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[Q] Blinkfeed vs Google Now Launcher

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, but I was curious about peoples opinions/preferences between these two launchers?
I've been using Google Now Launcher on my Galaxy Nexus for a couple of months and really liked it. After grabbing my M8, I installed Google Now Launcher on it, but I hear a lot of praise for Blinkfeed on Sense 6.
While the concept of Blinkfeed is certainly interesting, the link summaries in my highlights are vague or non-existent. I'm also struggling to find a way to do Google Search voice triggers. Adding a Google Search bar doesn't seem to provide this functionality. Overall, Blinkfeed seems to be a poorly done Google Now with social media integration. Are there any fans of Blinkfeed that can help me improve my experience?

Zieen said:
I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, but I was curious about peoples opinions/preferences between these two launchers?
I've been using Google Now Launcher on my Galaxy Nexus for a couple of months and really liked it. After grabbing my M8, I installed Google Now Launcher on it, but I hear a lot of praise for Blinkfeed on Sense 6.
While the concept of Blinkfeed is certainly interesting, the link summaries in my highlights are vague or non-existent. I'm also struggling to find a way to do Google Search voice triggers. Adding a Google Search bar doesn't seem to provide this functionality. Overall, Blinkfeed seems to be a poorly done Google Now with social media integration. Are there any fans of Blinkfeed that can help me improve my experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried blinkfeed on my M7 for a few months until root came out. and switched to the google launcher.
I tried blinkfeed on the M8 for all of an hour before I switched to the Google Launcher again.
I'm in the same boat as you. I just wish I could get anything besides the HTC lock screen as I want pattern lock. But I don't want it to wipe my phone after 10 attempts.

I'm using Action Launcher but wanted to check out Blinkfeed. You can create a shortcut to Blinkfeed with Activity Launcher and use it like an app. Thought I'd give it a chance and still use my launcher of choice.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

breakerfall said:
I'm using Action Launcher but wanted to check out Blinkfeed. You can create a shortcut to Blinkfeed with Activity Launcher and use it like an app. Thought I'd give it a chance and still use my launcher of choice.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't considered that. I might just have to play with it that way. As an at a glance widget/page, I feel Google Now is far superior, but I'd like to play around with it and see if Blinkfeed is good for social media and the like.

I have enjoyed using Google Now launcher on my Rezound and my Nexus. I'm going with Blinkfeed and have moved the Google search as one of my five dock icons so I can get the equivalent at any time.

hgoldner said:
I have enjoyed using Google Now launcher on my Rezound and my Nexus. I'm going with Blinkfeed and have moved the Google search as one of my five dock icons so I can get the equivalent at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know you can just swipe up from the bottom on any of the home screens and have google now anytime without using up your shortcuts on the bottom

If Sense supported custom gestures (I use swipe up to bring up the drawer, swipe down to see notifications, and double-tap to show the toggles) I would try it out. But I use those gestures ALL the time.

For those with Google Now Launcher, few questions(sorry for the sidetrack):
Is there more icons on the screen? I went to nova laucher for more rows of icons and no blinkfeed.
any issues with side loading?
where did you get the apk, (I can find one, I would like to have a know working version)?
Does the play store update the laucher after the install for updates?

lilshooter said:
you know you can just swipe up from the bottom on any of the home screens and have google now anytime without using up your shortcuts on the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, forgot about that; thanks for mentioning it. Ultimately, that's what I did, giving something else that precious 4th spot on the dock.

non transparent Nav bar on GNL
Hey guys. Did any of you getting this annoying semitransparent nav bar while having a Google now launcher on HTC M8 ?
I mean the original nav bar on BlinkFeed is completely transparent, also Google now launcher installed on any device so far (running KitKat) had a transparent nav bar ! What is wrong with GNL and HTC M8 ??
Check out this picks.
http://img.wonderhowto.com/img/original/10/74/63531824020426/0/635318240204261074.jpg
http://img.wonderhowto.com/img/original/76/19/63531824114441/0/635318241144417619.jpg

i brought a htc one m8 recently from ebay, since ive had it my launcher is defaulted to google now i cannot install sense, its really annoying and laggy ad freezes and ugh
currently gonna try viperone but not sure what to do, ive recovered restocked etc but nothing, the phoine was rooted but isnt any longer but super su is still installed ive had to disable it, im so confused.

viper one has screwed up my phone. help it wont power on just gets stuck on htc screen
using htc one m8

charchar4339 said:
viper one has screwed up my phone. help it wont power on just gets stuck on htc screen
using htc one m8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't think viperone is what screwed your phone up as I am running it and have installed and re-installed about 10 different times when checking out different ROM's.
It sounds like user error to me.
What was your install process ?
Did you do a checksum on the download before installing ?
Only one time did I have a faulty ROM and it was due to a bad download as I forgot to do a checksum on it.

Zieen said:
I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, but I was curious about peoples opinions/preferences between these two launchers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, I don't like either, I use Nova Launcher.

Want to buy a vivo nex, couple of questions

How bad is the os? i understand i can only install a third party launcher in the global version. I saw this one in amazon https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-A...C6/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me= could anyone tell me if it's the global version or not? Also, could i use substratum on it?. Also, is it possible to modify the swipe from the bottom for settings ? is the screen as good as the note 8? (phone i currently own). How good are the cameras? does the assistant button trigger google assistant on the global version? thanks everyone

Hi. I am using vivo nex s global and first thing i installed was nova launcher. It's more comfortable for me. I can't compare display with note 8 but i heard it is very similar. AI button can be set to Google assistant. And to that cameras: selfie camera is good but not the best and main cameras are somwhere between iphone 7 and iphone 8. Especially in low light

manupa14 said:
How bad is the os? i understand i can only install a third party launcher in the global version. I saw this one in amazon https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-A...C6/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me= could anyone tell me if it's the global version or not? Also, could i use substratum on it?. Also, is it possible to modify the swipe from the bottom for settings ? is the screen as good as the note 8? (phone i currently own). How good are the cameras? does the assistant button trigger google assistant on the global version? thanks everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any problems or complaints with Funtouch. I have yet to use other launchers, but if I did, I'd probably would have complaints as I would've conformed to the other launcher.
The picture below shows the bottom slide up menu using gestures. The red circle shows settings icon when you slide up to access this menu. You can't assign a gesture for settings, but you can switch gesture location from left to right.

Reading the questions about playstore, seller says it can be installed. Global version comes with it pre-installed. Also seller says nova can't be used. I think it's Chinese version and not global, I'd avoid.
Sent from my vivo 1805 using Tapatalk

manupa14 said:
How bad is the os? i understand i can only install a third party launcher in the global version. I saw this one in amazon https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-A...C6/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me= could anyone tell me if it's the global version or not? Also, could i use substratum on it?. Also, is it possible to modify the swipe from the bottom for settings ? is the screen as good as the note 8? (phone i currently own). How good are the cameras? does the assistant button trigger google assistant on the global version? thanks everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude os is not at all bad actually it's really smooth it's not just ios rip off it's actually is as smooth as ios m using it since 1 month seriously no lag
Also i bet u u will get use to to the OS

Lag in recent apps overview

I'm on a Pixel 3 XL with the latest Android update (not rooted, no custom ROM, or anything like that). I am using Nova Launcher. When I try to switch to a recent app, there is a long lag time. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more often than not.
In the video link below, I have the "show taps" on so you can see what is going on. I clear all the recent apps. Open just 4 apps. And then try to switch to the most recent app. I tap two times, and nothing happens. But the screen is not frozen since I can still scroll through the recent apps. I tap one last time and there is still no response. And after a while, the app finally opens.
Is this a common issue on Pixels. Is there anything that can improve this? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
https://youtu.be/Z37r_Vd32sg

IamNe0 said:
I'm on a Pixel 3 XL with the latest Android update (not rooted, no custom ROM, or anything like that). I am using Nova Launcher. When I try to switch to a recent app, there is a long lag time. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more often than not.
In the video link below, I have the "show taps" on so you can see what is going on. I clear all the recent apps. Open just 4 apps. And then try to switch to the most recent app. I tap two times, and nothing happens. But the screen is not frozen since I can still scroll through the recent apps. I tap one last time and there is still no response. And after a while, the app finally opens.
Is this a common issue on Pixels. Is there anything that can improve this? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a pretty common issue with third party launchers. Try using the stock launcher to see if the issue persists

crixley said:
It's a pretty common issue with third party launchers. Try using the stock launcher to see if the issue persists
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it with the stock launcher and it did not happen. This is super frustrating. Pixel phones are becoming iPhones now, limiting our choice. I don't know how they haven't fixed this issue yet, despite having Android 10 out for so long.

IamNe0 said:
Tried it with the stock launcher and it did not happen. This is super frustrating. Pixel phones are becoming iPhones now, limiting our choice. I don't know how they haven't fixed this issue yet, despite having Android 10 out for so long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has to do with everything being built into the launcher now, including animations. If it makes you feel better this seems pretty much completely fixed in Android 11. Are you rooted? There is a magisk module that fixes this completely on Android 10 as well.
Edited to add: it's called quickstep switcher I believe in case you're wondering

crixley said:
It has to do with everything being built into the launcher now, including animations. If it makes you feel better this seems pretty much completely fixed in Android 11. Are you rooted? There is a magisk module that fixes this completely on Android 10 as well.
Edited to add: it's called quickstep switcher I believe in case you're wondering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll look into it. This is the first phone I haven't rooted or had a custom ROM on, mainly because of the ease of monthly OTA updates. But now I am leaning towards rooting. I'll have to research a bit about how to deal with monthly updates while rooted.

IamNe0 said:
Thanks! I'll look into it. This is the first phone I haven't rooted or had a custom ROM on, mainly because of the ease of monthly OTA updates. But now I am leaning towards rooting. I'll have to research a bit about how to deal with monthly updates while rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root it but keep the old boot image. Flash the original boot image before taking the OTA. Then download the fastboot files for the new OTA from the Android site, patch that new boot image and flash that.
Feel free to PM me anytime you need any help, I'll even patch the boot image for you if you like.

Question New to the 12S Ultra had some questions

So I just received met 12S Ultra yesterday here in the USA. I ordered from Giztop.com They pre-installed google services so no issues there.. I have a T-Mobile sim in the phone and seems to be working.
Questions....
First I installed the "Google" app and it worked yet now it has disappeared on my screen and I can't search for it either though its shows installed on the PlayStore.. Any ideas and is it possible to have the Google news feed show up when I do a swipe right like you can in most phones. I am coming from IOS so bare with me.
Are there any good launchers that can mimic a stock android experience without having to root the phone etc... I want something simple.
I did order the Xiaomi 12S Ultra case and think its great add protection to the camera module.
Lastly does this phone have a screen protector that is installed already by the factory
thanks

It will run if you just select bootloader can be unlocked in dev settings. Install Nova launcher and select google integration.
It would not run without Nova ( china bans google) and Nova wouldnt run without the bootloader switch.

Thanks for your help. I did what you said yet after I installed Nova Launcher I cannot set the Default Home Screen to Nova Launcher. Gives me error message
Something about third parties mistune verified by MIUI..
Sugestions ?

As I said, switch the allow bootloader to be unlocked in dev section. You can then install. I'm sure that's all I did but while in the menus, ensure security settings are allowing 3rd party apps etc.. my dev settings attached.

Thanks I will double check
Also how can I change the play store to the default when I try to select google integration in Nova it takes me to the Xiaomi store
Lastly is there anyway to keep gestures when using a third party launcher right now it says gestures are not supported using third party launcher’s

You need to select Nova as the launcher from within Nova Settings, not the phone settings.

kuau said:
Thanks I will double check
Also how can I change the play store to the default when I try to select google integration in Nova it takes me to the Xiaomi store
Lastly is there anyway to keep gestures when using a third party launcher right now it says gestures are not supported using third party launcher’s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to download and install Google integration

I successfully installed the Google Integration app.
In regards to "System navigation" is there anyway for Nova to use Gestures at this point. Right now it will not let me switch to Gestures...
Finally if and when Xiaomi does release a "International" version of the 12S Ultra will it possible to install that ROM instead of the Chinese version?

Not sure about the gestures but yes, you can change ROM, if they do and they say that they not currently due to shortages.
The Xiaomi EU group will be adding Thor (12s Ultra ) to their released ROM collection. Pop over to their forum for more info when they release their version. You will need to unlock your bootloader (168 hour wait between starting and actually unlocking the bootloader) and flash the ROM using fastboot (and format) if there is no TWRP when they do.
Once flashed, it will behave as if the bootloader is locked, so everything works. They release a stable and a weekly (or beta) version of nearly all supportable Xiaomi phones. You will need to decide which version you want as you cannot change without a further format (due to partition differences between them).
It is based on the Chinese releases but fully useable by all. More info about what their ROMs contain can be found on their ROM release. Hope it helps, I'm not try to teach you to suck eggs but I don't know your level of knowledge.

@Sathelp thanks for all your help.
Hmm what I really need is Android Auto to work though I am not sure this will ever happen.
I know just enough to be dangerous I guess.
Would something like this work?
Replace MIUI with Stock Android — Detailed Guide - xiaomiui
Xiaomi users who see Google Pixel users have dreamed of replace MIUI with stock Android at least once. Because when compared to MIUI, Pixel devices have a
xiaomiui.net

The 11ultra has now a version of stock android. It is in its infancy but as 11ultra had a global release there was more chance that someone would develop one, where the 10 didn't and 12ultra doesn't look like a global release.
Users do have Xiaomi EU working with android auto and this because of the full implementation of the Google framework so there is hope yet for you. Just keep browsing the Xiaomi EU group forums as well as here.

kuau said:
So I just received met 12S Ultra yesterday here in the USA. I ordered from Giztop.com They pre-installed google services so no issues there.. I have a T-Mobile sim in the phone and seems to be working.
Questions....
First I installed the "Google" app and it worked yet now it has disappeared on my screen and I can't search for it either though its shows installed on the PlayStore.. Any ideas and is it possible to have the Google news feed show up when I do a swipe right like you can in most phones. I am coming from IOS so bare with me.
Are there any good launchers that can mimic a stock android experience without having to root the phone etc... I want something simple.
I did order the Xiaomi 12S Ultra case and think its great add protection to the camera module.
Lastly does this phone have a screen protector that is installed already by the factory
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Discover/Feed is not available in the MIUI 13 Chinese ROM.
Yuu will need to use a 3rd party launcher (e.g. I use and recommend Nova and Nova-Companion plug in)

kuau said:
Thanks for your help. I did what you said yet after I installed Nova Launcher I cannot set the Default Home Screen to Nova Launcher. Gives me error message
Something about third parties mistune verified by MIUI..
Sugestions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into Nova app settings and set the default launcher in there (that works I tested it)

See screenshot, I can select from miui menu too.

Question Trying to make my S22 Ultra look like a Pixel 7/7 Pro

Hey all,
Background: I used to do a lot of messing with my older android phones, flashing custom recoveries, custom roms, nightly builds, etc. but it has been YEARS since I messed around.
I want to try and get back into it a bit, specifically I want to get my S22 Ultra to "look" like a Pixel 7 OS. I know I used to be able to find roms like that for future versions of android or other phones, etc. back in the day but i'm not really seeing much of that type of development now.
So my question is: what is the BEST way to make my phone feel like a Pixel? Is it to use Magisk to edit features, etc.? Are there any sorts of...presets or anything in Magisk? I've never used it. Also, on the TWRP website, they don't have recoveries for the S22u, are there any manually compiled ones?
Sorry, it has been a LONG while since I did anything like this, you can direct me to other threads if things are answered, I would appreciate it!
Thanks!

ziggs4lyfe said:
Hey all,
Background: I used to do a lot of messing with my older android phones, flashing custom recoveries, custom roms, nightly builds, etc. but it has been YEARS since I messed around.
I want to try and get back into it a bit, specifically I want to get my S22 Ultra to "look" like a Pixel 7 OS. I know I used to be able to find roms like that for future versions of android or other phones, etc. back in the day but i'm not really seeing much of that type of development now.
So my question is: what is the BEST way to make my phone feel like a Pixel? Is it to use Magisk to edit features, etc.? Are there any sorts of...presets or anything in Magisk? I've never used it. Also, on the TWRP website, they don't have recoveries for the S22u, are there any manually compiled ones?
Sorry, it has been a LONG while since I did anything like this, you can direct me to other threads if things are answered, I would appreciate it!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean Icons and Such things try hex Editor. There is an aosp theme

Goku1992 said:
If you mean Icons and Such things try hex Editor. There is an aosp theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! thanks for the reply! no, not quite just the icons and such, more like. the settings menu, the pulldown bar, the power options, like everything to be like the phone IS a Pixel

Why would you want to take a $1200+ top of the line smartphone and make it imitate a mediocre Google product? You could have saved a lot of money and time and just bought a Pixel 7!

neilth said:
Why would you want to take a $1200+ top of the line smartphone and make it imitate a mediocre Google product? You could have saved a lot of money and time and just bought a Pixel 7!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the pixel 7 pro wasn't out when i got my s22u and just for the sake of trying it tbh, i like the Pixel OS

So you need to find a compatible launcher that imitates the AOSP environment. Good luck.

Lawnchair Launcher imitates the Pixel Launcher with a lot more options...
Been using it for yeeaarrssss (Since I had launch day Pixel)

je2854 said:
Lawnchair Launcher imitates the Pixel Launcher with a lot more options...
Been using it for yeeaarrssss (Since I had launch day Pixel)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm using lawnchair currently but it's not the full experience. it's still Samsung OS. i'm trying to replace the whoooole experience, but thank you!

#hex theme, lawnchair, kwgt widgets, icon packs and Google apps will be the closest you will get for now.

MRDOCA said:
#hex theme, lawnchair, kwgt widgets, icon packs and Google apps will be the closest you will get for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi can you elaborate on Hex Theme?

In playstore search for #hex then you can use the aosp theme.

MRDOCA said:
In playstore search for #hex then you can use the aosp theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?

ziggs4lyfe said:
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say when I installed beta 1 I had this same problem. For whatever reason it started working again the next update.

ziggs4lyfe said:
So i bought it for $1.99 and installed it, and when i launch it, it says there's a licensing error and to reinstall. i reinstall, same thing. is it because i'm on the OneUI 5 beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi hex installer works fine on oneUI 5.1
And using
Hex installer (play store)
Nova launcher (play store)
Good lock (galaxy store)
Pixelful icon pack (play store)
But you will need root or use ADB via pc/laptop
If this is the look you are after

dj_mol3y_x8 said:
Hi hex installer works fine on oneUI 5.1
And using
Hex installer (play store)
Nova launcher (play store)
Good lock (galaxy store)
Pixelful icon pack (play store)
But you will need root or use ADB via pc/laptop
If this is the look you are after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a friendly note/warning. If those are your actual IMEIs in your screenshots ypu may want to delete or edit that screen shot. Usually not a good idea to share your IMEI publicly.