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Nova Launcher on Android 4.4 KitKat?

Hello Geeks!
I'm sure a lot of you have Nova Launcher on your N4s, and if you're like me; you can't wait to get your hands on 4.4 KitKat.
Does anybody out there know if TeslaCoil will have to release a newer version of Nova optimized for 4.4 or will it already be compatible as soon as 4.4 gets rolled out to our devices? I'd rather wait for it to be optimized rather than get 4.4 and be Nova-less for a week or 2.
In addition: my friend Tony just ordered the Nexus 5. will Nova Launcher be compatible with his device right out of the box?
Anybody with info please lemme know. I'm fine with putting 4.4 off for a few weeks until I know FOR SURE that I can have Nova Launcher on top of the new tasty OS.

I don't know the answer however, one thing that sucks for Nova Launcher is that the Google Experience launcher is not open source. That means Nova can't keep that stock launcher look on 4.4.

NeXusLeXus said:
Hello Geeks!
I'm sure a lot of you have Nova Launcher on your N4s, and if you're like me; you can't wait to get your hands on 4.4 KitKat.
Does anybody out there know if TeslaCoil will have to release a newer version of Nova optimized for 4.4 or will it already be compatible as soon as 4.4 gets rolled out to our devices? I'd rather wait for it to be optimized rather than get 4.4 and be Nova-less for a week or 2.
In addition: my friend Tony just ordered the Nexus 5. will Nova Launcher be compatible with his device right out of the box?
Anybody with info please lemme know. I'm fine with putting 4.4 off for a few weeks until I know FOR SURE that I can have Nova Launcher on top of the new tasty OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova works fine on KitKat. There's no reason why it shouldn't...
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---------- Post added at 02:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 AM ----------
bozzykid said:
I don't know the answer however, one thing that sucks for Nova Launcher is that the Google Experience launcher is not open source. That means Nova can't keep that stock launcher look on 4.4.
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Click to collapse
even if not open source we can decompile app and learn A LOT about it that way.
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sewer56lol said:
even if not open source we can decompile app and learn A LOT about it that way.
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Nova is based on the AOSP launcher so I don't think that will be helpful. There is still a AOSP launcher in the KitKat code but I don't know if they are maintaining it anymore.

sewer56lol said:
Nova works fine on KitKat. There's no reason why it shouldn't...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:59 AM ----------
even if not open source we can decompile app and learn A LOT about it that way.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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nice! does nova on kit Kat have the "slide to the left for Google now" thing?

NeXusLeXus said:
nice! does nova on kit Kat have the "slide to the left for Google now" thing?
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Click to collapse
No not yet, not sure what Nova plans are. But I'm sure they'll come up with something in the upcoming days

I love Nova and I've used for all my phones, but why would you want to use it on a Nexus is beyond me.
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J.Guido85 said:
I love Nova and I've used for all my phones, but why would you want to use it on a Nexus is beyond me.
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Uhhh because the stock launcher is extremely uncustomizable? Nova can be very simple and look almost exactly like a stock launcher, but the amount of options it has are immense. I'm currently using the Google experience launcher and I really miss nova. Sticking with it for now though.
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xXxG0dzRAgexXx said:
Uhhh because the stock launcher is extremely uncustomizable? Nova can be very simple and look almost exactly like a stock launcher, but the amount of options it has are immense. I'm currently using the Google experience launcher and I really miss nova. Sticking with it for now though.
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Click to collapse
I see what your saying, I love the gestures and the nova actions, but the Nexus will be my first phone that is already stock. I think I will try stock before I use nova.
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J.Guido85 said:
I love Nova and I've used for all my phones, but why would you want to use it on a Nexus is beyond me.
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More customization than stock launcher like the static google search in <4.3, # of rows/columns, icon packs, etc.
Nova is based off AOSP Launcher anyways. So you're practically getting the stock launcher + added goodies. Of course this will be different with 4.4 in terms of the Google Now but I'm sure Nova will implement that someway.

Plus you can add gestures. Like if I swipe up on the phone icon I have it set up to direct dial my gf. Or a swipe up on home page opens app drawer. And you can backup your setup so if you flash Roms you can have your home screen set back up in seconds
Nova > stock launcher
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J.Guido85 said:
I see what your saying, I love the gestures and the nova actions, but the Nexus will be my first phone that is already stock. I think I will try stock before I use nova.
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When I get mine I'll probably try the same. Only thing is icons... That's all I really want to change.
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I think it will be a little more difficult for custom launchers on 4.4 because of the integration of the launcher and Google now.
I don't see how they could integrate Google now into the left swipe or the "ok Google"command working from all home screens. This link shows my reasoning.
http://m.androidauthority.com/in-kitkat-launcher-part-google-search-app-report-says-313626/
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Jmahoneyy said:
I think it will be a little more difficult for custom launchers on 4.4 because of the integration of the launcher and Google now.
I don't see how they could integrate Google now into the left swipe or the "ok Google"command working from all home screens. This link shows my reasoning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that's one of the reasons why I use custom launchers: To get rid of Google Search, Google Now, and "always on" voice commands.
I don't need these anyway and as a bonus get longer battery life (by completely disabling Google Search).

Running Nova launcher Prime here without problems
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I would happily use the 4.4 launcher if you could remove the persistent search bar, which does nothing but get in the way. Its seems utterly pointless given that you can open search a number of other ways almost instantly.

oediv said:
Running Nova launcher Prime here without problems
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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If you say "Ok Google" while on the home screen, does it launch the voice search like it does on the stock kitkat launcher ?

sordna said:
If you say "Ok Google" while on the home screen, does it launch the voice search like it does on the stock kitkat launcher ?
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well cant say something about it cause i didnt install google now cause i didnt need it and it didnt really work in austria like it work in the USA

sordna said:
If you say "Ok Google" while on the home screen, does it launch the voice search like it does on the stock kitkat launcher ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't mate.
Sent from my Nexus 5

oediv said:
Running Nova launcher Prime here without problems
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
We know that there aren't any problems but we want the 4.4 goodies with the nova launcher
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Updated Launchers?

Are there any launchers like nova updated for KitKat with transparent status/nav? I really want to keep a few bits but need more customisation standard sucks
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Yeah i hope nova prime will be update the launcher soon..
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Also waiting for this, I had a sweet setup on my N4 with Nova Prime but i hate the black nag bars and status bar!

Sent email to Apex devs and they said they already working on integrating new features from KitKat such as transculency, etc
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May have to buy apex then if they beat nova on this one. If anything it helps support the devs
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rosswaa said:
May have to buy apex then if they beat nova on this one. If anything it helps support the devs
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I just found myself wondering what has kept me from buying full Apex already.

I hoping Apex will update soon because the stock icons are huge. My N5 feels like a jitterbug. but the transparent nav and status are so awesome i can live with the huge icons for now.

Dungeon47 said:
I just found myself wondering what has kept me from buying full Apex already.
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Nova
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rosswaa said:
Nova
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Missing features that I use. I've tried Nova many times and always go back to Apex in the end.

Dungeon47 said:
Missing features that I use. I've tried Nova many times and always go back to Apex in the end.
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Nova was first out and always used it so its what I know ,I always thought they were pretty much the same.
I'll buy apex and wait for update I guess
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rosswaa said:
Nova was first out and always used it so its what I know ,I always thought they were pretty much the same.
I'll buy apex and wait for update I guess
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Click to collapse
Try both and use the one you like best.

Dungeon47 said:
Try both and use the one you like best.
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Click to collapse
Which ever one updates first
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rosswaa said:
Which ever one updates first
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I ran Nova on GB and when ICS first released, Apex was first to update. So I used them. Eventually went back to Nova for one specific reason... Can't remember what it is though. I know I've tried apex since but it was still missing this mystery feature I guess because I'm back on Nova...
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I've used Nova since my Nexus S but I did previously use (and buy) Apex so I'm all paid up on both! Come on, one of your get transparency in there!

Dungeon47 said:
Missing features that I use. I've tried Nova many times and always go back to Apex in the end.
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Click to collapse
What features does Nova lack that Apex has?
The only feature I've noticed that is exclusive to Apex is the ability to make the search bar look like the tablet version. I emailed the Nova developer about this like nine months ago, and he said he may decide to add it in the future, but he obviously didn't.
Other than that, I haven't noticed anything exclusive to Apex.

Paddington said:
What features does Nova lack that Apex has?
The only feature I've noticed that is exclusive to Apex is the ability to make the search bar look like the tablet version. I emailed the Nova developer about this like nine months ago, and he said he may decide to add it in the future, but he obviously didn't.
Other than that, I haven't noticed anything exclusive to Apex.
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Click to collapse
Last time I checked it couldn't remove app labels in the app drawer and still had wide margins on the bottom of the home screens that couldn't be reduced/removed when the dock is absent. Apex does both of those.

Apex functions I need
Infinite scroll
Scrollable app bar
Gesture launch
KitKat has redundant access to google now / search. Swipe left, swipe up from home icon, say google now on any page. Why do we need all 3?
Also I dont want to have google now 1st screen to left. I like to have mail, calendar productivity full screen widgets to left then have music, news, reading widget apps to the right. My preference is no icons on screen above the app bar. Full screen widgets look great on such a nice screen. Simplicity please

Dungeon47 said:
Last time I checked it couldn't remove app labels in the app drawer and still had wide margins on the bottom of the home screens that couldn't be reduced/removed when the dock is absent. Apex does both of those.
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Nice, I didn't know you could do that with the bottom margin on Apex.

I thought this was a "when do the launchers get updated" discussion, not a "apex vs nova" discussion...they´re pretty much the same thing though...one is red and the other one is blue (yea i know you can change colors )....anyways...i already paid for the full apex launcher, so update fast please

iNaruX said:
I thought this was a "when do the launchers get updated" discussion, not a "apex vs nova" discussion...they´re pretty much the same thing though...one is red and the other one is blue (yea i know you can change colors )....anyways...i already paid for the full apex launcher, so update fast please
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Click to collapse
It is but they're about the only 2 worth having updates for lol
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(Updated with 4.1.1)Nexus 5 Launcher / Required Google Search

Here is an easier way to get the Nexus 5 launcher without root, hackery, or evil spells.
Download and install both apks. Bam. Will work on anything 4.1 on up.
Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sxpniccq8jpfpjr/qJRHSudBpJ
4.1.1 update: https://www.dropbox.com/s/pt5bhla8rffjoyn/0B6NsjS9Da_r_alhpUHUwR0J5T0E.apk
Credit to El Goog.
Edit: update with new link.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

1ManWolfePack said:
Here is an easier way to get the Nexus 5 launcher without root, hackery, or evil spells.
Download and install both apks. Bam. Will work on anything 4.1 on up.
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B4FWprbB8aORY0Z6c1h1c1hfbjQ/edit
Credit to El Goog.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Damn, I remember you on the Note 2 forums. Glad to see you back on the same boat, Wolfe lol
Anyways, is the keyboard pop-up annoyance fixed in your uploads or is it still present? Thanks.

Works flawless for me. Stock.
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1ManWolfePack said:
Works flawless for me. Stock.
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Click to collapse
Good stuff, man! Keyboard pop-up annoyance is non-existent. Flawless.

works, all i needed was the launcher.apk!!!
awesome work. don't know why moto x never got this.
interesting read about how all google search 3.0> has the launcher code
either way thanks again

eyekyu said:
works, all i needed was the launcher.apk!!!
awesome work. don't know why moto x never got this.
interesting read about how all google search 3.0> has the launcher code
either way thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure.
I've found this launcher, kitkat and ART compiler to be sweet bliss. Swipe to left is buttery smooth with ART and 4.4.
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If I install this GEL apk and end up not liking it, it is just a simple matter of uninstalling it or do I have to install the original launcher back?

OVurt said:
If I install this GEL apk and end up not liking it, it is just a simple matter of uninstalling it or do I have to install the original launcher back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just clear defaults. Just like any other launcher. So you'll be good. If you have kitkat, you can do it from here (within settings>home):
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I just installed it and did not realize how large all the icons are now. is there a way around this? otherwise I may have to go back to the original kitkat launcher?
what other differences are there?
I do like the google now swipe right though.

poena said:
I just installed it and did not realize how large all the icons are now. is there a way around this? otherwise I may have to go back to the original kitkat launcher?
what other differences are there?
I do like the google now swipe right though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The icons come with the launcher. Solution for smaller ones is to use a different launcher.
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Works perfectly... installed just the launcher on my T-Mobile moto x with 4.4. Just looks like a Nexus 5 now ... status bar transparency every thing intact
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kirdroid said:
Works perfectly... installed just the launcher on my T-Mobile moto x with 4.4. Just looks like a Nexus 5 now ... status bar transparency every thing intact
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Click to collapse
is your hotword detection working from within google now?

kirdroid said:
Works perfectly... installed just the launcher on my T-Mobile moto x with 4.4. Just looks like a Nexus 5 now ... status bar transparency every thing intact
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Yeah, I was very pleased when I saw it came with full transparency on 4.4
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Maybe I'm missing it but is there anyway to add more screens?

bsinc1962 said:
Maybe I'm missing it but is there anyway to add more screens?
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Click to collapse
Grab an icon and drag it to the right, off the edge of the screen. The GE launcher will create a new home screen for you to drop it on. Drag back to the left and it will remove the unused home screen.

After weeks use of this launcher, there is only one annoyance. The launcher keeps adding a page for reasons I'm not sure of and the page indicator is a plus sign instead of a dot. Can't figure out why it keeps doing that. I have to fix it by adding an icon on the screen and taking it out to have it disappear. See Screenshot.
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Happens to me on occasion. I actually think it's by design. It's not always there on mine, it's almost like a hint or tip. It's not always there.
That's the best I got...
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there is no files to download... :/

DroidOnRoids said:
After weeks use of this launcher, there is only one annoyance. The launcher keeps adding a page for reasons I'm not sure of and the page indicator is a plus sign instead of a dot. Can't figure out why it keeps doing that. I have to fix it by adding an icon on the screen and taking it out to have it disappear. See Screenshot.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
have you installed new app? it seems to happen from what I've noticed on new app install on the stock launcher also.
if you select the stock launcher and get rid of the app off the home screen it seems to go away

Re up
Can somebody re up? It appears the link in the op goes to an empty folder. Thanks in advance.

Lollipop launcher

Which launcher do you prefer on Lollipop? Are they even fully compatible yet? I heard that Nova works fine, how about Next Launcher 3D? It really looked awesome on older Android versions.

I've used SS Launcher for 3 years and won't give it up. Everything seems compatible except the status bars are translucent not transparent. I've heard this is an issue with most other launchers, so I'm just hoping developers can fix this.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Apex works great

Nova is the best.
When the phone is in Battery saving mode whit the stock launcher there are slowdowns, whit nova no.
Inviato dal mio Nexus 5 utilizzando Tapatalk

Nova FTW

I gave up using other launchers years ago, most of them had problems and drain the battery, which is bad enough on the n5. How is nova these days regarding the battery? Any bugs, random force close ?

I love nova. Even if I'm not using it as my homescreen, I always have it installed because those nova activities are very useful to call from within other apps.

Nova
/// Sent from my AOSP Terminus powered by Hells-Core kernel\\\

Novas great as ever on LP

I just tried Nova again and still can't get into it. Compared to SS Launcher it seems to lack a lot of customization (although I only tried the free version). Things that SS does that I couldn't find in Nova:
1. Different image on each screen.
2. Grid down to the pixel (much finer than 12x12)
3. Font selection for icon text
SS hasn't seemed to figure out the transparent nav bars yet, but supposedly they are working on it. They were fine in Kitkat. Sticking with SS for now.

I've been using TSF Shell for quite some time. It's got a bit of a price tag though which turned me off at first. One day I impulsively made the purchase, and I'm honestly glad I did.

Update of SS launcher to Total Launcher is awesome! YouTube link: Total Launcher: http://youtu.be/bKvKune0DeE
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Stock launcher or 3rd party discussion

I've always installed Nova Pro as the first app on new Android devices due to the better customisation but it looks like a lot of the features are starting to appear as standard on the built in launchers these days.
I've loved the swipe up for the app drawer for years and swipe down for notifications.
What's everyone's feeling on the stock launcher or will you just stick something else straight on?
Anyone know of any killer features the stock launcher has?

For me it's Apex pro. And more than likely it'll go on my s8+ too. Just like you I like the customization. Haven't had a galaxy since the 4 but I'll still prob hate TouchWiz

I have always used Nova Pro also but I do like the look of the S8 so I may see how I go without using if for awhile. It will be a big change for me as I have used Nova for years.

I always use nova pro too since my S3 but I will have a quick look at stock, probably before deciding I hate it and putting nova back on
It may depend on how I can set up the grid on my desktop, in nova I have it set to 8x7 (and may up that for the s8+) so I can have virtually all the apps i need just spread over 2 desktops, and last time I tried stock I couldnt have anything like that, just a few massive icons instead. You don't need an app drawer when you can just stick 30 odd icons over 2 desktops. I also like the infinite scrolling on the desktop.

Question. Do the icons change in Nova when changing themes on Samsung's theme engine?
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mjs2011 said:
Question. Do the icons change in Nova when changing themes on Samsung's theme engine?
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Click to collapse
I think so, but then again I've been using icon packs for nova for so long!
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ewokuk said:
I always use nova pro too since my S3 but I will have a quick look at stock, probably before deciding I hate it and putting nova back on [emoji14]
It may depend on how I can set up the grid on my desktop, in nova I have it set to 8x7 (and may up that for the s8+) so I can have virtually all the apps i need just spread over 2 desktops, and last time I tried stock I couldnt have anything like that, just a few massive icons instead. You don't need an app drawer when you can just stick 30 odd icons over 2 desktops. I also like the infinite scrolling on the desktop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah grid sizes are very useful. I'll keep using the app drawer though, i only like having 2 pages on my home screen!
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

I'll play around with the stock launcher for a bit and go right back to Nova like I usually do.

All are fairly good now days depending on your likes. I use Nova Pro.

I always go with Nova right out the gate
Sent from my LG-LS997 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Haven't used a custom launcher since my S3, as I was content with TouchWiz on my S6, especially with the addition of the theming engine. This time around, might play with some launchers again, but at least at launch, will stick with stock.

Is Buzz Launcher still any good?!i know Themer is no longer supported.
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mjs2011 said:
Is Buzz Launcher still any good?!i know Themer is no longer supported.
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Click to collapse
Oh! That's the launcher I used to use on my S3. I liked it, last I recalled, but haven't used it since. Think I was just too lazy to go through the whole customizing process again, and I didn't mind TouchWiz on the S6, lawl. I did take a look in the Play Store and it's still compatible with my S6, so don't see why it wouldn't still work on newer devices.

another long time Nova user here since the S3, but on my current S6 I've actually been using the stock TouchWiz with themes applied and i like it. i'll be using stock on the 8+ for awhile before making any changes. i remember trying apex when it first launched and didn't like it at that time, but if I decide touchwiz is tehsuck then will try pretty much anything available.

Salval said:
I'll play around with the stock launcher for a bit and go right back to Nova like I usually do.
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Click to collapse
Same exact thing I do with every phone. I'll mess around with the stock launcher for a month or so but I always end up going back to Nova Pro.
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Been using Next Launcher for a long while...Like it alot..

Nova Pro as always.

I won't even bother trying their launcher, straight to Nova Prime.

I like Nova too but pretty impressed with Samsung's launcher on th S8. It's been pretty smooth.

Smart Launcher Pro here... Got my phone via preorder yesterday and although there are some nice features on the stock launcher, I hate how Samsung has monetized every aspect of it.
Smart Launcher Pro 3 w/ Stealth Icon pack.