What is your guys ideas on the best launchers available? Which ones are the best for ICS themes, etc.?
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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.
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+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.
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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!
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+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
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Related
Title says it all.
I have tried launcher pro and AWD. AWD was laggy for me so I uninstalled it. I didn't give it a chance. What is your favourite launcher?
I would go with Launcher Pro, doesn't lag at all for me
I had used ADW for a while, and didn't have too much trouble. But today I just switched to LauncherPro and I'm loving it. I like the window animations in the free version, I LOVE the dock customization and icons and such. I agree that it seems to be really snappy and doesn't lag and such either. It's a little harder to customize icons on the home screen, as you have to delete the current one and add a new custom one and change the icon while adding it and such. But overall, there isn't really anything ADW can do that LP can't!
Launcher EX is pretty awesome... and its free. check it out
winky! said:
Launcher EX is pretty awesome... and its free. check it out
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Click to collapse
For realzies.. I have paid adw ex and I use the free go launcher ex.. haha I love android.
Sent from my Googletron
aly19 said:
I would go with Launcher Pro, doesn't lag at all for me
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thats what iam using as well. works fine!
I use ADW as my "main", but also have Android Seven pro, Go Launcher EX, HeLauncher, LauncherPro, Regina Launcher, and SPB Shell 3D on my phone.
I haven't had time to try them all out fully, and that is why I have so many............so that I can experiment and see which one or two I really like, then set them up how I want them. I have been using ADW EX for a while, and really like it. I haven't experienced lag, but I will say that Go Launcher and LauncherPro do seem a wee bit smoother from the minimal time I have spent "playing" with them.
My plan is to have one main launcher for my every day use, then maybe one or two more for specific times. Maybe a launcher set up solely for multimedia, one set up solely for business, etc. That's what I love about Android since I jumped off the iPhone ship..........the possibilities really are endless!
I use both Go Launcher EX and the paid Launcher Pro. Personally I find myself using Launcher Pro the vast majority of the time. Go Launcher had some cool options, and changing docks and icons were a bit easier, but Launcher Pro has some nice built in widgets that tip the scale in its favor for me.
I really don't like the MotoBlur Calendar and Facebook widgets, and none of the 3rd party ones really gave me what I was looking for. But the ones that come with Launcher Pro are just what I was looking for, and they are easily skinned as well. Plus Launcher Pro runs very smoothly, much better than Blur.
-Doogs™
I have the paid versions for both ADW and LauncherPro, but I run GO Launcher EX.
SPB SHELL 3D
At least the best eye candy by far. And the folder widgets are amazing. Though if live wallpapers and landscape mode are important for you, stay away.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
MotoBlur launcher o/
Been using ADW Ex for almost a year, first on my Milestone, now on Atrix. It's fast, light and customizable as well. I recommend it 100%
I've been using Go Launcher Ex. I like it more than launcher pro. I will definitaley try ADW.
MotoBlur launcher is the best, by far.
Nah, I'm just trollin' ya. I haven't found a launcher that I liked. LauncherPro lagged for me somewhat, and it didn't offer some features that I wanted. Doesn't the launcher lay on top of blur already, laying on top of android stock? (or modified to use more system resources)
Mgamerz said:
MotoBlur launcher is the best, by far.
Nah, I'm just trollin' ya. I haven't found a launcher that I liked. LauncherPro lagged for me somewhat, and it didn't offer some features that I wanted. Doesn't the launcher lay on top of blur already, laying on top of android stock? (or modified to use more system resources)
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I have now tried Launcher Pro, ADW, and Go Launcher. None of them are near as fast as stock launcher (not motoblur, I'm using gingerblur). I really like the features that the launchers offer but I wish they were just as smooth as stock.
Magoodigan said:
None of them are near as fast as stock launcher (not motoblur, I'm using gingerblur).
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Err, Moto IS your stock launcher!
And GingerBlur is NOT a launcher, it's a P-ROM/THEME!
on the stock gingerblur launcher though, don't you notice slight stuttering when compared to launcher pro or other 3rd party launchers?
I personally like launcher pro but since development has slowed to just about a stop i am using adw. How is go launcher and windows 7 launcher?
Launcher Pro and Beautiful Widgets is my fave combination.
I still prefer this to Sense.
I use Go and Beautiful WIdgets. GO seems to be developing pretty strongly, and it does just about anything I want it to. And it works well in conjunction with the other GO apps like dialer and sms.
ADW here... I've used it on my Dinc and now on my TB... Rock solid.
I've been using ADW lately and I'm very pleased with it.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
ADW EX here. I've been glad I switched since the day it came out. Just seems smoother overall than stock ADW. I was an LP user for a while but seemed like it started getting bloated with things I'd never use. It may have gotten better recently as I haven't tried it since EX came out but for me, after using LP, ADW, and ADW EX, my personal choice has been EX and I haven't found a reason to move on.
I prefer LP. It keeps things simple and I can back it up which is convenient when flashing.
lol...I remember when adw and LP first came on the scene - a lot of people loved them for their simplicity - then the feature wars began...
ADW EX for me.
GOLauncher ftw. Hands down the best launcher from not only a visually impressive setup but a functionalvone as well. Im taking gulps of the go dev teams koolaid. I use launcher gowns contacts and dialer. Need more themes but other than that best imo.
Sent from my rooted, Dark Horse INFECTED Synergy bolt running Ziggys kernel.
What functions or features are you guys using to justify using a launcher?
I hate that the HTC mail and HTC messaging icons don't show the counts, at least I couldn't figure out how to do it on launcher pro.
i'm using launcher pro now but I'm probably going back to the windows 7 launcher. It's simplicity is refreshing, the only downside is I don't get to see my p retty wallpapers as much, but I find it more useful
McLabia said:
GOLauncher ftw. Hands down the best launcher from not only a visually impressive setup but a functionalvone as well. Im taking gulps of the go dev teams koolaid. I use launcher gowns contacts and dialer. Need more themes but other than that best imo.
Sent from my rooted, Dark Horse INFECTED Synergy bolt running Ziggys kernel.
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Click to collapse
They just released some sort of themeing API so we should see a lot more a lot faster.
I hate they got rid of the dark icons in the default set, they had both white and black and a few weeks back an update removed all the black versions.
doibugu2 said:
What functions or features are you guys using to justify using a launcher?
I hate that the HTC mail and HTC messaging icons don't show the counts, at least I couldn't figure out how to do it on launcher pro.
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Click to collapse
I think smoothness, options of dock/screens and app drawer customization are the most important for me. So is displaying counts and hiding the notifications bar.
andydumi said:
They just released some sort of themeing API so we should see a lot more a lot faster.
I hate they got rid of the dark icons in the default set, they had both white and black and a few weeks back an update removed all the black versions.
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Click to collapse
No ****? I know the had one before that I tried playing with but it was terrible. lol. It just straight up didnt work. Imma check into that. Good lookin out dude.
Anyone running CM7 having issues with ADW Ex going to landscape and then back to portrait? I get a black screen and then FC about 30 seconds later. I'd be using ADW Ex full time if this wasn't an issue. As it is now I'm using LP :-/
BoulderGeek said:
Laucnher Pro and Beautiful Widgets is my fave combination.
I still prefer this to Sense.
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Same for me except I prefer Sense over it. If I'm on a vanilla ROM, you can bet I'd be using Launcher Pro and Beautiful Widgets.
I'm using GO Launcher EX (just discovered it this week), I think I'm in love, runs awesome on my CM7 1.2 TBolt, totally customizable, just switched to GO SMS as well from Handcent and am loving it too.
I had been using LPro forever and am glad I decided to try GO.
This doesn't even belong in this forum.
loonatik78 said:
This doesn't even belong in this forum.
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huh? A question posted doesn't belong in the q&a section?
Just trying out adw ex launcher now y'all got me going over to the market to check out this go launcher...
Probably stick with adw since I just bought 3 themes.
Go Launcher EX and FancyWidgets Pro.
i prefer Launcher Pro because of the menu system at the bottom of the screen. i hate putting shortcuts/widgets on the screen(like to keep it clutter free) so it's nice to that menu at the bottom.
i know that go launcher ex is similiar, but i don't like the 5 screen thing and i don't like those dots it puts in the upper center of the screen indicating which screen you're on.
adw i have never cared for because of it's menu system setup at the bottom.
as for Windows 7 launcher... if that intrigues you why do you have a Thunderbolt?
Which is better to you ? Thanks
When I had my old Galaxy I tried both. Ended up with ADW EX. Seemed to work a bit better and I prefer some of its options/layout. From what I remember, they are very similar. When I picked up my Atrix, I just put ADW on. Never bothered to try LP.
oh alrightty . thanks
go launcher ex
pretties
I've tried them both and prefer adw. They're really similar. Just try then both and pick the one you like
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I used LP+ for 2 years and really liked it but I decided to try out ADW EX a couple weeks ago and I will have to say I really like ADW but that might be because it's still new to me. It def has more options for customization but it is a pain trying to replace the widgets that came with LP+ (though I have been using Android Pro Widgets)
Adw launcher EX all the way. It has more control over the home screen giving you more options
I have the paid versions of both, but I run the free Go Launcher EX. I just like it better than either ADW or LP+
Who's down with LPP? Ya you know me!
I much prefer LauncherPro..I love the swipe function on the dock icons..giving you access to 10 apps/functions right from the main dock (30 if you use the extra docks). I tried ADW..but didn't notice this option..so I switched back. Not to mention the Launcher Pro widgets are slick.
Been running LP+ for a while and have stuck with it. LP also seemed a little smoother than ADW, although ADW has more options. Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with either, it really boils down to personal preference. Download the free version of each of them and see which one "floats your boat". Also don't count out the "dark horse" Go Launcher EX. It is free and has a lot of options as well, although I felt it was the least smooth of the three (as you can probably tell, smooth is a big deal with me)
Fighto3 said:
Adw launcher EX all the way. It has more control over the home screen giving you more options
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Click to collapse
+1 on ADW EX Have tried GO Launcher, Launcher Pro.. all have their goods and bads, but love the customization of ADW EX
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
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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 $3.32 to check this out.
Bought this launcher and happy with it!
Thanks, have to put in some more time add there are a lot of options here!
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
I'm using ADWLauncher Ex, and i'm very happy with it.
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I guess I'm alone in thinking that adw is trash but oh well. Prior to using trebuchet on the ics kang I used SPB shell 3d. Its 15$ 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.
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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.
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I'm running CM9 Official Nightly.
I've played around with a fair number of the launchers out there and when I changed to using the nightlies, I decided to go from using the ADW launcher to the more colourful and popular Go Launcher for Tablets.
However, I am just about fed up with it stalling on me. Usually if I am adding a widget, it will report that 'GO Launcher has stopped working'.
I think I'm going to return to the more stable and usable ADW but would be keen to hear if other users have had the same problem.
Cullers said:
I'm running CM9 Official Nightly.
I've played around with a fair number of the launchers out there and when I changed to using the nightlies, I decided to go from using the ADW launcher to the more colourful and popular Go Launcher for Tablets.
However, I am just about fed up with it stalling on me. Usually if I am adding a widget, it will report that 'GO Launcher has stopped working'.
I think I'm going to return to the more stable and usable ADW but would be keen to hear if other users have had the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole time I was using go launcher hd, I had ZERO issues. Great alternative to trebuchet imo. Maybe try clearing its data/reinstalling go launcher.
Cullers said:
I'm running CM9 Official Nightly.
I've played around with a fair number of the launchers out there and when I changed to using the nightlies, I decided to go from using the ADW launcher to the more colourful and popular Go Launcher for Tablets.
However, I am just about fed up with it stalling on me. Usually if I am adding a widget, it will report that 'GO Launcher has stopped working'.
I think I'm going to return to the more stable and usable ADW but would be keen to hear if other users have had the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use adw ex, no problems, great functionality. imho def worth it
Apex launcher is pretty nice too. Its lightweight,lets you do in app drawer widgets, and keeps a really stock feel but still has some good customization. Plus its free.
My second choice would be ADW though. I really dislike golauncher. It feels clunky to me.
I did find the GO Launcher HD is great, but lacks themes and go widgets! otherwise a nice launcher for the tablet!
The GO Tablet is bare bones... use the standard GO Launcher EX and troubles are solved or ADW.EX
TTrebuchet is #1 for me. I've used adw, go launcher ex and hd, and trebuchet. No lag on trebuchet and I don't use a dock so the 0.1 version is good for now
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Nova Launcher is super fast and pretty damn great.
I want to like Go Launcher because of the features, but is just feels slower than the others. I also don't like how the icon label text runs into each other.
Apex works the best for me, with Nova being a close 2nd.