Database Info

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

Go launcher

I was looking for something new and tried out a few Sense ROMs. I really like the Sense widgets and their little touches like the calendar and menus. However I had a lot of problems with these ROMs so I decided to go another route. I've been using Launcher Pro plus for a while, but development has slowed.
I tried Go launcher yesterday and am really liking it. If you haven't tried it in a while, it's come a long way. It has nicer widgets than Launcher pro and most of the features that launcher pro has like to eliminating the text on icons, transition effects, etc.
Themes are a little slim, but switching them is easy. The only thing that seems to lag on my phone is the homescreen preview, other than that as smooth as launcher pro.

I'd highly suggest adw ex. It doesn't have widgets but its the most stable launcher I have ever used.

Have checked it out for a while, thanks
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App

GRZLA said:
I'd highly suggest adw ex. It doesn't have widgets but its the most stable launcher I have ever used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oddly enough the only launcher I've had problems with is ADW. I purchased LP a year ago and have to say its been very solid.

I love Go Launcher. I've used ADW and Launcher Pro during my Eris days, but once I tried Go, I never went back.

Go Launcher is running real nice for me. Turn up the fling speed in preferences to make it feel a little more snappy. It has some cool icon effects for the app drawer like cylinder and sphere.

n00b question.......does Go Launcher EX play nice with all Sense ROMs? I'd hate to jack-up my current setup to make it look prettier. Looking for a little info because Go Launcher Ex looks pretty sweet.

BSquaredB2 said:
n00b question.......does Go Launcher EX play nice with all Sense ROMs? I'd hate to jack-up my current setup to make it look prettier. Looking for a little info because Go Launcher Ex looks pretty sweet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The layout you have to Sense will stay intact when another launcher is installed. So if you uninstalled a launcher because you want to go back, everything will be there. You just won't be able to get Sense widgets.

I keep trying Go from time to time, but I always end up uninstalling it. I find it highly annoying that I have to install every widget separately, but I understand this might be to make the base launcher lightweight.
I find it a bit laggy - and dont get me wrong, the screen transitions are like butter. However, there seems to be a delay from when I swipe to when the screen actually animates. I'm used to LP's instant reaction. Plus, I sometimes notice jerkiness with Go that I don't get with LP, but I'm just being picky. Finally I dislike the acceleration curve when swiping between screens. I feel it doesn't respond to how fast I'm swiping, at least when using a custom speed without elasticity (causes lag!).
Man I am picky about my launcher. Maybe I'm just spoiled! I did like Go's Widgets with the transparent theme though. Very well done.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.

Go Launcher is great!

[Q] Best Home Launcher for Gingerbread???

i just want to find out what peoples opinions are on home launchers. i am currently using GO Launcher EX and i have enjoyed it and seen a lot of progress on their part. i used Launcher Pro for a bit but there was not much development and they had a "paid" version that didnt really give you more options.. witch i paid for btw. ADW is alright.. it seemed kind of dirty and choppy..
give your input please.

I like LaunchePro a lot, lacks developing, but still I'm find it very fluid, like no other... I would like to switch I'm getting bored of my theme and the lack of options it offers. I can use some advice too.
cheers.

I was a Launcher Pro Plus user for the longest time, until I tried Go Launcher EX. I haven't turned back since. Go Launcher is awesome! Tons of features, and it has some great animations. I love the gesture feature as well. Def worth checking out. It's 100% free.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA Premium App

I would say ADW EX is the best out there. Simply amazing smoothness,fluid animations,theming support and excellent customisation options.
Sent from my Blade using XDA app

I second ADW Ex, it's great. And since development (and any communication from the dev) has stopped, LauncherPro has been left in the dust while other launchers have been adding features.
I don't trust the Go team or any of their apps. No ads, free apps, and permission for everything... makes me wonder how they make money.
I've been using the stock MIUI launcher for a while now, but ADW Ex is definitely the way to go if you don't have that.

Launcher for SGS2
If u are using a Samsung galaxy S2, I am sure that you all would love 2 home replacement apps .. The first one is touchwiz launcher (available in market) and the other one is Nemus Launcher ..
Touchwiz launcher is so similar to your stock UI. BUT it has additional options of having upto 5 custom shortcuts on dock and can even hide app labels on dock. App browser has options of 3d and highlighting running apps. The rest of it is just as the stock launcher. Best part is that it runs high scores on quadrant standard on gingerbread original.. my highest was 3800..
Nemus launcher is little known launcher but is one of the smoothest and best on galaxy s2. The app drawer is the best with hide app option and an amazingly cool fade to black of unused apps while scrolling in app drawer. This launcher can have upto 5 customizable docks.It is low on resources. Excellent scores in quadrant standard as well...

Launcher 7 overall takes less ram and I think its rather fast and smooth than any other launcher I have tested even wen I underclock its still prety smooth
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA

I would suggest Go launcher ex(has tons of features)

Go Launcher ex and ADW launcher ex are my favourites. Back when it was still being worked on by Mr.Carnales, launcher pro was beastly... but those days are gone :/

SS launcher is different.

I loved the fluid movement of TSF shell, took some time to get used to though.

go launcher and adw launcher are the best..

I like ADWLauncher Ex , because it has a nice interface .
Advantages:
Highly Customizable Home replacement application
5 different app drawer styles/behaviors
3D Nexus One like application drawer
2 different plain vertical drawer styles, the “old one” and a new fast and smooth one
2 different Iphone-like horizontal application drawers, a traditional paginated one and a new one with continuous fling
Different desktop transitions: new animations while navigating through your desktop screens. Try them all, they’re crazy!!!
New Icons configurations/look and feel: Tweak your desktop icons, change its sizes, add coloured backgrounds, change font size, color, etc!
New fast presets mode: Quickly change the whole desktop configuration by 1 click!
Editable desktop icons for applications, shortcuts and folders!
Lots of code improvements
Lots and more . That's why i love ADWLauncher Ex and i've been using it for like 1 year already . The launcher is kinda awesome though . I donated to the developer to support them .

qs504792 said:
i just want to find out what peoples opinions are on home launchers. i am currently using GO Launcher EX and i have enjoyed it and seen a lot of progress on their part. i used Launcher Pro for a bit but there was not much development and they had a "paid" version that didnt really give you more options.. witch i paid for btw. ADW is alright.. it seemed kind of dirty and choppy..
give your input please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tested and tried a decent amount of launchers but i have never gotten more comfortable or enjoyed the usage of any other launcher as Go Launcher EX... been using it since i had GT-i9000 and currently using it on my GT-i9100G

Adw launcher for sure or tsf shell if u look for features..
Sent from my GT-S5670 using xda premium

passionalles said:
Adw launcher for sure or tsf shell if u look for features..
Sent from my GT-S5670 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TSF-Shell is nice and fast, especially with mobile that have limited resources such as SGS I (512 RAM), but if you're looking for real features you are definitely not pointing to TSF-Shell... Yet it ain't fair to compare Go Launcher EX and TSF-Shell as each launcher has his own specs + each user will use the launcher that best fits his needs, some needs a fast launcher and that would come over the features it will have, and others are looking for features despite some lag of performance...

plainjane said:
I second ADW Ex, it's great. And since development (and any communication from the dev) has stopped, LauncherPro has been left in the dust while other launchers have been adding features.
I don't trust the Go team or any of their apps. No ads, free apps, and permission for everything... makes me wonder how they make money.
I've been using the stock MIUI launcher for a while now, but ADW Ex is definitely the way to go if you don't have that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 here...it also makes me wonder why the Go team never ask for donate versions of their apps...been using Go launcher for quite some time, but i switched to ADW Ex now..reason?CLEAN AND FAST!but not as fast as Launcher Pro,:customizable though..

i have used quiet a few launchers n my best ones are: ADW, GO LAUNCHER, MIUI LAUNCHER AND LAUNCHER 7...

GO
i choice GO laucher

I would say Go launcher EX is the best for all the features.

Something better than stock ICS Launcher....

Ok ICS stock launcher is better than HC...but i'm looking for some better.
Any suggest?

I used to have ADW Launcher. Today i discovered Apex Launcher, which is basically the stock launcher with added features. It's mega smooth and stable, and free
The thread is in the Galaxy Nexus forum.

Phlooo said:
I used to have ADW Launcher. Today i discovered Apex Launcher, which is basically the stock launcher with added features. It's mega smooth and stable, and free
The thread is in the Galaxy Nexus forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADW Launcher work fast on ICS?

You should try Nova Launcher i use it both on my Transformer and my I9100, i like it! ;-)
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app

I just started using ADW Launcher EX, paid the $3.00 for it, and love it so far but haven't even begun to scratch the surface...

Apex Launcher. Best ICS launcher hands down.

Nova launcher has been pretty sweet so far, similar to stock which I like with added features. Silky smooth, not too many transitions though.
Sent from my cold as Ice Tranny

Nova launcher! Best out there
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

woundedworld said:
Nova launcher has been pretty sweet so far, similar to stock which I like with added features. Silky smooth, not too many transitions though.
Sent from my cold as Ice Tranny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Launcher is available in the Android Marketplace?

At present I'm using Nova on both the TF-101 and the SG2. Liking it (esp the ability to save the configuration).
I do have ADW EX (got it on the US$0.10 sale) but have never actually used it.
Have heard good things about Apex Launcher though.
And then there is always Go Launcher....
Oh, and yes, Nova is available in the Market.

Adw Launcher Ex
highest level of customization
Not ICS exclusive (not sure if it affects performance on ICS)
the only launcher I know that can handle HD live wallpapers without scrolling lag.
Doesn't show widgets in app drawer
Apex
ICS exclusive
decent amount of customization
can't customize folder icons
icon labels disappear if you set desktop grid rows to 8 or higher
Shows downloaded apps and widgets in app drawer if rooted and the launcher is installed as a system app
Nova
ICS exclusive
less customization options than the other 2
can customize folder icons
icon labels disappear if you set desktop grid rows to 8 or higher
background for app drawer is black. Can't make it show the wallpaper
most simple and easiest to set up out of the 3
Shows widgets in app drawer if rooted. Doesn't require installation as a system app
I used ADW on honeycomb. Now I am using Nova. It would be perfect for me if I could remove the black background in app drawer. I tried apex and it felt too much like a beta, which it is. I will most likely switch to apex when it matures.

best for ICS are Trebuchet, Nova, or Apex

BULL3TPR00F said:
best for ICS are Trebuchet, Nova, or Apex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use trebuchet on my atrix as well as my tf. Its really smooth. Nova is nice too.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

ADW looks slow.
Tonight i'll try Nova vs. Apex

Using ADW EX right now. I like to keep my home screen to a minimum and since titles me maximize the screen I can put the widgets and app shortcut I need all in one screen. Also it lets me change the drawer background with I set to about 60% transparent.
On my nexus I use Nova.
Sent from my Transformer TF101

Noticed a problem with Nova. When you shift the tablet to portrait the screen real estate is not so great and you lose a lot of space at the bottom and top.
I know you can change the row amount, but anything over 8 and when in landscape you don't get the app name showing up or the widget is slightly cut off.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Nova for me!
using it for a while now and it's smooth as butter, but i read good things about apax too, you should try them both and decide what works for you

I use apex, it's the best.
Wysłane z mojego GT-I9100

When i originally tried Apex i didn't like it. I gave it another go but this time pushed out to system/app instead of just installing as a regular app. Seems to work much better for me that way.

In apex I change the change screen method to cube. This is very smooth in portrait.
Wysłane z mojego GT-I9100

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