Is there any way to get those Overdrive/Optimal/Powersave options available as widget?
Found this over on ArchosFans;
http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=43889
tnx for the tip, but I don't have that on my A70
I don't know if it's launcherpro specific, I don't use it, but I don't have "activities" under shortcuts.
OminousE said:
tnx for the tip, but I don't have that on my A70
I don't know if it's launcherpro specific, I don't use it, but I don't have "activities" under shortcuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I do believe it is Launcher Pro specific.
I use Launcher Pro and paid for the upgrade to Launcher Pro PLUS and found it totally worth it. The added features and overall performance boost over the standard Launcher makes it worth while. The free version is also an improvement.
If your not using another Launcher, I'd highly recommend trying one.
Launcher Pro, AWD Launcher are the two I've tried as well as Zeam. They all have free versions which are very good.
If you don't like them they can be easily removed too.
Vince
Tnx for your replays.
I know about benefits of using LauncherPro, I'm just waiting on some newer version that will scroll into view correctly when there are soft buttons on screen. My A70 performs as expected from device of that price tag. I don't use root, even when it was available.
What I wanted from this tread is to ask if there is a widget that will switch these power profiles on Archos.
It would be nice if some of Android developers would make one
Movedto general as not android development
Power Management Widget
I'm by no means an Android developer. However, I have made the framework for a widget that controls hardware settings. Currently I can toggle silent mode and not silent mode. I've been looking around and the source code for Archos talks about a definition called "DYNAMIC_POWER" which I think governs the settings of "power save, optimal, and overdrive" but I don't know enough about application development to really figure it out.
Seems we are thinking alike though. It would be nice to have a widget that allows us to select or cycle through the different power management states instead of having to go into settings, about device, power management, select setting...that's a pain in the arse.
Related
Hi all,
n00b questions here. Basically, I'm trying to figure out what exactly Rosie and Launcher Pro are.
I downloaded Launcher Pro (the free version) from the Market last night and see that it basically changes the layout of the home screen and icons and such. Seems fairly customizable, and you can also change transition effects between home screens. It also changes the buttons on the bottoms on the bottom of the home screen, sort of like a "quick launch" as seen in Windows. Is there anything else I'm missing?
I'm mainly confused about what Rosie is. I've installed some Roms that include Rosie, but I have no idea what it does or how to use it. The only thing I've seen is that there was a Rosie button on the bottom right of my home screen, which would open up one app that I assign that button to. And when I go into the Rosie settings from my app drawer, the only thing I can change is what program that one button opens. I think I'm missing something here, but Rosie seems pointless.
Also, is it worth it buying the paid version of Launcher Pro? Or do some custom ROMs include a mod of launcher pro that you don't need to pay for?
Thanks!
Rosie is what the sense launcher you got when you got your phone.
Launcherpro is basically just another home, which will replace rosie if you decide to make it your default home. No Roms will include the paid version of launcherpro and I highly recommend you to buy it to support the dev.
bomber889 said:
Rosie is what the sense launcher you got when you got your phone.
Launcherpro is basically just another home, which will replace rosie if you decide to make it your default home. No Roms will include the paid version of launcherpro and I highly recommend you to buy it to support the dev.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
Is Launcher Pro generally considered better than Rosie and what most seasoned Android users would use?
stojakapimp said:
Thanks for the info.
Is Launcher Pro generally considered better than Rosie and what most seasoned Android users would use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all about preference. Launcher Pro is very easily customized while Rosie is pretty much the same on every device (albeit there are differences with each Sense version). Launcher Pro is a lot leaner because it doesn't come with all that Sense baggage and I prefer it to other home replacements when using AOSP roms.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
stojakapimp said:
Thanks for the info.
Is Launcher Pro generally considered better than Rosie and what most seasoned Android users would use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all really what you like and don't. LP is very nice and cinfigurable, bit its all in personal preference.
There are also a few other launchers out there worth checking out.
SPB Shell 3D
ADW EX
Regina
Zeam
GO Launcher
QuickDesk
Just need to pick the best one for you & your needs.
I use Go launcher. Has the quick launch bar on the bottom nice features and its free. Be aware you cant use sense widgets with an aftermarket launcher
I also use Go Launcher EX, was using Zeam but needed something more customizable.
But as stated before.... It's your preference
is there a way to modify Rosie to allow changes to the 3 icons on the bottom of the launcher? switch out the personalize icon for handcent?
is there a way to remove pages from the rosie launcher?
I love the profiles feature that senseui brings but I hate the fact that you only get two dock buttons. Are there any launchers that are as robust as sense or GO Launcher that also offer profiles?
LauncherPro paid version is definitively worth it.
I use Go launcher,but adw too good
I've been playing with my friends android's and i've noticed that the atrix lags:
1) Pinch zoom on the home screen to select to which HS page i wanna go. Instead, we have to press the home button while on the center of the home screen to be able to select the HS page. (not sure if i made myself clear enough)
2) We are stuck in 7 pages! personally, I don't use all 7 pages and I don't like those extra empty pages taking up my ram (even if it's not taking up a considerable amount of ram, it still bugs me when others can just have 3 HS if they wanted to)
3) On the notification drop down list, others have the Power Control buttons to turn on/off wifi and that kinda functions. I know there are apps that add a shortcut bar on the notification screen, but it's not Power Control.
so my question is, Anyone know a way to overcome these issues listed? i can try flashing if necesary.
Kenchinito said:
1) Pinch zoom on the home screen to select to which HS page i wanna go. Instead, we have to press the home button while on the center of the home screen to be able to select the HS page. (not sure if i made myself clear enough)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that Launcher Pro has this functionality, not sure about other launcher apps.
Kenchinito said:
2) We are stuck in 7 pages! personally, I don't use all 7 pages and I don't like those extra empty pages taking up my ram (even if it's not taking up a considerable amount of ram, it still bugs me when others can just have 3 HS if they wanted to)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few launcher apps that you may want to look at. The 2 popular ones are "Launcher Pro" and "Go". I think both of them can be configured for the number of pages you want.
Kenchinito said:
3) On the notification drop down list, others have the Power Control buttons to turn on/off wifi and that kinda functions. I know there are apps that add a shortcut bar on the notification screen, but it's not Power Control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motorola included a few widgets that can toggle some of this functionality, but in the stock Atrix builds this is not available from the notification bar.
All that said and if you are a brave soul, you may want to check out some of the custom ROMs available for the Atrix over in the developer forum. The ROMs are generally much alike and free the Atrix from both Motorola and your carrier. The ROMs differ in there themes and minor features.
Hope this helps you and your friend get the most out of the Atrix.
I would check out ADWLauncher, most of these things can be customized.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
i find launcher pro works the best for me. should definitely try that out.
Yeah, I've been thinking about Launchers, but I've tried launcher pro and I feel like it's taking even more ram. Because it's a launcher that is running on top of our stock HS, am I wrong?
I currently have Alien ROM on my device with the stock theme, because I cannot live without the one touch call/sms contact widget and also the ability to group apps on the app drawer. Tried the Alien theme and liked it, except for the mentioned "flaws"
Kill the blur launcher and use home switcher to set one by default. No more launcher running on top of another.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Oh! that's a nice one. thanks!
BTW, i just found by accident that if you swype upwards from below the screen, you get the HS selection. (just like the pinch zoom)
Kenchinito said:
BTW, i just found by accident that if you swype upwards from below the screen, you get the HS selection. (just like the pinch zoom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine with Launcher Pro I use two fingers to pinch, then keep one finger on the screen sliding it to which HS page I want to pick. I just figured this out based on what you were asking about. It is always fun to find some new feature like this that I didn't know existed before. With the stock home launcher from MotoBlur there is a capability to do it, but I long since forgot what that procedure was when I changed to Launcher Pro. LP has all the customizations you are asking for.
Kenchinito said:
BTW, i just found by accident that if you swype upwards from below the screen, you get the HS selection. (just like the pinch zoom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been looking for that exact feature...
Thanks so much!
/BD
So here is the idea, a X-Cross Media Bar (XMB) style interface launcher that can be used on android devices, phones or tablets, but I plan on using it on my N7 since I use a Bluetooth keyboard I use for remote desktop and chrome and a pc xbox controller for games from time to time I have been trying to figure out how to make a decent android home screen that interacts like the XMB controls wise but have come up short.
I have found quite a few threads and other pages for stuff like this that has moved nowhere in the past and was hoping you guys might be able to get something in some sort of solution to my desire for a clean interactive interface. The closest thing i have, thanks to one of my friends who first came up with the idea but I have obsessively been trying to find a way to perfect, is using Nova launcher with folders set to tap to open a set app and swipe up to open the folder and a custom icon based off a PS3 theme pack I took the images from all arranged in an XMB style (picture linked) with the Wave Life Wallpaper to give it that PSP/PS3 look.
Basically all I want is an interface that interacts like the XMB, can be controlled either with directional buttons or by swiping across the screen (or tapping the icon of what you want if possible). But the big kicker here is that it has to support each column set acting as a customizable folder, like in Nova, and a standard app drawer where you can see all your apps. I don't even care if this requires xposed, a different launcher, and widgets, I want it and have done everything short of trying to code it myself. (probably not a good idea, I'm a network guy, not a good programmer)
All the pages I have come across in search of the pot of gold:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1104989
http://home.gna.org/gp2xmb/
https://code.google.com/p/xpmb/
http://boards.dingoonity.org/jxd-devices/xmb-launcher-for-android-5891/
The second to last one was a launcher somebody made, and believe it or not runs on 5.0.2, but has some issues and does not really let you change anything. The last Link is an actually functional one but does not allow for much customization.
What I am thinking of is more of a launcher that allows you to create columns for certain things and select which apps fill them like a folder does, allows you to have whatever wallpaper (static, scrolling, live) and has customization options. If somebody out there can program this and get it working I would pay for it. It just seems like such a usable interface for when using a controller, keyboard, or even on a touchscreen as a way different way to have everything organised. Although a standard app drawer would still be nice to avoid having every app in a column and just the ones you frequently use (I basically want an XMB in place of multiple desktops on the home screen)
Just let me know if anybody can help me figure this out.
Hi guys!
As the thread title says, what do you use as your Launcher on YB Android?
Stock one works, but I am curious to see if anyone here used a different launcher. I am tempted to try out Leena or Sentio to replicate that netbook/PC look.
Installed the Arrow launcher a couple of days ago and am in the process of getting used to it. So far so good especially for the just released tablet version. A decent review (of the phone version) that was done before the last update can be found here:
http://www.androidcentral.com/microsofts-arrow-launcher-astonishingly-good
Cool! Will have a look!
Tried Squarehome 2 for that Surface look..and I think I'll stick with it for a while as its the closest to a usable notebook environment..
Sentio is good, just doesn't load automatically while Leena needs a lot of improvement (like desktop icon sizes can't be resized independently of the font)..
I use Apex Launcher on all my android stuff.
It's hard to find launcher that properly support landscape tablet layouts.
The best I've found were ADW launcher 2 and Arrow launcher (it has a new tablet option).
In the end I went back to the stock Lenovo launcher.
Apex does work good on tablet landscape mode, plus we can change icons and layout plus gestures as well..
boofman said:
Apex does work good on tablet landscape mode, plus we can change icons and layout plus gestures as well..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What permissions does this Apex has? Has any one thought about what kind of data these launchers steal?
I use Nova Launcher across all my Android devices (phones & tablets). Zero problems.
Does any launcher has the 'back, home, apps' icons grouped towards the left corner of the task bar, like the stock launcher? Its convenient.
2 Similar to the stock launcher, do they show the running apps icon in the task bar?
I try leena desktop UI from play store ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.m_lang.leena) it's fine but not perfect.
I tried Microsoft Launcher, and it seems to work for me. The new tablet implementation got better, and also looks nice without having to spend a lot of time customizing it.
I use LaunchTime an open launcher from fdroid open android apps. works well for 6" and larger screens
https://f-droid.org/packages/com.quaap.launchtime/
Squarehome 2
YB with other android launchers.
boofman said:
Hi guys!
As the thread title says, what do you use as your Launcher on YB Android?
Stock one works, but I am curious to see if anyone here used a different launcher. I am tempted to try out Leena or Sentio to replicate that netbook/PC look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have multiple launchers installed on my YB, including Sentio Launcher. I am using Go Launcher HD as my primary, but Microsoft Launcher and Square Home.Tablet also work fine.
I am using Nova Launcher as I do on the majority of my devices. It is clean and gives mena nice dock for the media consumption apps I use most frequently.
Shawnki91 said:
I am using Nova Launcher as I do on the majority of my devices. It is clean and gives mena nice dock for the media consumption apps I use most frequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice looking setup you got there!
I also use Nova for most of my devices (if not for the Yoga book, it should have been All devices)..Nova can achieve any look you'd want to have easily, too!
Shawnki91 said:
I am using Nova Launcher as I do on the majority of my devices. It is clean and gives mena nice dock for the media consumption apps I use most frequently.View attachment 4544786
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question - how did you get rid of the Lenovo app drawer icon in the bottom left next to the recent app icon? I've been dying to try and figure that out.
markculton said:
Question - how did you get rid of the Lenovo app drawer icon in the bottom left next to the recent app icon? I've been dying to try and figure that out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mark, had to think about this one for a minute and then realized the answer was in the screen shot itself.
Short answer: Can't be doe
Rationale: In the top right hand corner of the display, you can see the icon indicating that the screen shot was taken while having the tablet in "laptop mode". While in laptop mode, the app launcher icon disappears because you have the dedicated key on the keyboard to get to the app launcher. It would be a redundancy to have both. I tried it out and as soon as the tablet is in either tent mode or display/tablet mode, the app launcher shortcut re-appears.
Its also a custom version of Android MM, and most of the system UI tweaks don;t work.
I actually did find a way - I installed this app - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.paphonb.systemuituner
It did the trick! I am very happy that it did.
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
I take you're on a Samsung device?
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks. It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do. One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them One UI won.
blackhawk said:
I take you're on a Samsung device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But I've been using Nova free launchers since the dawn of time on Motorola, LG, and other phones - simply because Nova did what nobody else could do - which was allow me to place any icon on any grid or no grid at all.
But now that Nova went over to the dark side - it's time for a new "best launcher" that works for more than just one brand of phones.
blackhawk said:
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With batteries being five amps and more nowadays, I don't have any problem going days without a charge, but it's interesting you say that you found that one launcher uses more battery than another.
I've never tested how much battery power two different launchers use. But I've done a lot of battery power testing over the years.
The fact is that you can only use one launcher at a time - so it would be hard to test two of them side by side given only one can work at any given time frame on any one phone.
Sure you can test two launchers with two exact same phones side by side, but did you really run a test that detailed to conclude what you did?
Given that practical problem set, how could I tell if one launcher used more battery than another?
blackhawk said:
It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides putting icons on any grid (or no grid at all), what I next like best about Nova is I set up EVERY phone in the house, for years, with the same well-managed set of apps and icons.
Motorola
LG
Nexus
Samsung
They ALL have the same homescreen.
For years and years and years.
Note that what you do on a computer never changes so the organization of the homescreen never changes.
Does the Samsung OneUI launcher save a backup file to be used on any brand of phone?
Nova launcher easily saves a backup file which is imported into the new phone. It's TRIVIAL to re-install all the apps in the EXACT same place from the old phone to the new phone, even when you move from an LG phone to a Samsung phone.
There's no way any Samsung launcher could possibly do that, right?
blackhawk said:
One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only experience with One UI is that I originally saw it when I got a handful of Samsung Galaxy A32-5G phones from T-Mobile for free.
I didn't like it at all but maybe it does the two most important things that Nova free does?
1. Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
2. Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
There's a third thing I love about Nova free launcher but I don't know if it's part of the launcher or part of Android 12, which is:
3. Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen
Is THAT last feature of being able to resize a widget and then place it INSIDE a folder on the homescreen part of Android 12 or Nova launcher? (If it's part of Nova, then can One UI do that too?)
blackhawk said:
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them. One UI won.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nothing against One UI because my only experience with it was that it was the first launcher I saw when I received my free Samsung phones from T-Mobile and the last Samsung I had was about ten years or so ago (the S3) but what I asked on the Samsung groups what apps from Samsung were worth getting just about a month ago.
Is there any app in the Samsung Galaxy Store worth the login requirements?Note the screenshots show you can resize widgets and then place those resized widgets INSIDE folders on the homescreen.
That homepage is way too busy and not AMOLED friendly at all.
In 24 hours this is what One UI used...
One UI supports folders which are a lot better than burning up pixels. Over time this will happen. I rotate my icons, folders and widgets to spread out the wear. The icon packs are red for a reason, red pixels have the longest lifespan, blue the shortest. No wear if a pixel isn't light and it's easier on your eyes.
I'm not too concerned with backup. I want a clean load if I have to factory reset to avoid doing another one. The current load on this phone is over 2yo and running strong. I keep a screenshot to help with setup. SmartSwitch will preserve some homepage settings but it can also cause issues.
Apex Launcher Classic, get the PRO and Apex Notifier.
You can use ancient Launcher and Icon packs, I've kept many old Apex Themes from 2013 and on, and they all still work with the latest Apex Classic.
Offers the same features as Nova.
Its clean.
I understand you are looking for a FREE launcher, but with the launcher being so integral to your device experience, maybe thats the one app you should be prepared to pay for.
I have been using what I think is the most powerful and customizable launcher. Not only does it do the few things you mentioned:
Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen (yes thats launcher specific)
So it does ALL what you listed (i know its a quick list), but also (among many MANY other things..)
Folders inside folders, inside folders.... and widgets n deep in the folder structure
Any widget can be Resized, Scaled (Different to resize which I think is more on the widget to resize itself), Rotated, transparency, Skewed (think parallelogram), positioned to a decimal pixel position
All visible (or even hidden transparent hot-spots) have complete control of the event (eg start ab app, start a script etc) or I *thinik* even multiple actions (I dont use that feature)
All items covered by 3 above also have short AND long press events (Tap, Long Tap, Swipe Left, Swipe Right, Swipe up, Swipe down) I personally have transparent hot-spots (on top of other widgets that respond to their default tap), that I swipe uy[p on to turn on AUID and down to turn off AOD. I also have a long press on my navigation, which turns on GPS, Bluetooth (to connect and call handsfree), starts my music player, starts playing the music and finally starts the Navigation app ready to navigate.
Lots of visual effects such as shadow of the text
Control of the Font, Size, position/offset
"Reflections" on the icons, as if they are hovering above a crystal clear pool/puddle of water
You can have/add code to make your own things. There is an example out there how to add a analogue clock simply with code. Well beyond any of my needs.
and on and on and on...
My personal experience is, if you can imagine it, then there is a way to do it. I have been using it since gingerbread, and as I upgrade device and/or ROMs, I use the backup / restore to get the launcher config started. NB: The private widget data/config doesn't come across in the launcher backup, but a "fallback" image/placeholder is show, reminding you of how you previously had it set up. So although there is a steep learning curve, and with ALL the different options/function can take some time to set up how you want, a lot will transfer onto your next device or ROM. But since its a paid app, you can only run it on one device at a time.
Now, the thing to REALLY take note of, the default set-up on first install is utter TOTAL rubbish ,and so are the preview/demo images on the PlayStore. It really is a case of "if you can imagine it, you can do it"
Oh, and the launcher is called "Lightening Launcher Extreme"
The following are some screen shots I qui8ckly snapped, but the actual config is of course very personal. And because its so customizable, I can do things others will hate I just quickly flashed through the screens I personally use the most in set-up, but didn't scroll through anything or ensured I got everything that is beyond the screen and there are many more options/features I dont use; or even know about.
Part of the problems Nova is having maybe the same that ones Samsung is having dealing with scoped storage and other changes starting with Android 10. I have 2 N10+'s, one still running on Pie, the newer one on 10. The look and behave almost identically except the Android 10 has a 100 or more small Samsung system apks.
I prefer Pie because it's easier to troubleshoot and provides better functionality for trusted apps. I don't even want to see what 11, and especially 12/beta 13 look like. Maybe it's not so much Nova but rather Android that has turned to the dark Apple side...
imonxda said:
Apex Launcher Classic...
Offers the same features as Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
GalaxyA325G said:
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely correct, Apex Launcher DOES NOT have all the features your looking for, but AndroidDOES has brought back the Classic launcher (I'm assuming because of popular demand) it is called Apex Launcher Classic - this is FAR superior to the new-ish Apex Launcher. BTW, some of the best features of Apex Classic are unavailable without the paid Pro but most features work with free version.
As for privacy concerns, you can use something like My Android Tools Pro, it will tell you exactly what an app like Apex is doing behind the scenes and it gives you control over all hidden activities. https://www.myandroidtools.com/ it has been kicked out of Google play store, I don't know the reason, but I've been using this app for years, I have never seen any evidence of malware in it, and it has revealed the spying, reporting activities, and ad activities of all other apps I use and I can actually STOP these activities, I trust it.
It takes a bit of getting-used-to, but it works great once you do (get used to it). Some advice, check the About in settings for automatic detection of newly installed or updated apps feature, and check the Apps tab at the bottom, then select any app and then tap "see all component info", this is really helpful and easily overlooked feature.
@DiamondJohn That's a cool Launcher I've never heard of, I will certainly check it out
GalaxyA325G said:
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love Niagara launcher
Pear Launcher - Apps on Google Play
Download Pear launcher — a launcher designed for performance and customization.
play.google.com
Just started using this app and it's pretty good so far