their launchers/home applications lacking?
I am always interested in learning about this sort of stuff, which is also why I tend to tune my machines to match what fits me, lol.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Actually ADW EX was great on the TF till the latest update or two. Supposedly there's gonna be a big update within a week or so.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1379978

I started using adw because it was bundled in cyanogenmod. I bought it for my tf and found out just like my phone that most of the special effect transitions had to be turned off for better performance. In fact it destroyed my krakd rom and I went to prime without the animations and I have been very happy with it. I don't need 8 frickin screens to swipe through, in fact one is perfect for me.
Fascinate CM7 Stable

+1 for ADW Ex - it's the best I've seen...
What don't you like about ADW Ex - I'm curious now....

ADW EX is nice. The last update killed the hidden dock bar which I loved. But the new revamped bar works well. I only use 2 screens.

player911 said:
ADW EX is nice. The last update killed the hidden dock bar which I loved. But the new revamped bar works well. I only use 2 screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still hide the dockbar if you want with the latest version (was fixed in the very last version, I believe). The only remaining issue for me is that I can only have 11 icons in the dock now in landscape mode - used to be able to fit many more. Also, it lets you have 13 icons in portrait, but only 11 in landscape?!?! I did report this issue. Haven't heard back though - I'm sure the dev is getting flooded with emails....
But, ADW EX is buttery smooth... Love all of the different effects and the ability to group my apps, etc....

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure ADW EX is the only truly Tablet-capable 3rd-party launcher out there. Go Launcher works well, but it's still obviously designed for a phone.

unfnknblvbl said:
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure ADW EX is the only truly Tablet-capable 3rd-party launcher out there. Go Launcher works well, but it's still obviously designed for a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoLauncher has just released a beta for the 'pad' as they call it. Its a far cry from completely optimized, but stable and works well. You can get it from thier blog, or search the TF Apps and Themes forum. (so many rules, I just don't post links)
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

jtrosky said:
+1 for ADW Ex - it's the best I've seen...
What don't you like about ADW Ex - I'm curious now....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only gain over the stock it really gives me is "Folders" and I don't like the home screen experience on the TF.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

im still using stock because i love honeycomb. but then again it could just be that i just got the tablet over black friday weekend.
still messing around with it but i got the ADW ex when it was 10c too. i tried it but i usually run the stock launcher on my android phones and so i dont think ill use it. :]

Do you like/use go launcher ex?

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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
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).
Click to expand...
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.

Is anyone using ADWex...a question

Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!

stunya said:
Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hubs won't work because multipicture lwp lags like hell. Also, ADW is pretty outdated, hasn't been updated for a few months.

i agree it needs an update, i just havent had guts to swap launchers. I love the dock and functionality of adw.
BTW-multipicture is working on mine right now? 5 screens, 5 separate pics, no noticable lag. Are you having issues?

i have it working ok, also until chameleon (should get my beta key soon XD )
obviously increased colomns and rows for the tablet compared to my xperia s, but works well. not as smooth as i'd like, and yes its out of date by quite a long way, but ok until chameleon/jelly bean combo!
does anyone know if its ever going to be updated again, or is it dead in the water now?

I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?

I just switched to ADWex because Apex and Nova were crashing all the time. The stock launcher wastes too much screen space so I was trying to find a launcher that would allow me to go edge to edge. ADWex does that and I've only had a few crashes with it.
It's an old launcher and doesn't like some widgets. I'm like everyone else, I'm waiting for Chameleon. Should get my email notice today!

Give Nova Launcher a try. Its really nice.

Do not assume any such thing...
stunya said:
I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.

that is a good point for sure. I didnt think about the early adopter status.
Thoughts on Nova vs Adw EX?

R2N2 said:
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make us sound like angry old men unhappy with anything stock

Currently the best launcher for TF700T is..... GO LAUNCHER HD. Give it some times nothing can catch up with it. Currently it only has about 60% of the features of Go Launcher Ex. Go Launcher Ex has proved to be the top launcher for all smart phones.

Adwex is the only launcher i'll use on tablet. Soo much faster sand flexible than other launchers. Status bar is the only odd thing i've noticed, but can get to setting from menu.

[Q] Need Help With Different Launchers

Hi,
I have an Epic 4G Touch and I have rooted it and I know there are a bunch of launchers out there. And if it wasn't for the fact that I am a "noob" I would ask this under the ROM I'm interested in...but seeing as I can't here I go...
I know there are many many many launchers and I was wondering which one is the best? And if TWLauncher is the same as the stock launcher that came with the phone before rooting it?
Thanks in advance

stephb89 said:
Hi,
I have an Epic 4G Touch and I have rooted it and I know there are a bunch of launchers out there. And if it wasn't for the fact that I am a "noob" I would ask this under the ROM I'm interested in...but seeing as I can't here I go...
I know there are many many many launchers and I was wondering which one is the best? And if TWLauncher is the same as the stock launcher that came with the phone before rooting it?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend APEX Launcher, its great!

I recommend APEX Launcher, its great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 :good:
I've been using Apex launcher since I started using ICS on my SGS and I also recommend it.

Use apex

Go launcher

I suggest either Apex or Nova launcher prime.
I bought Nova Launcher prime and was using that with my HTC amaze and One x until I switched to my galaxy s3 and started using wicked sensations ROM which employs Apex and I am happy with it.
I hated Go Launcher. It seemed like it had a ton of custom stuff like the go sms, go store, widgets, etc but it really just got in the way for me personally.

Foreverme89 said:
I suggest either Apex or Nova launcher prime.
I bought Nova Launcher prime and was using that with my HTC amaze and One x until I switched to my galaxy s3 and started using wicked sensations ROM which employs Apex and I am happy with it.
I hated Go Launcher. It seemed like it had a ton of custom stuff like the go sms, go store, widgets, etc but it really just got in the way for me personally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am very happy with Nova Launcher prime. I like the customizable gestures it has, as well as the effects for screen transition. Another nice feature is the ability to put swipe gestures on dock bar apps. On my phone, if I tap the phone icon, it opens up the dialpad. If I swipe it, it brings up my frequent contacts. It's pretty awesome.

I use Nova Launcher Prime unless I am using a CyanogenMod ROM in which case I typically use Trebuchet. Nova is fast and feature rich and very easy to customize. The only downside to Nova is that you must be using Android 4.0 or better so no Gingerbread support.

ItzCrooK2UxD said:
I use Nova Launcher Prime unless I am using a CyanogenMod ROM in which case I typically use Trebuchet. Nova is fast and feature rich and very easy to customize. The only downside to Nova is that you must be using Android 4.0 or better so no Gingerbread support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogenmod does exist in two 4.0+ flavors though. There is CM9 which is Ice Cream Sandwich(ICS/4.0.x) based. There is also CM10 which is Jelly Bean(JB/4.1.x) based.

i used launcher 360, but some time later i use only apex launcher :good: very good launcher and configurable