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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
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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

Best launcher

So I am not rooted. Sadly. I personally hate touchwiz and would like to try a launcher. I'm currently using nova but am open to all suggestions.
Thanks!
Samsung galaxy s3
Nexus 7
Hp touchpad

Nova Launcher

Apex.
VZW GALAXY S 3 4G LTE

DROID3R said:
Apex.
VZW GALAXY S 3 4G LTE
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Click to collapse
Nova or Apex they are really similar. or you could get TSF Shell

I am old school ... ADW
With all this talk of Nova and Apex I keep thinking I should give them a try. Is anyone familiar with ADW, Nova, & Apex that could tell me the main differences?

Apex or if you don't care about battery life, Nova.

I'm going to have to vote for TouchWiz. I actually purchased both Apex and Nova and found them to be lacking the fluidity that TW has. I feel like there's too much "circle-jerking" around the TW launcher and that most people would actually be satisfied if they just gave it a shot.
But hey, if you really don't like it and want to retain the Android 4.0 look, I'd go with Apex. Otherwise I would recommend GO Launcher EX. It's clean, simple, and feature-packed.

the first launcher i tried was apex, and i havent found a reason to try another.

After using ADW, Apex, Nova and others I personally recommend TSF Shell. It is a launcher unlike any other "android" experience. It gives you full control of your workspace, apps, and gestures. It will set you back some 16 dollars but I have never been more satisfied with a launcher.
Differences:
Apex and Nova are ICS based launchers both fluid, good, customizable and rock solid. They both offer smooth Android 4.0+ Transitions and even branch on Jellybean animations as well. They both offer unread notification support.
ADW and GoLauncher are launchers based around homescreen customization and easability. Performance is typically good for older devices.
TSF: A 3D UI Launcher with dazzling effects and functionality as well as maintaining all the features of the ICS launchers. Unread icons, a simple navigation UI and a slide-able dock. This launcher is the epitimy of what all launchers should offer as far as functionality and usability.

srath16 said:
After using ADW, Apex, Nova and others I personally recommend TSF Shell. It is a launcher unlike any other "android" experience. It gives you full control of your workspace, apps, and gestures. It will set you back some 16 dollars but I have never been more satisfied with a launcher.
Differences:
Apex and Nova are ICS based launchers both fluid, good, customizable and rock solid. They both offer smooth Android 4.0+ Transitions and even branch on Jellybean animations as well. They both offer unread notification support.
ADW and GoLauncher are launchers based around homescreen customization and easability. Performance is typically good for older devices.
TSF: A 3D UI Launcher with dazzling effects and functionality as well as maintaining all the features of the ICS launchers. Unread icons, a simple navigation UI and a slide-able dock. This launcher is the epitimy of what all launchers should offer as far as functionality and usability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally don't like tsf shell. It makes it like a whole new os made for kids. Plus I just like to tweak a few things while keeping stock android.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Apex is nice..I like all the customization options it gives you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I keep going back to GO Launcher EX

Nova
I need folder in app drawer

Does anyone have a way to get a trial version of TSF Shell??
It looks potentially awesome, but 16.80 is quite a bit to fork over for a launcher that i can't even TRY out before buying...

Seirÿu said:
Does anyone have a way to get a trial version of TSF Shell??
It looks potentially awesome, but 16.80 is quite a bit to fork over for a launcher that i can't even TRY out before buying...
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Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly!

I have tried the other launchers and have an issue with my wallpaper not scrolling when I switched home screens. My wallpaper is there on my home page, but when I moved side to side, it just goes black. Is there anything in the settings on the various launchers that fixes this?

I LOVE the touchwiz launcher, its fast, light, and stable. I really like Holo Launcher HD, for the same reasons. Don't like GO EX, yes, it has the most features, but has too many "ads" and is bulky and slow.

I've been digging the CM10 trebuchet launcher.

danstar said:
I have tried the other launchers and have an issue with my wallpaper not scrolling when I switched home screens. My wallpaper is there on my home page, but when I moved side to side, it just goes black. Is there anything in the settings on the various launchers that fixes this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have scrolling wallpaper on and a 720x1280 wallpaper thats why

what's this with someone saying Nova drains your battery?

[Compilation] Android Home Launcher List 2013

Since home launcher for Android are so important and there are so many, I decided to do a list here. This is not all of them but a good many and includes some of the most popular. I know there are some lists out there but I found them to be old and without much info. I will try to keep the list updated. If you want something added either leave a comment here or on my blog post.
Android 4.0+
Apex Launcher: One of the better and highly customizable launchers in my opinion. I have found this launcher to be very fast and gives your device a nice AOSP look to it. You can find the full review of the app here.
Apex Launcher | Apex Launcher Pro ($3.99)
Atom Launcher: Atom is a new launcher with a minimalism design in mind. It offers exclusive artistic widgets like clock, Memo, Calendar, Contact, and Search bar. There are gestures along with smart folder and themes. If you are looking for something different than the standard launcher then definitely give this a try.
Atom Launcher
Fake iPhone 5: The name says it all folks, enough said.
Fake iPhone 5
Holo Launcher HD: This is a newer launcher designed after Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. It's currently my favorite launcher and the one I use on my Galaxy S3. Full review of the app can be found here. Accompanying the app there is also Holo Locker which will replace your lockscreen to Jelly Bean style with notifications. This launcher will overall give you a very Jelly Bean look specially if you are on a TouchWiz or Sense interface.
Holo Launcher HD | Holo Launcher Plus ($2.99) | Holo Locker | Holo Locker Plus ($1.99)
Nova Launcher: This is one of the most popular launcher in the Play Store with over 1 million downloads. It is very customizable and fast with many effects and support for themes. The paid version gives you many extra features but definitely try the free version first and see how it works on your device.
Nova Launcher | Nova Launcher Prime ($4.00)
Android 2.0+
Big Launcher: This is the launcher for your grandparents, seniors and those with eye problems. Big fonts everywhere and features an SOS button as well. Just what the doctor ordered.
Big Launcher Demo | Big Launcher ($10.00)
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets: This a exclusive tablet launcher but a phone version is coming soon as well. It is unique in that it lets you create multiple home screens, each with your own layout of widgets and apps. There is also custom built widgets as well.
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets ($3.99)
Espier Launcher: An iOS style launcher with over a 1 million downloads. Customizable with many themes and options.
Espier Launcher
Go Launcher EX: This is one of the first and oldest launcher with over 50 million downloads. It has an insane number of themes that are also been used by other launchers. If you want an endless number of themes and customization then this might be your launcher. It is still updated regularly and support Android 2.0 and up.
Go Launcher EX
Phonotto Simple Phone Seniors: If you don't want your grandparents or seniors to get confused by their phone then this is your launcher. Big fonts with options to call and text. Makes it simple, don't it, like the old days.
Phonotto Simple Phone Seniors
Smart Launcher: A minimalistic launcher with unique icons, low memory, and user-friendly. It features a quick start menu and category app drawer.
Smart Launcher | Smart Launcher Pro ($3.59)
Launcher 8: If you want the look and feel of the Windows 8 Metro apps then give this unique launcher a try. It is customizable and lets you have tiled apps like Windows 8 phone.
Launcher 8
MiHome Launcher: MIUI is a custom ROM developed for rooted devices that mimics the iOS look and feel. Now the team has developed a launcher for all Android devices. If you want an iOS like experience on your Android then give this launcher a try.
MiHome Launcher
Trigger: A highly personalized gesture based launcher.
Trigger Limited | Trigger ($1.99)
Unity Launcher: If you like Ubuntu and want it on your Android then try this launcher. It has a unique side edge app launcher like the desktop Ubuntu.
Unity Launcher Free | Unity Launcher ($1.99)
Vire Launcher: Brand new launcher on the scene with cool 3D effects and currently free.
Vire Launcher
Zeam Launcher: An easy to use and minimalistic launcher.
Zeam Launcher
Android 1.6+
ADW.Launcher: ADW is one of the older and most popular launchers with over 5 millions downloads. It's also one of the few that has support always down to Android 1.6 software. It has been recently updated after a long break and is now up to par with some of the other popular launchers. Highly customizable with support for themes and all the bells and whistle you would expect from a great launcher.
ADW.Launcher | ADWLauncher EX ($3.00)
Lighting Launcher Home: From the name you can guess that the launcher claims to be very fast. The launcher also can lets you place items everywhere on the desktop, not only to the left or right sides, but also on pages above and below. So you have lots of space for all your customization
Lighting Launcher Home
3D Launchers
MXHome Launcher: A 3D style launcher with dynamic 3D G-sensor movements. It has over 1 million downloads and it's free so definitely a good one to try if you want to try out 3D effects.
MXHome Launcher
Next Launcher 3D: This is a 3D launcher developed by the Go Launcher Dev Team. It is very expensive for a launcher and there is no free version so you have the 15 min refund to decide if you like it or not. I would try this if it's exactly what you want.
Next Launcher 3D ($15.99)
SPB Shell 3D: Another 3D launcher with unique arrangement and dimension of your homescreen. Priced high in the same range as the other 3D launchers.
SPB Shell 3D ($14.95)
TSF Shell: This launcher is different than your ordinary launcher and claims a unique graphical interface. You can do all kinds of customization and funky arrangement not possible on other launchers. Definitely interesting but comes at a high cost.
TSF Shell ($16.81)

Android Cowboy said:
Since home launcher for Android are so important and there are so many, I decided to do a list here. This is not all of them but a good many and includes some of the most popular. I know there are some lists out there but I found them to be old and without much info. I will try to keep the list updated. If you want something added either leave a comment here or on my blog post.
Android 4.0+
Apex Launcher: One of the better and highly customizable launchers in my opinion. I have found this launcher to be very fast and gives your device a nice AOSP look to it. You can find the full review of the app here.
Apex Launcher | Apex Launcher Pro ($3.99)
Atom Launcher: Atom is a new launcher with a minimalism design in mind. It offers exclusive artistic widgets like clock, Memo, Calendar, Contact, and Search bar. There are gestures along with smart folder and themes. If you are looking for something different than the standard launcher then definitely give this a try.
Atom Launcher
Fake iPhone 5: The name says it all folks, enough said.
Fake iPhone 5
Holo Launcher HD: This is a newer launcher designed after Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. It's currently my favorite launcher and the one I use on my Galaxy S3. Full review of the app can be found here. Accompanying the app there is also Holo Locker which will replace your lockscreen to Jelly Bean style with notifications. This launcher will overall give you a very Jelly Bean look specially if you are on a TouchWiz or Sense interface.
Holo Launcher HD | Holo Launcher Plus ($2.99) | Holo Locker | Holo Locker Plus ($1.99)
Nova Launcher: This is one of the most popular launcher in the Play Store with over 1 million downloads. It is very customizable and fast with many effects and support for themes. The paid version gives you many extra features but definitely try the free version first and see how it works on your device.
Nova Launcher | Nova Launcher Prime ($4.00)
Android 2.0+
Big Launcher: This is the launcher for your grandparents, seniors and those with eye problems. Big fonts everywhere and features an SOS button as well. Just what the doctor ordered.
Big Launcher Demo | Big Launcher ($10.00)
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets: This a exclusive tablet launcher but a phone version is coming soon as well. It is unique in that it lets you create multiple home screens, each with your own layout of widgets and apps. There is also custom built widgets as well.
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets ($3.99)
Espier Launcher: An iOS style launcher with over a 1 million downloads. Customizable with many themes and options.
Espier Launcher
Go Launcher EX: This is one of the first and oldest launcher with over 50 million downloads. It has an insane number of themes that are also been used by other launchers. If you want an endless number of themes and customization then this might be your launcher. It is still updated regularly and support Android 2.0 and up.
Go Launcher EX
Phonotto Simple Phone Seniors: If you don't want your grandparents or seniors to get confused by their phone then this is your launcher. Big fonts with options to call and text. Makes it simple, don't it, like the old days.
Phonotto Simple Phone Seniors
Smart Launcher: A minimalistic launcher with unique icons, low memory, and user-friendly. It features a quick start menu and category app drawer.
Smart Launcher | Smart Launcher Pro ($3.59)
Launcher 8: If you want the look and feel of the Windows 8 Metro apps then give this unique launcher a try. It is customizable and lets you have tiled apps like Windows 8 phone.
Launcher 8
MiHome Launcher: MIUI is a custom ROM developed for rooted devices that mimics the iOS look and feel. Now the team has developed a launcher for all Android devices. If you want an iOS like experience on your Android then give this launcher a try.
MiHome Launcher
Trigger: A highly personalized gesture based launcher.
Trigger Limited | Trigger ($1.99)
Unity Launcher: If you like Ubuntu and want it on your Android then try this launcher. It has a unique side edge app launcher like the desktop Ubuntu.
Unity Launcher Free | Unity Launcher ($1.99)
Vire Launcher: Brand new launcher on the scene with cool 3D effects and currently free.
Vire Launcher
Zeam Launcher: An easy to use and minimalistic launcher.
Zeam Launcher
Android 1.6+
ADW.Launcher: ADW is one of the older and most popular launchers with over 5 millions downloads. It's also one of the few that has support always down to Android 1.6 software. It has been recently updated after a long break and is now up to par with some of the other popular launchers. Highly customizable with support for themes and all the bells and whistle you would expect from a great launcher.
ADW.Launcher | ADWLauncher EX ($3.00)
Lighting Launcher Home: From the name you can guess that the launcher claims to be very fast. The launcher also can lets you place items everywhere on the desktop, not only to the left or right sides, but also on pages above and below. So you have lots of space for all your customization
Lighting Launcher Home
3D Launchers
MXHome Launcher: A 3D style launcher with dynamic 3D G-sensor movements. It has over 1 million downloads and it's free so definitely a good one to try if you want to try out 3D effects.
MXHome Launcher
Next Launcher 3D: This is a 3D launcher developed by the Go Launcher Dev Team. It is very expensive for a launcher and there is no free version so you have the 15 min refund to decide if you like it or not. I would try this if it's exactly what you want.
Next Launcher 3D ($15.99)
SPB Shell 3D: Another 3D launcher with unique arrangement and dimension of your homescreen. Priced high in the same range as the other 3D launchers.
SPB Shell 3D ($14.95)
TSF Shell: This launcher is different than your ordinary launcher and claims a unique graphical interface. You can do all kinds of customization and funky arrangement not possible on other launchers. Definitely interesting but comes at a high cost.
TSF Shell ($16.81)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i took a look at that unity launcher and i think it looks pretty great. im going to buy it soon to check it out. on that note, there are 2 other similar apps that i HAVE tried
Swipepad- you can set up a gird of up to 3x4 apps and choose a part of the screen youd like to swipe from. although it sounds limited, you can actually have different content in each grid, with up to 9 grids. which gives enough room for 108 apps. it also has 3 addons, but those are all paid. one lets you access contacts and recent tasks when you swipe the action area. one addon lets you launch/activate widgets. the last addon lets you get up to 6x4 grids, doubling your total app size.
Swipepad (Free for app, addons cost)
Relauncher- i didnt like this one as much size it was TOO all inclusive. also allows you to swipe from a desired spot. once you do, you have several categories, but the category icons are all lined up on the side like unity. You can rearrange what category you want what apps in. The apps show up in a "grid" format. but relauncher learns your behavior. the more you use an app FROM relauncher, the closer it will get to the edge of the screen so that your swipes arent so large. unfotunately, i have 250+ apps at any given time, and this just looks messy and feels clunky. but i can assure it works well. relauncher is free, but does have a nag-pop-up. in order to get rid of the nag, you have to buy the key. dev is promising more "pro" only updates in the future, but there is currently no extra features
Relauncher (free, pro key available)

Miui is best launcher no lag hit thanks :thumbup:
Sent from my Xperia Tipo using xda app-developers app

akashpillai said:
...crap...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are annoying.

Try splay launcher .
Sent from my GT-P3100 using Tapatalk HD

idhbar said:
Try splay launcher .
Sent from my GT-P3100 using Tapatalk HD
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Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium

Nova prime installed - where is the magazine?

i installed Nova prime and im trying to set a shortcut on nova settings like swipe up then open a certain apps. the problem is i cannot find the magazine! where the hell is it now?

I believe Magazine is part of the TouchWiz launcher. When you switch launchers, you lose the ability to use features built into the stock TouchWiz launcher. If you want Magazine back, return to the TouchWiz launcher.

Right, unfortunately you can't have your cake and eat it too.
What would be great is if Flipboard had a widget that was customizable such that one could add a single tile on any launcher for a specific site/feed and still flip through that feed on the widget itself. If they had this we could use Nova or other launchers that support widget resizing, margin control and overlap to recreate magazine UX, at least with regards to flipboard content.

Mike02z said:
I believe Magazine is part of the TouchWiz launcher. When you switch launchers, you lose the ability to use features built into the stock TouchWiz launcher. If you want Magazine back, return to the TouchWiz launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. for now it's either one or the other.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

[Request] Launcher without App drawer

Hey folks,
there is no really working good enough launcher with an iOS like experience.
I mean, why should I use the app drawer? It is obsolet.
If anybody is lookin for a new project and new ideas I think a very vanilla launcher like this with homescreen only experience would be a huge success.
best regards

You can try:
Zero Launcher
Apus Launcher
MiHome Launcher
8 launcher
And a ton of others launcher without an app drawer...

Call me crazy, but if you want a launcher without an app drawer with the iOS feel, install any (any!) launcher from the play store, delete/hide the app drawer icon on the home screen and then install an iOS icon pack.

The best one that i would pick would be Yahoo Aviate hands down.