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[Q] Replacement launcher

Does anyone know of a good replacement launcher I can try out? I'm currently using LauncherPro, and I like it, and would even pay for it if it was available for purchase on the market, but I'm not paying for something like this on PayPal. Not necessarily that I don't trust the dev, but if he has it available and finished, then why not put it up on the market?
Not being able to resize my widgets is definitely getting annoying (plus the fact that the launcher text message indicator doesn't clear if I manually go into Text Messaging and read the messages). I would possibly even stick with the built-in launcher, if I was able to set the number of home screens...7 is way too much. I have 5 set now, and I'm only using 4.
So, does anyone know of a good launcher, free or for a small price (like I said, I'm not against paying if it's a good product, and available on the market)?

Adw launcher.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Try ADW its my favorite.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I believe the reason LauncherPro Plus is not on the market is that the author cannot put it there due to him being in a country that doesn't allow paid apps or something.
I haven’t made it available through the Android market because unfortunately I don’t live in one of the few countries that Google allows to sell paid apps from. And there’s stil a huge amount of people (including myself) who live in countries where paid apps aren’t even available to purchase. (Way to go, Google!)
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Bottom of this post
http://www.launcherpro.com/?p=130

ADW looks good so far...and free, supported by paid themes, which I'll definitely be checking out if I keep it. However, I can't seem to resize widgets once they're added to a homescreen. Is there a way to do that?

sfreemanoh said:
ADW looks good so far...and free, supported by paid themes, which I'll definitely be checking out if I keep it. However, I can't seem to resize widgets once they're added to a homescreen. Is there a way to do that?
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To resize widgets, you either have to use the default Motorola launcher or Launcher Pro Plus.

phoenx06 said:
To resize widgets, you either have to use the default Motorola launcher or Launcher Pro Plus.
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I'm almost positive adw has this capability. I'm not using it right now thogh so I can't say for sure.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

sfreemanoh said:
ADW looks good so far...and free, supported by paid themes, which I'll definitely be checking out if I keep it. However, I can't seem to resize widgets once they're added to a homescreen. Is there a way to do that?
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phoenx06 said:
To resize widgets, you either have to use the default Motorola launcher or Launcher Pro Plus.
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drewden123 said:
I'm almost positive adw has this capability. I'm not using it right now thogh so I can't say for sure.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
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ADW does indeed support widget resizing. However, I think it's only available at the time you create the widget. To resize, you would have to delete the widget and re-create. (I guess that really isn't 're-sizing' but rather 'Sizing' )
If you are trying to use the resizable Blur widgets with ADW, they simply don't play nice. At least the contact widgets don't. I'm not a social guy (no facebook/twitter/foursquare etc here), so I've never used any of those widgets.

Pay for launcher pro plus. Its worth it.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I would definitely consider it if it was on the market...but I've never needed PayPal before, so I never created an account, and I don't see it happening to purchase something for $2.

you can just do a one time purchase, you dont gotta set up an account.
PayPal is just the transaction server you use so noone can see the others payment info.
worth it imo for $2 you can resize your widgets and you get 4 extra widgets,
personally like the look of the calendar and messaging widget

sfreemanoh said:
I would definitely consider it if it was on the market...but I've never needed PayPal before, so I never created an account, and I don't see it happening to purchase something for $2.
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Might as well hook one up. Soon Google will be accepting PayPal for market purchases. Quite frankly, lots of devs also use paypal for donations and all kinds of things. My advice is setup the free account. PayPal is secure and everything will be golden.

To Those That Hate The Sense Launcher

Download NovaLauncher. It's the best launcher app I have ever used. It builds upon the regular Ice Cream Sandwich launcher and is just about perfect to me.

If you dont like it can you just un-install it and everything will go back to the way it was before?

equlizer said:
If you dont like it can you just un-install it and everything will go back to the way it was before?
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The launcher cannot be uninstalled. You're just using a 3rd party one. The 3rd part one can be uninstalled and it will revert back to the Sense launcher

I have found apex to be much better on my gs2. I am content with Rosie for now.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

I'm using Apex

This is the first time Ive used Sense... well I used the first generation of it back when it was TouchFlo3D. I actually like it. Much better than TouchWiz.

The only downside is no sense widgets.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

i tried all 3
i think i like Go launcher the best

I find Go Launcher to be so ugly. I prefer Apex a lot more and I'll be putting it on my One X as soon as it arrives.

I prefer Nova over all because it's a ICS themed launcher. That's the deal breaker to me.

x3phyr said:
I prefer Nova over all because it's a ICS themed launcher. That's the deal breaker to me.
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what do you think apex is?
and it doesnt require you to buy an upgrade to get full use out of it....

hasneverusedapex.jpg
lol, I will check it out though for sure. I apologize for my ignorance.
EDIT: Nova and Apex both have you pay to get basically the same features, at the same price. lol.

Pirateghost said:
what do you think apex is?
and it doesnt require you to buy an upgrade to get full use out of it....
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This! APEX is better overall than Nova... AND ITS COMPLETELY FREE.

*Nova Launcher Prime Features (Paid version)*
Drawer Groups:
Folders in App Drawer
Unlimited custom tabs
Gestures
Quickly start Nova Actions or Apps from gestures on the desktop, such as pinching, swiping or two-finger swiping.
Hide Apps
Keep a clutter free drawer by hidding never used apps.
Dock Swipes
Get more use out of your dock apps by setting swipe-actions
Apex Launcher Pro (Paid Version) Features:
- Multiple configurable drawer tabs
- Unread count notifications
- Dock swipe gestures
- Two finger gestures
- More transition effects
- Batch add option for folders
- Option to merge folder contents
- Widgets in dock (1x1 only)
- Overlapping widgets
- More features on the way!
They share some features only available in the pro version, but I think I am indeed going to try Apex as it seems the general consensus is that it's better xD

x3phyr said:
hasneverusedapex.jpg
lol, I will check it out though for sure. I apologize for my ignorance.
EDIT: Nova and Apex both have you pay to get basically the same features, at the same price. lol.
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except, its an OUT OF THE WAY upgrade. if i try to add something to my homescreen or make changes, it doesnt tell me 'sorry, you have to pay money to get that feature'
the 'pro' features arent teased in the launcher like nova
thats why i prefer apex over nova. its not in my face to buy it.....(not that i dont support devs, but i have no use for those features)

That's a very reasonable opinion. lol. I'm getting Apex all set up right now just to see. I understand what yo mean with the in yo face kinda deal.

I've used both Apex and Nova on previous ICS phones. I'll be sticking with the Sense launcher until we have an AOSP based build

x3phyr said:
That's a very reasonable opinion. lol. I'm getting Apex all set up right now just to see. I understand what yo mean with the in yo face kinda deal.
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LOL.
to be completely honest, i didnt even know APEX had a pro version until you said something....i definitely like that fact. LMAO

I basically just love this phone to death completely. No matter what launcher. but I will love it more when i have AOSP, AOKP, or MIUI on it.

Latest Launchers

It is possible that I have tried every launcher out there from ADW to Zeam .. I always end up back with the simplest one there is I think the Launcher 7 .. BUT IT IS SOOOOO VERRRRY UGGGLLY !!! When I want the EXACT OPPOSITE I tried SPB Shell 3D .. I have spent too much money buying and not using too many of them. Go Launcher is free and I like it --- SORT OF .. Most recently I got Regina and I thought it was going to be "the one" but you can't change or add any programs to the bottom task bar. Just curious what others are using and why before I spend any more money .. to tell the truth I don't know if there are any others that I haven't tried.

Have you tried SPB Shell 3D or TSF the later being super super smooth!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Somehow I missed an earlier post about the "top 3 launchers." I looked at about 45 seconds of the TSF launcher and promised myself not to jump in there and buy it but couldn't stop myself .. I just installed it and can't wait to start playing .. Good thing it is a VERY SLOW day here at work else I would have to just excuse myself and go home and play with my new launcher. I was wondering if a time would finally come where I stopped being a gadget-a-holic .. the answer is NO. I am old enough to collect Social Security but lucky that I don't have to yet because Social Security $$ are not enough to pay for my addiction to gadgets.

According to me these are the top 5 launchers based on smoothness, utility and simplicity:
1) S 3 Launcher (simple and fast)http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1684026
2) Apex Launcher (simple and fast)(download from playstore)
3) SSlauncher( u might like this one as u like 7 launcher)(download from playstore)
4) Dx Home Launcher ( again a nice one)(download from playstore)
5) Xperia Launcher( nice ui with small icons for galaxy note) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25942989
and one more thing don't waste your money buying stuff for android..its Android baby!! Enjoy

Apex Launcher is smooth but has weird issues on redraw (black screen) sometimes on the Note. Nova Launcher works smoother and doesn't have that problem.
There's also the oldie but goldie... LauncherPro. Yes it hasn't been updated for a long time but a) it works and b) it's fast, even without gpu acceleration. Pity it's missing a few "modern" features like nice-looking folders and newer transitions...

Apex works for me.
I can hide the docks to make the screen simple - - minimalist at most.

SS Launcher definitely, its fresh air compared to other launchers... drawback is one's learning curve and creativity limitations lol

Nova Launcher
Installed Nova launcher on Rooted stock ICS ROM, it works perfect with all of the features in free version on rooted device with widgets and all. it also consume less memory & battery.

I am a fan of Apex but the Black redraw and freezing became a big headache. I just installed Nova and i only get a small redraw here or there. No more waiting 10 seconds for the black screen to disappear and have the homescreen visible again.
Will wait for Apex to fix it, till then sticking with Nova Prime.

Try "360 Laucher" really great and ergonomic with options who he is alone to have that

Nova, Apex, ga launcher all are good but if you need a breath of fresh air try SS Launcher preferably with oriental theme i am sure you will love it......

Found one that is simple with a lot of bells and whistles also. I like it, I think ... It is called "Hi Launcher."

TSF Shell all the way, it really is the dogs bollocks, nothing is as smooth on my Note.

I like it too ... in the youtube video. I haven't figured out how to do anything with it.

MiHome launcher of MIUI is just out, give it a try! its nice and everything seems working fine esp. the theme manager, but dont forget its only for ics though.

upvote for sslauncher too. lovely what you can do with it, i themed it to be magazine-styled
......then i upgraded to ics, and i forgot to back up my sslauncher settings

Nova ! The best for me and my gf ^^
(+ prime)

Watch out for the "coming soon" tsf v1.5.0!!! Can't wait any longer, c'mon guys!!!!

When I bought my Note, I installed Go Launcher EX like 6 hours after, and used it until recently when I updated to ICS. Now I use Nova Launcher PRIME. (it's the Pro version) It's totally smooth for me, on stock ROM and RocketROM (those are the only two I've tried), the battery doesn't seem to be suffering anything.
Besides the nice homescreen, what I like best about it is actually the app drawer customization. Folders and tabs, and none of that quasi-advertisement extras on Go Launcher (I'm referring to the links to the Go Store on the menus and on the app drawer itself) But that folder and tab thing (+ some effects and blah blah blah) are only on the Prime version.
Depending on the level of customization you like to work with, you can pick between the free or prime versions. But for me, I super-super-customize it so Prime is a good deal for me.

dhruvmalik said:
I am a fan of Apex but the Black redraw and freezing became a big headache. I just installed Nova and i only get a small redraw here or there. No more waiting 10 seconds for the black screen to disappear and have the homescreen visible again.
Will wait for Apex to fix it, till then sticking with Nova Prime.
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I have been using Apex in all ICS roms and never had those issues until I flashed a LQ3 based ROM. Now I get that often. I might be going to Nova to see if it works best but I miss all the transitions..so I guess I better get the Pro version.

What launcher do YOU use?

Hey everyone, I just wanted to create a thread regarding launchers you all use. Sense is great, but I have to admit that I'm getting a bit bored of it, judging by how I've been using it for months now. I know that Nova Launcher is arguably the most popular one out there, but which launcher do YOU guys prefer and use?

MARIO SHARK said:
Hey everyone, I just wanted to create a thread regarding launchers you all use. Sense is great, but I have to admit that I'm getting a bit bored of it, judging by how I've been using it for months now. I know that Nova Launcher is arguably the most popular one out there, but which launcher do YOU guys prefer and use?
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Click to collapse
i use nova but basically just to adjust my home screen grid size. The added features are nice and i do use them, but if i could adjust my home screen grid size with sense i pry would stick to that.

camf3xu said:
i use nova but basically just to adjust my home screen grid size. The added features are nice and i do use them, but if i could adjust my home screen grid size with sense i pry would stick to that.
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gotcha. have you noticed an increase in speed/stability after switching to nova?

MARIO SHARK said:
gotcha. have you noticed an increase in speed/stability after switching to nova?
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Click to collapse
It's fast and stable but so was sense to me
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app

MARIO SHARK said:
Hey everyone, I just wanted to create a thread regarding launchers you all use. Sense is great, but I have to admit that I'm getting a bit bored of it, judging by how I've been using it for months now. I know that Nova Launcher is arguably the most popular one out there, but which launcher do YOU guys prefer and use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Prime. I try others, and always wind up back on Nova. It just works well.

Have you tried out everythingme launcher, smart launcher 2, or themer? I like the idea of the smart folders, but unsure if they match the quality/features of Nova.

Nova is near perfect. Nothing else I've tried even comes close. My only gripes would be lack of a search function and folder management could be improved.

Nova is pretty much the best. Kevin (TeslaCoil—he's given his real name here) clearly knows his stuff. While I also like Android Does (dev team or pseudonym responsible for Apex), I tested the free versions of both two phones ago, and bought Nova Prime as a direct result.
Android Police did a poll asking if anyone had switched to Google Now Launcher since the Nexus/GPE exclusivity was removed, and one of their commenters told a nice story about how Google Now Launcher made his phone faster. Since I already run Xposed, I grabbed XGELS along with it. And I just might switch.
GNL feels a little more responsive than Nova did, though it's hard to tell. I don't give a damn about animations, so I turned them off in XGELS, and damn GNL moves when I tell it to.
One thing that bothers me a little is that XGELS costs 50¢ more than Nova Prime, and the money doesn't even go to the developer of the launcher. I know, the XGELS developer deserves all the respect he's getting for what he's done, and I know, Google gets a cut of all sales anyway, it still just feels wrong though. Also, getting unread counts requires purchase of a third-party app, which costs a buck and a half. So all told, it's six bucks, versus the four I paid for Nova. And being that I've already paid for Nova, and Nova does everything I want, it's a tough pill to swallow.
Unlike many people, though, I don't consider the cost to value ratio. Like Tim Cook, I don't give a damn about the ROI. Sorry for plugging the enemy, but that statement was awesome. No... I believe in Android as a platform, and when I buy an app, I try to support developers who genuinely care about Android and who are good developers that I want to stick around. And the XGELS developer is a wizard. Four and a half bones is a fair deal. And even the free version of XGELS exposes some interesting settings.
One that stands out to me is the gestures. Nova has them as well, but only a few interest me. Namely, swipe up, swipe down, and double tap. The others are all set to disable. Up is app drawer, down is quick settings, and double tap is voice search. XGELS dispenses with the stupid ones (who's going to remember what two fingers twisted clockwise does vs ccw?) and gives you three zones for up and down. In the free version, you can only set swipe down on the left and on the right. So for me, on the left is Android settings, on the right is Quick settings. Up (only up in the middle is enabled in free) is still app drawer.
GNL+XGELS has a long way to go to reach true feature parity with Nova Prime, but it's getting there, and it's got a few unique ideas of its own that I'm sure Kevin will address down the road, but it's nice to hold the future in your hand now. And it doesn't hurt to support more than one developer pushing the same product. They aren't really competing, per se. They're just trying to make your phone as nice as they can, and we should reward that where and when we can.

I have used a ton of launchers. Currently I am using GoLauncher EX. I quite like it. Second choice is Nova of course and last choice for me is Aviate.

Compare Nova and Apex
I've been using Apex for a while and I'm pretty happy with it. Can anybody suggest any advantages to Nova?

I like the simplicity of KK Launcher. I keep coming back to it. It's sort of like GNL with more options, like grid size.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kk.launcher

Using MIUI. So far used Google Now launcher, Windows, iLauncher, Nova, Aviate. Only windows launcher is not exactly the same as real windows. So far others are good.
Sent from my Moto XT1033

Anyone here on nova prime? Is it worth the purchase?

MARIO SHARK said:
Anyone here on nova prime? Is it worth the purchase?
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Yes. It's arguably the most popular launcher there is, and Prime makes it even better.

just lou said:
Yes. It's arguably the most popular launcher there is, and Prime makes it even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm currently on nova, and it's been great so far, but what additional features does nova prime offer? I know it describes them in the google play store, but I'm interested in reading how you guys take advantage of Nova prime.

MARIO SHARK said:
Yeah I'm currently on nova, and it's been great so far, but what additional features does nova prime offer? I know it describes them in the google play store, but I'm interested in reading how you guys take advantage of Nova prime.
Click to expand...
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The most important: tabs/folders in the app drawer; ability to hide apps. I find the launcher completely unusable without them. I feel almost as if the author excluded it from the free version so people would see how awesome Nova is, but be unable to use it unless they paid.
Others:
• Gestures, mostly for convenience — I swipe down for notifications and up for recent apps, double-tap for the app drawer, two finger swipe up for search (to type in an app name), two finger swipe down for quick settings (not often used as I have my own notification toggles widget).
• Unread Counts — work well. Not necessary, but nice to have.
• Icon Swipes — can cut the number of icons you need on your homescreen in half (e.g. swipe up on camera = gallery), or assign useful functions (swipe up on phone = call home).

MARIO SHARK said:
Anyone here on nova prime? Is it worth the purchase?
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Click to collapse
Prime definitely worth the purchase!

I actually really like using the sense 6 launcher. i keep my screens super minimal so i don't need to resize widgets or anything for the most part. i usually use nova prime but only when i'm running a aosp rom like CM or slimkat but so for been running viper for the last few months and loving the sense launcher

Nova. Sense drawer is terrible. Other options are also nice.

if we could use the sense clock widget on nova, i would use nova launcher for every smartphone i ever purchase.

launchers

What launchers works for.you guys, i have nova and launcher 3 , i tried computer launcher but you cant re size it and thatt makes it useless to me, are there any side launchers around, i used to like those alot

Action launcher here is better than Launcher3.

After some crash issues with Launcher3...even though i used it for many years. I switched to the paid version of Nova launcher to allow for more customization and backups of the desktop.
Rick
BlackIce

I've been using Pixel 2 Launcher, MS Launcher and Lawnchair. The reason I flip between them is because I like them all.

I also went with Nova Prime and I'm pretty damn happy with it. I found it very customizable and easy to navigate through.

Lawnchair. I was a Nova user, but Lawnchair is now my favorite.

The pixel 2 launcher is my daily. The dark theme is the best to me. Makes everything look crisp. Especially the dark Google side page.

benlee337 said:
The pixel 2 launcher is my daily. The dark theme is the best to me. Makes everything look crisp. Especially the dark Google side page.
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I like the look of that launcher. Can you tell me where you got it?

I like lawnchair but it doesn't support full screen on the Essential. I'm now using Microsoft launcher.

Murbert said:
I like lawnchair but it doesn't support full screen on the Essential. I'm now using Microsoft launcher.
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Have you tried it recently? I was using it until last night, and it was full screen. I found the no root Pixel 2 launcher, so I'm trying that for now. I'm not sure how I feel about the new Google Now.

I am kinda digging the Pixel 2 launcher... Although to be honest it isn't much different than the stock launcher...

Another happy Nova user here, has been using it on various Android phones and seems to be the best so far...

Nova Prime on my PH-1

I'd like to see some screenshots from these various launchers running on a PH-1.
I know they're all very customizable, so maybe screenshots won't be so useful. Still, I'd like to get an idea of what they look like.
(I've bought a PH-1, but I want actually get my hands on it till Christmas, which is why I can't try these out myself -- yet.)

ive had the paid NOVA for years as its a go to , its very customizable, used use zeam when it was around , launcher 3 is ok , i may have to try lawn chair

I use the Pixel 2 launcher, I like the Microsoft launcher, but very frequently when I leave an app or hit the home button the launcher screen has no icons, no widgets, nothing, like it hung... I'd use it exclusively if I didn't have this problem. I'm wondering if it's cause of the Oreo beta... so I'm looking forward to beta 2 to see if that clears up.

varxx said:
I know they're all very customizable, so maybe screenshots won't be so useful. Still, I'd like to get an idea of what they look like.
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Screenshots won't help. It's things like gesture support, swipe for Google now page, custom icon packs that make a difference. And in the case of essential, support for the whole screen.
MS launcher has everything but Google now

Murbert said:
Screenshots won't help. It's things like gesture support, swipe for Google now page, custom icon packs that make a difference. And in the case of essential, support for the whole screen.
MS launcher has everything but Google now
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Click to collapse
O.K., thanks. I see what you mean, i.e., the differences are much more than cosmetic.

benlee337 said:
The pixel 2 launcher is my daily. The dark theme is the best to me. Makes everything look crisp. Especially the dark Google side page.
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Does the weather work on this and also does the swipe left for Google cards etc work ,if so I would swap to this ,any download links please
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs