Lollipop launcher - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] What is your favorite launcher for the One X?

Just wondering what launcher you guys use for your HTC One X.
Smoothest / best looking?
I'm currently still just using the stock sense launcher myself...but hear that nova launcher and trebuchet launcher work well.
What would you recommend?
Yea +1 .. I'm new to android and was wondering if using launchers other than stock sense use up more battery? I love the different functions available but am not willing to spare any battery life for it, what do you guys think, I tried apex for a day but was worried about battery life so I uninstalled it
I've always been a launcher pro person but recently was turned onto nova and haven't looked back since. I love it, very simple, smooth and fast. Highly suggest it!
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Nova has been flawless for me, check it out. Great customization and very fluid. Much more fluid than the sense launcher.
I'm a fan of apex, and I've never noticed any addition battery drain.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Another +1 for Nova here
+3. Nova on HTC One X, Motorola Atrix, and ASUS ere pad transformer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
how is battery life with Nova?
Nova Launcher does not effect my battery life
fitchpuckman said:
how is battery life with Nova?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh...negligible? In my experience, as long as launcher doesn't do crazy stuff requiring major 3d rendering or has lots of weird animations then battery life is a non-issue.
Apex Launcher fan here. Has been more fun, interesting and I found it to be more smooth and quick then Nova.
Not trying to be dumb, but I am new to android. What do these launchers, apex/nova, do that is so different than what our phones already do? Seems like sense has all of these features already.
and 2, wouldn't this be running on top of sense, meaning two launchers are running at the same time? how does that work and not slow things down?
relic120 said:
Not trying to be dumb, but I am new to android. What do these launchers, apex/nova, do that is so different than what our phones already do? Seems like sense has all of these features already.
and 2, wouldn't this be running on top of sense, meaning two launchers are running at the same time? how does that work and not slow things down?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it doesn't run on top of Sense, it runs INSTEAD of Sense. Third party launchers allow you to do things that the stock launcher did not implement, like assigning custom icons, overlapping widgets, creating more/less rows and columns on your homescreen, creating more homescreens than the original allowed (not the case with Sense 4.0...but I remember TouchWiz on my old Captivate only allowed 5 homescreens while Android itself allows up to 7), gesture controls, and plenty of other things.
Above all, third party launchers are updated regularly to fix bugs and add new features. You don't have to wait for all the bueacracy involved with the manufacturer and carrier to get an update pushed to your device.
Apex Launcher Pro. Super smooth. Haven't had a redraw yet.
Hww do I add all the widgets using the Apex/Nova launchers? I don't see all the widgets like the default clock with weather widget? Do I need to root my phone to gain access to these widgets?
sonicrhythms said:
Hww do I add all the widgets using the Apex/Nova launchers? I don't see all the widgets like the default clock with weather widget? Do I need to root my phone to gain access to these widgets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't use any Sense widgets while using third party launchers. They're baked into Sense.
Really? I like the clock widget and timers..
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
sonicrhythms said:
Really? I like the clock widget and timers..
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of apps and widgets that mimick the Sense ones. Beautiful Widgets, for example.
I would go for the apex launcher. The customization on it is absolutely amazing. It also looks very close to stock ICS so it will seem like it is Sense-less.
Over the last week I've pretty much tried them all and kept coming back to go Launcher.

Apex vs other launchers

Hi guys, new here but I notice that most developers use Apex as their default launcher when they post AOSP ROMS. My question is why? What's the difference between Apex and other launchers like Go Launcher?
Thanks1
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Apex is optimized specifically for ICS and integrates a lot of ICS's features. However I prefer Nova way more. I always immediately install Nova because I like the interface a lot more.
Shaddy-Z. said:
Apex is optimized specifically for ICS and integrates a lot of ICS's features. However I prefer Nova way more. I always immediately install Nova because I like the interface a lot more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for Nova. I don't use it on my One X but I've got it on my Nexus 7 and I love it.
Yea, I've never understood using Apex over Nova. Every phone I've had with every Rom I've run, Nova always runs smoother with less issues.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
I haven't used Nova in months after finding Apex to be more feature rich. Might have to try Nova again to see if they caught up.
Atom is a new promising launcher, I was using apex pro before, but the change is nice.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
they are both good..if you want to have full utilization of Nova then you got to buy Nova Prime
Apex Free is as good as Nova Prime a little lag may be noticeable in the drawer
Anyways they are both Good..a little bit off topic..anyone tried the GS3 Launcher Port..??
very very smooth..buttery...but lack the customization/..
Nova prime on my one x and SGSIII, I like apex as well though but to cheap to buy both pro.
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powerwagon said:
Yea, I've never understood using Apex over Nova. Every phone I've had with every Rom I've run, Nova always runs smoother with less issues.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd disagree based on my experience. Both has been problematic for me but, Nova has been more annoying than Apex.
I've tried both Apex (pro) and Nova Prime and i prefer Apex a bit more. It seems noticeably smoother than Nova on my device, particularly on my widget heavy homescreens.
Thanks guys,
So it seems that it's just a matter of preference. So then, if you opt to use a different launcher, how would you get rid of the default one embedded in the ROM? Or would you?
I'm on clean rom de 4.1 and using nova launcher. It comes with apex but I find nova runs more smoothly,with no lag. So I used root explorer and went in to system/apps and deleted apex launcher(after I installed nova of course) . I have not had any issue doing that.
Sent from my HTC One X
I have Nova and Apex on my phone. Wanted to try them both out. I find that with the same home screen setup on both devices, Nova is a bit slower. Going back to the homescreen in Apex is instantaneous. Sometimes Nova does a full redraw and it takes a second or two.
Other than that the launchers seem identical to me.
Chalk another one up for Apex.
It's always been smoother for me, no matter what rom I'm running. Even on ICS roms on my T-Mobile G2 before the One X.
Scrolling through homescreens or app drawer pages in Nova is too fast and/or choppy, even if you set the speeds to "stock" in settings (I like to "enjoy" the animation). I also like more of the features Apex offers, like customizing what shows up when you hit menu, disabling haptic feedback (long pressing icons/wallpaper) and the way it handles locking the desktop compared to Nova.
Btw, I'm using Apex Free on the phone, and Nova Prime on my Transformer Prime.
gunnyman said:
I have Nova and Apex on my phone. Wanted to try them both out. I find that with the same home screen setup on both devices, Nova is a bit slower. Going back to the homescreen in Apex is instantaneous. Sometimes Nova does a full redraw and it takes a second or two.
Other than that the launchers seem identical to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found just the opposite. I was using Apex when I first picked up my HOX but I felt it was sluggish at times and found Nova. Maybe the Apex devs pushed out some updates to improve things? I'll have to check it out again.
Sent from my htc_evita using xda app-developers app
Im using nova and its been great for me. Tried apex briefly a while back on a gummy rom but nova does the job. I do miss my adw ex sadly it hasn't been updated for almost a year now
Adw and launcher pro were both awesome.
gunnyman said:
Adw and launcher pro were both awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, the good ol' Froyo days. Brings back memories.
I have tried a bunch of launchers including apex and nova ( unpaid versions) apex def wins for more Asop look and integration of ics features and feel, but I have to say all in all...
go launcher ftw. Sooooo.... many themes and lock screens to choose from .
I think apex is compatible with some of the go themes. But again free and **** tons of themes....I love go launcher.
Tons of features customizations.
User friendly. Love the 3d worm lock screen.
Its all about preference.
Have to admit I have been eyeing apex and nova again. Maybe I'll switch .
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Apex is the best!
New to Android and consequently have tried all of the following launchers to varying degrees in the past few weeks: ADW, Apex, Nova, Regina, Go Launcher, ssLauncher, and stock HTC Sense. I used ADW the first week or so and then it has been Apex since. Never crashes and super quick. Absolutely love it!

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
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Yeah i hope nova prime will be update the launcher soon..
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9505 mit Tapatalk
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
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova
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rosswaa said:
Nova
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try both and use the one you like best.
Dungeon47 said:
Try both and use the one you like best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ever one updates first
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rosswaa said:
Which ever one updates first
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is but they're about the only 2 worth having updates for lol
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Launcher

What launcher are you using? O got my N5 a few days ago and am still using stock launcher but it seems too simple and I miss a lot of features from other lauchers.
What launcher would you recomend without compromising kitkat "experience", system performance and battery life?
Salomao
Enviado do meu Nexus 5 através de Tapatalk
Been using Nova for ages. I've tried all the other launchers, but I keep coming back to Nova.
I've been happily using the Google Experience launcher since it came out. What features are you missing?
jsgraphicart said:
I've been happily using the Google Experience launcher since it came out. What features are you missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot.
I would like to scroll up and down in app drawer (and not just page horizontaly) and be able to add new pages to the left of the main page (not only to the right), just to name a few
Enviado do meu Nexus 5 através de Tapatalk
Nova launcher prime keep trying others but always end up going back so I'd say that's the best one
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
Stuck to the Google Experience launcher for 2 months after I got my N5. Then installed Nova launcher + Lumos icon pack a few weeks back after rooting and installing xposed framework + gravitybox and haven't looked back!
Nova launcher ..the best one with all gestures.. can use all my screwn now... rooted
Can you not add screens to the left if you turn off Google now?
WR
Sent from my Nexus 5
Always used Apex; but since the GEL launcher came out, been using that on the N4 & now the N5. I only wished Nova or Apex would have swipe to go to Google Now like GEL.
dhruvmalik said:
Always used Apex; but since the GEL launcher came out, been using that on the N4 & now the N5. I only wished Nova or Apex would have swipe to go to Google Now like GEL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly the only reason why I don't use Nova right now is because there's no swipe to the left to get Google Now.
Miui launcher
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WarRaven said:
Can you not add screens to the left if you turn off Google now?
WR
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google now isn't even installed.
Enviado do meu Nexus 5 através de Tapatalk
I alway used Nova on previous phones but i really liked google now in the GNL and also the hotword detection on the home in GNL. However, after the last update, they made sure the amount of icons were static independent of the DPI which makes it not really worth it.
I went back to Nova. Though I hope Nova does continue moving forward.
Best for me and the one I always fall back to is Nova launcher. I also wish they implement an easy access to Google Now in future updates.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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 expand...
Click to collapse
I think so, but then again I've been using icon packs for nova for so long!
Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
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 expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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.

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