Do you still use the stock Google launcher? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys,
What launcher do you use on your N5?
Still on stock? or replaced it with a 3rd party one?
I'm still on stock (google now launcher) though I'm considering a switch to a 3rd party one (Nova!).
I like the stock launcher but I miss some customization features like changing the icon packs, more than 4 icons in a row etc etc.
What about you guys?

I've been using lucid launcher pro for a while now. Really like the uniqueness of it. Also this thread may get locked or moved. Not sure if the mods will think this pertains directly to the device or not.
prshosting.org

TopTomy said:
Hey guys,
What launcher do you use on your N5?
Still on stock? or replaced it with a 3rd party one?
I'm still on stock (google now launcher) though I'm considering a switch to a 3rd party one (Nova!).
I like the stock launcher but I miss some customization features like changing the icon packs, more than 4 icons in a row etc etc.
What about you guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a nexus 5, but I still use the GNL on my N4 & 7 2013. Google Now is so much more useful for me, and my second choice is the Sony Xperia Z2 launcher
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

I've tried various launchers but like stated above the stock launcher is just so much more useful for me so I end up going back to it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I use Aviate Launcher and I absolutely love it. Used to use Nova but I'm just tired of the usual home page/app drawer thing. Aviate is really different, clean, useful, intuitive and customizable

In 4 years on android, I never liked stock launchers
.
Until GEL .

TopTomy said:
Hey guys,
What launcher do you use on your N5?
Still on stock? or replaced it with a 3rd party one?
I'm still on stock (google now launcher) though I'm considering a switch to a 3rd party one (Nova!).
I like the stock launcher but I miss some customization features like changing the icon packs, more than 4 icons in a row etc etc.
What about you guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, not sure if you're rooted. If you are, you can find these two features to use easily with the stock launcher like myself. If you use Xposed Framework, Gravity Box allows you to set the icon grid to whatever I want (right now I'm using 5x5). For icon packs, I'm using Unicon (bought from the Play Store you use it with Xposed Framework). It works great. The only gripe I have, which isn't a huge deal for me, is that it doesn't allow you to change individual icons like a 3rd party launcher would (or at least I assume it would being that I've never used a 3rd party launcher). I like the stock Google Now Launcher too much to switch.

I use the stock android launcher (like on nexus 7 and 4)... I need to be able to scroll both ways from the main home screen, plus, I can just swipe up if I need Google now.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I'm using Apex Pro launcher. I bought it back when I had my S2 and still like it's flexibility.
Sent from my Nexus 5

Smart launcher. Gel is boring and like most the others.
Sent from my N5 cell phone telephone....

Yup, stock launcher and don't plan on changing it. Clean, simple, and straightforward.

Stock launcher for me. Never really liked any custom launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I wish I could run the stock launcher, but I absolutely NEED Nova on my devices.

I enjoyed stock for a time, but have since moved back to Nova...so many options! I also realized that the stock launcher has the Search app running super secretly in the background all the time, even with Okay Google and Google Now turned off; I only found out with Greenify. Once I switched to Nova, I hibernated Search and it actually saves me enough juice to notice. I wonder if anyone else noticed this?

I use Stock Launcher but occasionally switch back to Nova Launcher, mostly when I've got tons of apps to organize. I do wish that in future updates the stock launcher offers more options to organize apps efficiently.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I was using the stock launcher with the GEL Settings xposed module for a while, but I recently switched to Action Launcher and LOVE it.
I was always using very few home screens and found myself not using Google Now from the home screen that often. Enough that swiping up from the home button wouldn't be a real inconvenience.
Action Launcher is exactly what I needed and I'm glad I finally tried it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Played around, always go back to stock.

Been an avid user of nova until GEL. Still staying with stock Google now launcher to date
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Nova on both of my devices N5&10. Tried stock's 4.4.2 launcher but I missed Nova's various features too much. Besides I rarely use Google Now despite several attempts due to pier pressure. So the latest launcher's preeminent feature was not a big draw.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app

Yup, Nova (Prime) for me too, i just love the ability to customise a launcher and use different icon packs.

Related

What Launcher is everybody using?

I'm looking at getting either GoLauncher or Launcher Pro (but Ive seen alot of complaints about not alot of updates for this one). I want one that light, fast, customizable and functions well on this phone any suggestions?
Ive been using Launcher Pro and have had zero problems, easily customizable with some good themes. Have seen good reviews on both of them. Try both of them out yourself and see which one works best for you
Cool thanx should I download a program to manage them like HomeSwitcher or something?
Oh yeah and one other question is Launcher Pro premium worth the price or just the free is good enough?
To me premium is def worth the price. It gives you the option to be able to resize the widgets plus a few more option that you cant get with the free version.
Homeswitcher is def good in case you have a couple of launchers installed or just in case you want to go back to the stock home launcher.
been using adw ex
Every Android phone I have owned has had Go Launcher on it. Not sure why but its never gave me a single problem.
After researching it and taking opinions I went with Go Launcher. Thought I had a problem with it, but it turned out to be ME changing too many options up front. Who would have thought that?
I use Launcher Pro Plus (worthy investment)...I have tried Go Launcher and ADW EX, and both are good but Launcher pro seemed smoother to me. Also, since I already paid for LPP a while back I didn't want to not use it even though it wasn't that expensive.
I have installed:
ADWLauncher EX
Balancer
Launcher Pro(free one)
I use Launcher Pro the most. I had GO Launcher EX and Zeam, but uninstalled those. Launcher Pro is what I use the most. I have not played fully with ADW or Balancer. I do feel I like some of the features of Balancer (built in file manager, transparency when in app drawer).
I say download them all, play with them and use what you like.
Go Launcher EX w/ Honeycomb theme (modified w/ICS icons)
Sent from my MB865 using XDA App
Launcher Pro here. It has worked very well for me and I like customizable and scrollable dock.
I went with GoLanucher EX for now and I love it very smooth and has a theme for every piece of it I Have the GoContacts and GoSMS and both work great Ill try it out for a week or two and see how it goes thanks for all the feedback
I've been using Launcher Pro since I had my original Atrix. Never have any problems. I tried all the rest and like this one the most.
Go Launcher EX, the amount of customization is crazy! Very smooth too.
Sent from my MB865 using XDA App
sweeter home 2
Used them all..... now i'm back on Moto Blurr.
I'm currently using adw launcher because i saw a battery drain while using go launcher ex. Probably its just me and not go launcher BUT adw launcher is giving me more battery life and very simple configurations.
916x10 said:
Go Launcher EX, the amount of customization is crazy! Very smooth too.
Sent from my MB865 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep exactly why I like it you can pretty much customize every facet of it only problem Im having is using GoSMS sometime the regular messaging service will show up on my notifications bar and say I have like 56 new messages when Ive already responded to them through GoSMS
jshinn1 said:
Yep exactly why I like it you can pretty much customize every facet of it only problem Im having is using GoSMS sometime the regular messaging service will show up on my notifications bar and say I have like 56 new messages when Ive already responded to them through GoSMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go into the regular text messaging app, hit menu > settings, uncheck notifications
svtfmook said:
go into the regular text messaging app, hit menu > settings, uncheck notifications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a user error problem, not an app or launcher problem. Just do what svtmook said and you'll be fine
Sent from my MB865 using XDA App

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

Nova vs. Touchwiz?

The phone comes with TW obviously but I just switched to Nova since it allows you to use a 5x4 icon configuration on all your home screens.
But apart from that, is Nova better or should I go back to TW?
Nova (Prime) is way better. Solo launcher is freakn sweet as well.
I agree. Nova Prime has been my overall favorite. There are a lot of options to tweak your home and drawer screens...and more. Here's a quick example:
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
MrSamEpic said:
I agree. Nova Prime has been my overall favorite. There are a lot of options to tweak your home and drawer screens...and more. Here's a quick example:
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why choose Nova Prime over free Nova?
Ive always been an apex guy, dont ask we why specifically as it is very close to Nova, but I use Alex Pro personally and include Apex free in all my roms.
So check out apex as an option as well I would say
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have always been a Nova Prime person, but since the S5, I made the switch to touchwiz because I wanted to keep the Google Now always listening. So far, I am pretty happy...it offers folders and such that the Google Now Launcher does not yet offer.
Nova Prime
Nova Prime user for last year or so.. Used TW for few days to try it out but couldn't wait to get back to Nova just for all the customization options I use 7x5 home screen and app drawer grids, 6 icons on dock instead of 4, custom gestures, and it's nice to be able to backup and restore home screen setup after flashing new ROMS..
My personal opinion yours will vary..
Nova Prime>Apex>Google Now Launcher>Sense>TouchWiz
Prime offers more useful options to the mix...not things that are useless like some apps when you buy the "paid" version.
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
MrSamEpic said:
Prime offers more useful options to the mix...not things that are useless like some apps when you buy the "paid" version.
Sent using my SGS5 w/Ttalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another random question, but how do I put a shortcut to the settings menu? For example, I want to check the "battery page" of the settings menu (but make that into a shortcut and place it on the homescreen). You could do that on the S3 with Nova but "settings" is now NOT part of the shortcuts menu when you long-press.
How can u disable the touchwiz launcher before gong to nova so that ram isn't wasted
I love Nova! I've been an avid user for 4+ yrs now
Just my two cents,
I have been using Apex Pro ever since I owned an Android device. Used Nova, very similiar, did like it, but had already paid for Apex so I stuck with it.

What launcher do you use?

Hey guys,
I'm currently using the Google Now Launcher, I really used to love the big & clear icons.
Lately I gave Nova Launcher a try and I really like it - you can add more icons to your homescreen,
the icons are smaller and customizable.
I think I'll switch to Nova.
What's your launcher of choice?
Nova no doubt it.
TheLastSidekick said:
Nova no doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, why no doubt? google now launcher is pretty good. very stable as well.
don't you think?
Nova is much more customizable and it allows you to disable animations. It feels faster than Google Launcher, but Google Launcher falls in with a close second place to me.
I run 100% stock these days, don't even unlock the bootloader. Android in it's current state doesn't need anything else IMO
Huawei home ( no apk drawer ) - fast rock solid.
Apus launcher is replacement is fine too.
Try inspire i started using it with nexus 5 kii kat. It still keeps some of the originality the google launcher has including the google now page !!!
Omni launcher
Nova ftw!
Stock.
I'm using aviate and quite like the change.
Nova launcher for me. Swipe gestures are something I've gotten too used to now to go back to GEL.
Everythingme launcher
TopTomy said:
What's your launcher of choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex Launcher with Herathon Night theme.
GNL and Lucid Launcher
seeker02uk said:
I'm using aviate and quite like the change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here, i'm using aviate and like it very much
Nova,have everything i whant
Google Now Launcher with XGELS.
The developer of XGELS is doing a really great job at implementing popular features from other launchers such as Nova.
Looking forward to seeing what future updates bring!
Last Trebuchet on Paranoid 4
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Another one for stock GNL with XGELS.

Which Launcher are you using on MAX 2?

Hey guys, I am still on EUI Laucher, but i wana change. Have you tryed Google PIXEL Launcher, there is no official support, but you can downloand apk. ANy tips od experinece?
I am using stock launcher I do not see anything bad with it, personally I do not like the app drawer , however before using stock launcher, I used to use next 3d lsuncher, and google now launcher which was really smooth, I did like it.
The stock launcher is fine but I use Go Launcher mainly to eliminate the live button.
I have tried Pixel Launcher and its nice.
But my preferred Launcher is NOVA because it have many useful customisation and drawer tab support.
Sent from my Le X821 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Google Pixel launcher
I have been using SquareHome forever now. Before that Lightning Launcher. Both very customisable, SquareHome is Windows 10 style with tiles rather than icons.
I like that a lot - Notifications on the tile, live tiles, great overview, easy on resources.
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
kanagawaben said:
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get the 21s firmware?
Amowagou said:
Where did you get the 21s firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the ROM section.
Trebuchet or CM standard
I got tons of Android devices and I'd go crazy if each and every one was different. So I not only try to use a stock Cynogenmod launcher but also make sure that applications are in the same place across devices.
I'm even using Trebuchet on my Note 3, which uses a hybrid Note 3/Note 7 TouchWiz ROM somebody put together to offer Marshmallow features on the Note 3, which has long since been abandoned by Samsung.
Not only is Trebuchet available on all devices, it also has the minimal amount of "Google" in it.
I value my privacy far more than Google's "added value". So no "Google now", no Google search on the phone, nano GAPPS. Essentially I just want the Play Store, nothing else from Google.
Too bad they are not satisfied with that...
The best is nova launcher, fast and very recomendable
Enviado desde mi Le X820 mediante Tapatalk
kanagawaben said:
I am on 21S and currently using the Pixel launcher. I'd prefer to use Nova launcher because it can mimic Pixel launcher and has the added advantage of nougat-like long press functions and you can use a Pixel icon pack to get all round icons. But I find that Nova launcher has issues with the multitasking selection cards on this phone - it won't show a card for the homescreen like it does on other launchers, so you can't close the last open app/page. Anyone else found this? It also has weird scaling compared to other launchers - at 100% all the icons are much too small. To get them at what I'd consider a normal size you need to set them at about 125-130%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for the same very reason iam using the pixel launcher in place of Nova. Very annoying bug !
I am using Cm13 with pixel launcher and everything is working well
Nova Launcher= The Best
I used nova launcher for a long time but now I am using smart launcher and it's super cool....
Sent from my Le X821 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Been using ZenUI launcher and really like it on this phone, great performance, lots of good features and looks good imho.
Anyone know how to delete this Google thing from Home desktop in Pixel Launcher? I'm talking about this: http://screenshot.sh/oe2vMFKzqiQEB
When I click this it's showing for 0,1s App Details...
Arrow from Microsoft, smooth and laconic, light and elegant.
slawin wynterz said:
Arrow from Microsoft, smooth and laconic, light and elegant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well
Apex

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