Related
What is your guys ideas on the best launchers available? Which ones are the best for ICS themes, etc.?
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
I like GO Launcher and the other various apps that run smoothly with it. There are a lot of various ways to customize your launcher. The only other one that I've used, besides stock, was ADW Launcher. Try a few out. No harm in that. Then check out Ashlepedia's thread in the General section on how to push your launcher app to the /system/app folder. That way, as a system folder, you won't lose the launcher on a data wipe. You can either delete the old launcher or add .bak at the end so you don't have two launchers running at the same time. Ash's thread will explain better. O, and GO launcher has ICS theme.
phieta said:
I like GO Launcher and the other various apps that run smoothly with it. There are a lot of various ways to customize your launcher. The only other one that I've used, besides stock, was ADW Launcher. Try a few out. No harm in that. Then check out Ashlepedia's thread in the General section on how to push your launcher app to the /system/app folder. That way, as a system folder, you won't lose the launcher on a data wipe. You can either delete the old launcher or add .bak at the end so you don't have two launchers running at the same time. Ash's thread will explain better. O, and GO launcher has ICS theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to Go Launcher EX. Plus, it's free.
Ciao!
Thanks for the suggestions, also can I use uot kitchen to make a lock screen. I used it before and changed icons and font but wasn't sure about the lock screen.
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Widget locker has amazing ics lockscreens. Its what I use and it is exactly the same as the real one. I use adw ex. It has implemented a few ics features which is really nice. I like go launcher as well but I just prefer adw. Try a few out and you will get a feeling for which one you like best.
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
I have had the best luck with Launcher Pro. Extremely customizable, low battery use, lots of places to put things. The dock with Launcher Pro is very versatile with many slots for items.
I just SBFed last night and pushed Eclipse 2.0.3 on my DX2, Launcher Pro backs up your screen items and then restores them even after that. I install all of my apps, then Launcher pro, then just choose Restore settings, and poof, back in business without the need to re-arrange everything.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.fede.launcher (Free version)
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.fede.launcherproplusunlocker (Unlocker)
If you like it, please buy it. It is more than worth the price.
phieta said:
I like GO Launcher and the other various apps that run smoothly with it. There are a lot of various ways to customize your launcher. The only other one that I've used, besides stock, was ADW Launcher. Try a few out. No harm in that. Then check out Ashlepedia's thread in the General section on how to push your launcher app to the /system/app folder. That way, as a system folder, you won't lose the launcher on a data wipe. You can either delete the old launcher or add .bak at the end so you don't have two launchers running at the same time. Ash's thread will explain better. O, and GO launcher has ICS theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for Go Launcher. It probably is the best launcher out. I keep coming back to that launcher and everything that goes with it because of all of the customization.
Ive been using ADW (Paid versions) off and on since Ive had this phone. I've downloaded Go Launcher before and messed around with it but I have never customized it and used it as my every day launcher until yesterday. I have to say, Go Launcher, for some reason, feels more snappier and responsive than ADW.
Go Launcher is my choice too. I used to use Launcher Pro (long time user). It's a decent launcher too but for some reason it started hanging at times. Couldn't do anything for 5 seconds or more. No doubt it was causing it either. Shut it down and the hangs would quit happening. Also, the program hasn't been updated since last May. They keep saying there's a rewrite in the works but they've been saying that since last June or July. At the moment, it appears to me that it's pretty much abandonware now.
Anyway, I switched to Go Launcher a couple months ago and have never looked back. Has all the dock functions of Launcher Pro and more. The themes are great, it's snappy and, well, just works well. Just my 2 cents worth.
zeam launcher is my fav although it isnt an ics wannabe. not a resource hog like all the other launchers and only a few hundred kilobyte download.
Ive since redownloaded go launcher ex and bought ics pro theme for it. Im very pleased! Although I like the simplicity of adw, go launcher just seems more complete.
Sent from my DROID X2 using xda premium
Go laucher is good. Best speed in my opinion for a launcher
I have tried go and adw. Used to use go but kinda laggy to me but liked all the customization. Adw free was fast but didn't customize well in my opinion. Adw paid was on sale for 10 cents so got out and love it has most of the features of go but runs much faster. Every once in a while it redraws but think it's more of a memory issue cause it usually does it after playing a game or something.
Sent from X2 Eclipsed using xda app
had adw then got go an never looked back the best to me out there
I really liked go launcher for a loooong time but I decided to deal with ADW for a while since in came with the CM7 rom and honestly, It grows on you. A lot more options and hard key replacements. Also, I always hated the ugly menu in go launcher but thats gone now I would say try ADW for a good week before you make a decision.
And adw ex paid is even better than reg adw
QQ launcher is great.
Mixer themed cm7 X duce
ADW EX (has a great free ICS theme) or SPB Shell 3D. GO is ok but sometimes it gets a little wonky.
Moon Shadow - NM said:
+1 to Go Launcher EX. Plus, it's free.
Ciao!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 as well for Go Launcher EX. Plus, the ICS theme is really nice for it.
I also like how with Go Launcher, I can long press on my home screen, select applications and then it lets me pick one or more apps I want to place on the screen, rather than having to drag each application one at a time. I have yet to see any of the other launchers do this.
And, on CM7 Beta, it is REALLY snappy.
I have looked around at many launchers and my favorite is adw launcher from CM7. I will upload the apk as soon as I have a chance. Go launcher is also good though
Sent from my MB870 using xda premium
I have been playing around with my tab 10.1 for a while now, and considering to change the launcher for another one.
Is they're anyone around with a experience using adw ex?
Looks nice but would love to hear some users ...
I have tried to instal go launder ex, but Al lot plugins in the market show not compatible with your device....
Suggestions?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
I am using adw ex pro and it works like a charm. So far no problem. The only thing is, when you try to move your apps from one place to another place on the screen, you might get confused
But it works so smooth and fast
gokhansancar said:
I am using adw ex pro and it works like a charm. So far no problem. The only thing is, when you try to move your apps from one place to another place on the screen, you might get confused
But it works so smooth and fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup
I'm using ADW Ex and I wouldn't go back to something else.
So fast and smooth that it makes you wondering why google can't get a better launcher. Maybe ICS will be the answer...
ADW EX is the best for our tab. Day and night difference when compared to stock launcher
I am in the same boat as everybody else and I agree with everything everybody has already said.
Think i Will buy this one then ... Thanks
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
Related question, does anyone have insight on free version of ADW? It seems to do most of the same stuff, just curious if there are features on the paid version that would be must-haves.
Differences between ADW.Launcher and ADWLauncher EX
ADWLauncher EX is based on the ADW.Launcher opensource core with a lot of new additions and improvements, like for example:
-5 different app drawer styles/behaviors
---3D Nexus One like application drawer
---2 different plain vertical drawer styles, the "old one" and a new fast and smooth one
---2 different Iphone-like horizontal application drawers, a traditional paginated one and a new one with continuous fling
-Different desktop transitions: new animations while navigating through your desktop screens. Try them all, they're crazy!!!
-New Icons configurations/look and feel: Tweak your desktop icons, change its sizes, add coloured backgrounds, change font size, color, etc!
-New fast presets mode: Quickly change the whole desktop configuration by 1 click!
-Editable desktop icons for applications, shortcuts and folders!
-Lots of code improvements
-More, more more to come!!
thats straight from the market hope this helps
Thanks, I did read that on the market. I guess my question was more related to actual use and experience, but I guess I will just go ahead and try the free version, and if it doesn't do enough of what I want I will buy the pro version. I just didn't want to spend a lot of time working on it just to have to do it all over again if I upgrade.
I totally agree.. ADW EX is definitely the way to go here. I haven't found anything that even compares. It's good on my Droid X but when they ported it to the tablet they added so many nice touches!
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Funny, the free version was available two days ago, but now says it is not compatible with my device...
Guess I'll cough up the $3.32 to check this out.
Bought this launcher and happy with it!
Thanks, have to put in some more time add there are a lot of options here!
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
I'm using ADWLauncher Ex, and i'm very happy with it.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
I guess I'm alone in thinking that adw is trash but oh well. Prior to using trebuchet on the ics kang I used SPB shell 3d. Its 15$ but its completely worth it, imo. Go launcher isn't tablet ready yet and probably won't be for awhile. Or you just flash the ics kang and be done with it (and save the money)
I have both AdwEx and SPB Shell on my tab. I like adw way better. SPB shell looks good but I think it compromises productivity for the look.
Just purchased ADW EX after reading through this thread, liking it so far , very quick and responsive. I'll be sticking with it for a little while.
i use go launcher just because i can make folders in app drawer. i find i gets super cluttered when you have 20+ games all the **** Samsung apps and Google apps you suddenly start to see three pages of apps. i never find what i just downloaded if i want to try some new app/game, so its nice to putt all games in one folder all productivity apps in one etc.
so far non of the other launcher have this feautere. oh and iphone like uninstall, just hold down on an app and click red x to uninstall. brilliant.
larsenfaen said:
i use go launcher just because i can make folders in app drawer. i find i gets super cluttered when you have 20+ games all the **** Samsung apps and Google apps you suddenly start to see three pages of apps. i never find what i just downloaded if i want to try some new app/game, so its nice to putt all games in one folder all productivity apps in one etc.
so far non of the other launcher have this feautere. oh and iphone like uninstall, just hold down on an app and click red x to uninstall. brilliant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, bought adw but the ability to create folders in app drawer is a plus. If adw had this feature it would be amazing. That and the option to
to use the home soft button to open app drawer.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
Just wanted to say i am running 2.85 beta2 whuch can be downloaded off their website. If u set the icons to "default" size there should be almist no lag. Im literally experiencing no lag... With 12 widgets (6 loaded homescreens too).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Just try it and no lag..Love Go Launcher..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
theres still a little lag but eh its much better than it was before.
Running the beta and Halo kernel. All is smooth. Typing on the Note actually doesn't suck anymore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
When i used go launcher i noticed a lot more color banding.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
yeah, i have fiddled with ROMS and Kernels - no matter how high you overclock your phone, the GoLauncher just didn't seem optimized for use on the GNote
But I can finally say i'm happy with my phone! lol
BigBison420 said:
yeah, i have fiddled with ROMS and Kernels - no matter how high you overclock your phone, the GoLauncher just didn't seem optimized for use on the GNote
But I can finally say i'm happy with my phone! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it just me, or is Go Launcher laggy? The touchwiz launcher feels absolutely smooth compared to it.
It's up to Beta 4 now.
I'm just using the release version of Go Launcher and I feel it is the smoothest of the rest (TW, LPro, ADW).
flintdragon said:
I'm just using the release version of Go Launcher and I feel it is the smoothest of the rest (TW, LPro, ADW).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, and I've cycled through them all.
californiarailroader said:
I agree, and I've cycled through them all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i would assume there would be some final optimizations before they release it to the market. to me at least, beta means unfinished/unpolished product
Does installing the new beta erase all your settings and everything? Or does it just update itself?
just updates your go launcher all your stuff should still be exactly were you put it. Also beta 6 is out and is even smoother
I always used adw-ex on all my phones, it was just too leggy on the Note. I have it set to 9x9 icons with widgets on every page (5). I installed this beta and it was considerably less laggy than ADW. I'm a happy camper lol!
Great find - beta 6 Rocks!
My only ***** with Go is not maintaining sorted folders on the Widget side.
Just installed 6 as well. Don't notice any immediate change. No problems either though. I'll see how it goes over the next few days.
edit: it looks like they took down the 2.85 betas from their site... am I missing it? If not I wonder why...
Well as expected with beta releases there have been a few issues I've experienced that caused me to wait for the market release.
I.e. beta 2 messing with the dock background resulted in a "error must reinstall" type message which reset all the screens. Restore would not recover my settings.
Also in beta 4 somehow when setting the home screen it would actually dissapear.
I know the first issue was fixed but it gets old manually setting up my screens so ill wait for final release of this beta.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.
The official 2.85 is out in the Play Store now. I updated my beta to it and it runs better than ever, very smooth!
just installed latest from market.
seems faster BUT how come I have to press the home button twice for it to respond now? I couldn't find any settings...
UPDATE: some strange conflict with Magic Locker. Had to uninstall magic locker and now home key working ok.
cgibsong002 said:
Just installed 6 as well. Don't notice any immediate change. No problems either though. I'll see how it goes over the next few days.
edit: it looks like they took down the 2.85 betas from their site... am I missing it? If not I wonder why...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, i was wondering the same. market shows latest update.
maybe they are making a new redesigned version? lol galaxy note specific ? not
*** EDIT ***** if you guys are running the V6 script, try the NitroLAG Nullifier - it definitely helped reduce A LOT of lag on the homescreen. and make sure in GoLauncher preferences "Advanced -----> System Persistent" is UNCHECKED.
Are you tired/bored of your traditional Honeycomb Launcher? Are you in need of using folders?
Then you should try GO Launcher HD for Pad.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...51bGwsMSwxLDIxMiwiY29tLmdvLmxhdW5jaGVycGFkIl0.
Yes, nice launcher indeed, I'm using it for a couple of days.
Just having some problems with widget loading (palmary weather and widgetsoid), but not exclusive of this launcher, had the same problem with ADW EX.
looking good, will try it.
Thanx for the tip
i'm using the honeycomb standard launcher (taken from asus transformer dump) and it works really well!!
sapphire88 said:
i'm using the honeycomb standard launcher (taken from asus transformer dump) and it works really well!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please link that launcher man!!!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-3
As soon as i get home i will post it...
as promised here attached is the stock launcher taken from asus transformer rom, i think it is a 3.1 launcher because it doesn't have widget resize option, if i find a 3.2 working stock launcher i will post it..
NOTE: this is only for rooted devices, you can't install it, but you have to copy it in the /system/app folder, then press the home button, if it doesn't ask you to choose between sony and stock launcher try rebooting your device, make sure to have a backup rom (see condi tool) before, there should not be any problem you know...
I can't seem to install it.... I put it in system/app... Rebooted and it still doesn't show up...
Boxerboy213 said:
I can't seem to install it.... I put it in system/app... Rebooted and it still doesn't show up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta change permissions
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using xda premium
I haven't changed any permission, i've used file manager hd to copy the file to the folder..maybe it does it in automatic?
I recommend that you use root explorer instead.
When it comes to permissions, he means that YOU have to set the correct permissions when you have moved/copied the file.
The correct permission is 644 (rw-r--r--) (r=4 w=2 x=1)
yup
I have Go Launcher on both my phone and tablet and absolutely love it.
thanks...
Has anybody tried some launchers designed specifically for ICS yet?
I'm running Apex Launcher (free) now and it works really well with the ICS update. Keeps the same slick look and feel, but takes away that "Favorites" button I never use, no small icons up top, and no more of that choppy fast scrolling feature that Sony built into their launcher. Some nice customization options too.
Can get it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anddoes.launcher&hl=en
I'll probably install Trebuchet (CM9 launcher) and see how it works later tonight.
nice
hogaburger said:
Has anybody tried some launchers designed specifically for ICS yet?
I'm running Apex Launcher (free) now and it works really well with the ICS update. Keeps the same slick look and feel, but takes away that "Favorites" button I never use, no small icons up top, and no more of that choppy fast scrolling feature that Sony built into their launcher. Some nice customization options too.
Can get it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anddoes.launcher&hl=en
I'll probably install Trebuchet (CM9 launcher) and see how it works later tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Apex Launcher looks nice, but I don't see anything that GO Launcher does not do. I especially love all of the widgets that are available for GO.
Don't know anything about Trebuchet.
launcher
Try ADW launcher. It has tons of customizations
Really cool
Same here, ADW Launcher is much better than GO Launcher. I especially like it because we can hide the top bar alltogether.
Go launcher is great on my tablet but why can't I theme it like I can on my phone?
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0
earni said:
Go launcher is great on my tablet but why can't I theme it like I can on my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the DEV has not released it's theme factory may be.
It's still in beta..
GO Launcher HD is still to early to put on our tablet imo, no themes and some GO widgets arent workin properly. Don't get me wrong, its a great work in progress, but its still in progress non the less.
Installed GO Launcher EX when I bought the STS and havent found anything better yet.
I'm sure if they keep up the good work on GO-HD it'll be awesome in a few months.
I'm the proud owner of a Motorola Photon 4G as of today. This is replacing my Sensation, and will only be used internationally (Asia, so 900/1800 Mhz 2G and 2100Mhz 3G).
Now, I see that there is a way to get rid of the Sprint hands-free activation on every boot, and I presume I can delete some of the Sprint bloatware as well. I noticed that the stock Blur launcher is kinda laggy even scrolling from screen to screen, but the rest of the phone performs very well. So if I do get a different launcher, what should I get?
Otherwise, should I do a custom ROM? I've had every phone of mine all ROM'ed up but I don't know if its worth doing that to a Motorola phone since they usually have encrypted bootloaders. Any stable ROMs that are well-suited for international use?
Im using Nemus Launcher. Its not too bad.
Good luck with getting rid of the lag tho. My whole phone is laggy even with another launcher.
If you unlock, try this ROM. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1587770 Sprint bloat is removed, rom is fast, works great. Or you can use Loki's bloat remover. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1575259
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
I use Launcher Pro with ICON Pack in it..
Its butter smooth and i have 450mb Ram free all time
I have no lag at all -- I'm using Go Launcher, and have "DeBlurred" the phone as bricky23 mentioned (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1575259
).
Also just fyi, I've read that some folks feel a daily reboot does wonders to keeping the Photon running smoothly (just opinion, no facts/data to back that up).
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
I'm currently using MX Launcher. It's got some nice features, but shallow customization and some weird quirks. See my list of caveats in the topic about it. I still think it's worth using, but it's nowhere near as polished as some of the others.
I rephrased my issues with it to a more positive light and emailed the developer. I'd like to see this launcher get better as it does a couple things really well.
1. Cover screen. The center icon on the dock (and you can't change it) brings up the cover screen, which has a clock which follows you based on the tilt sensor. There's a power control widget here, the clock is beautiful, and it has some preset launcher icons on it. You can change them (open the clock by long-pressing 12, 3, 6, or 9 to set that icon) but you can only pick from a few and you have to use stock apps.
2. Long-press icons brings up a menu. Other launchers have this, but in MX, you can hit Info to pull up that app's Settings > Applications > Manage Applications page. Good for clearing the cache or force closing it.
Don't bother looking at the skins. Half are incompatible with our phone. The other half cost money. There is one that is free and compatible, but it's just a cover screen. No home screens. Might be a bug but I removed it promptly.
Thanks for the advice, y'all. I rooted the phone today and deblurred it already. I'm quite liking ADW Launcher right now. What's a good AOSP icon pack I can download? I'm not familiar with customizing launchers.
slick69 said:
Thanks for the advice, y'all. I rooted the phone today and deblurred it already. I'm quite liking ADW Launcher right now. What's a good AOSP icon pack I can download? I'm not familiar with customizing launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just search the market ( whoops, "play store" ) for adw icon packs or adw themes -- there's tons of free ones.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
JustSomeDude said:
Just search the market ( whoops, "play store" ) for adw icon packs or adw themes -- there's tons of free ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I downloaded a free ICS icon pack/theme. My phone works pretty well now!
However, I'm sad that it doesn't play a bunch of my video files that always used to play on my other devices, mostly HTC ones but some AOSP as well. When I downloaded MX Player to view them, it told me that it is using SW decoding.
Is there a way to get better support for media files? The videos in question are plain old mp4, downloaded from Youtube. Some 480p, some 720p and a couple 1080p which worked on my Sensation, so I thought they'd work on the Photon as well since it has a similar chipset.
hi just curious,
which one is better on photon
ADW launcher
or
Go Launcher ?
and if we apply the "deblur" mod, how to get rid of the ADW to replace it with the Go launcher ?
I think GO is better than ADW but if you ask any 2 people, you're liable to get 2 different answers. I can't tall ya why I prefer GO. For one, it's free, but then again it pushes its widgets and locker on you. Two, ADW rubs me the wrong way. I don't know why. So no real, valid reasons. Try both. Use both, use Home Smack to switch.
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
I normally use adw ex but i got bored with that recently and have been using launcher 7 which is a windows phone launcher and i love it works great and is a nice change
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
Welp, I did some more reading and found out that since the Photon uses a Tegra 2 chipset, it is very picky about what it can decode in hardware. Luckily for me, a lot of my simple stuff works fine in SW decoding mode with MX Player. However, 720p and 1080p videos will need to be recoded.
I'm gonna try using Handbrake and report back. Too bad I don't have a more powerful CPU to re-encode stuff. Re-encoding stuff is why I was wary of my Zune client (I also have an HTC Titan).
MadFlava said:
Im using Nemus Launcher. Its not too bad.
Good luck with getting rid of the lag tho. My whole phone is laggy even with another launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for Nemus launcher. Easily my favorite launcher I've used so far. Tops the heavy hitters ADW, Launcher Pro, and Go Launcher easily.
Juts posted an analysis of a couple popular launchers.
Just started using mobo launcher yesterday, and after getting used to the different u.i. I really like it.https://play.google.com/store/search?q=mobo+launcher
I'd go with the miui rom =) its amazing!
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
EggSpawn said:
I'd go with the miui rom =) its amazing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used MIUI extensively when I had an EVO and a Defy, and I loved it. At this time, I didn't feel like it was the best since I want a stable experience and stock seemed the most stable.
Maybe when there's an ICS MIUI based on a stock Moto ROM.
Lokifish Marz said:
Juts posted an analysis of a couple popular launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the analysis. I'll make a comment in that thread since I'm using GO Launcher now. Thank you for your work on Deblurring the Photon!
I've found that even though ADW uses less memory, GO Launcher seems to run smoother. Luckily, the Photon has 1GB of RAM.
I would definitely recommend going the custom rom route.
Right now I am using cm7.2[kang] with jokers 1.3 oc kernel and it works great. This is the most stab, much faster than stock although the battery only lasts about 4/5 as long for me. I have tried cm9 but there are still many issues right now and I am waiting for some of these to be ironed out before switching over.
As far as launchers go, cm7.2 came with ADW installed stock, and it is very snappy, especially if tuned to take out extra visual effects etc.