Apex or Nova for ICS launcher? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Since upgrading to ICS, I've been curious about the ICS only launchers. I've seen good work from the developer of each, so I have no preference with regard to developer. Then again, for now, Trebuchet, the CM9 launcher, is meeting my needs.
I was using Go Launcher Ex on Gingerbread, but I think it's gotten too bloated. I love how fast CM9 runs on my phone and I don't want to slow it down.
Also, are Apex and Nova just Launcher Pro alikes or do either bring something new to the table?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk

Bump... sending this one back around. I know somebody's got to have an opinion, I hear both of them mentioned enough.

Both are very similar. Just Download both and try each for a few days and see which you like better.

Dark Reality said:
Since upgrading to ICS, I've been curious about the ICS only launchers. I've seen good work from the developer of each, so I have no preference with regard to developer. Then again, for now, Trebuchet, the CM9 launcher, is meeting my needs.
I was using Go Launcher Ex on Gingerbread, but I think it's gotten too bloated. I love how fast CM9 runs on my phone and I don't want to slow it down.
Also, are Apex and Nova just Launcher Pro alikes or do either bring something new to the table?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both. I preferred Apex. I found it to be a lot smoother and easier on the battery life.
Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

I'm trying Apex now because Nova charges for app drawer hiding and Apex has that for free, and that's a feature I like to have.
It's like LauncherPro and ADW last year, each offers for free what the other keeps exclusive to the premium version.
Not too many people on ICS here in Q&A I take it?
Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Tapatalk

I use Go Launcher on AOKP rom and have no problem with speed. I've tried Apex but then reverted back to Go Launcher What do you mean bloated? I will install Apex again to see if there's any difference.
Edit: Been messing with Apex for a few hours. I like it better than Go. I disable all the transition animations and it seems faster.

Related

Launchers, which one are you using?

For those using a launcher other than stock MotoBlur (ADW Ex, Launcher Pro, etc), any problems, bugs that you have experienced?
Thought this thread may help some of our fellow Razr owners avoid some problems before they begin. Certainly feel free to report any bugs/other issues with the stock launcher as well.
I'm still using stock for the moment, but thinking of installing an alternative launcher while waiting for some custom ROM's. Thanks everyone.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Launcher Pro - works just great. No problems so far. Seems to be more responsive than the stock...
Go Launcher EX!
I also have both ADW EX and LauncherPro Plus, but I'm settled with the Go Launcher EX (free!). Go Launcher EX = ADW EX + LauncherPro Plus.
Go Launcher EX here also,it runs very smoothly on the razr
Overall quality and the feel of the stock launcher is completely enough for me.
stock, first time ever!
Go launcher ex here. Love the scrolling dock. No issues!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
LauncherPro Plus 0.8.6 No dock icons, swipe gesture up to open app drawer, and no widgets to save battery. And the full screen is visible. Froze stock launcher
Stock launcher. I wish it had scrollable widgets like lpp and go :/
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
RyanTX said:
Stock launcher. I wish it had scrollable widgets like lpp and go :/
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the stock Widgets scroll.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
garywojdan81 said:
Some of the stock Widgets scroll.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wanting a scrollable twitter widget. Android pro widgets scrolled on my Incredible with MIUI. But it won't on my stock razr.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
Semseddin said:
Overall quality and the feel of the stock launcher is completely enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ^. Sure the app drawer is a little jerky, but I'm sure that'll improve with updates. Moto is getting their UI together quite nicely.
Using stock launcher as well, pretty much my first time too. I believe this one is pretty well done!
I use the stock launcher as well. Very smooth and responsive. No need to go (back) to GoLauncher which, in my opinion, has become more laggy lately.
stock for me. don't see the need to switch or try any other launcher.. I might after a while just to test them out but for now, after only having the phone for 3 days I'll stick with stock.
I tried the stock launcher, but with a lot of apps it started to choke and stutter.
Now using Go Launcher EX.
I previously favored Launcher Plus Pro, but I also found it to start becoming more laggy recently. I've not found the Go Launcher EX home replacement to have this problem.
Also not sure what happens when ICS drops, but my honeycomb tablet doesn't allow any other launcher- ICS may do the same.
Go launcher EX here
apparently like many of others i'm really considering using the stock launcher for the first time it's well themed and the functionality is good. i used Launcher Pro on my Milestone and then ADW Launcher on Flipout, both had great features. when i installed ADW launcher on RAZR, it looked i don't know.. too simple, uninteresting compare to the stock launcher and some of the blur widgets had trouble with scrolling when i put them in ADW so i decided to get back to the stock launcher.
ADW EX here. No issues to report so far. I'm just waiting for the Gnex and this gets returned, but so far it's an ok device. I used the MT4G before this and was running the MIUI Rom with TDJ's DemonSpeed kernel and honestly it ran better than this RAZR.
As an example, this phone comes with 1GB of Ram. My former MT4G came with 768. With the RAZR I have roughly 350MB free at any given time. With the MIUI Rom I always had at least 430MB free at any given time and it ran so smooth at a clock speed of 1017/230. I could get 24+ hours with moderate use.
Anyway, just waiting for the Gnex but ADW EX works great on the RAZR.
CBConsultation said:
ADW EX here. No issues to report so far. I'm just waiting for the Gnex and this gets returned, but so far it's an ok device. I used the MT4G before this and was running the MIUI Rom with TDJ's DemonSpeed kernel and honestly it ran better than this RAZR.
As an example, this phone comes with 1GB of Ram. My former MT4G came with 768. With the RAZR I have roughly 350MB free at any given time. With the MIUI Rom I always had at least 430MB free at any given time and it ran so smooth at a clock speed of 1017/230. I could get 24+ hours with moderate use.
Anyway, just waiting for the Gnex but ADW EX works great on the RAZR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gnex doesn't come out till 12/8 now apparently. GG Verizon GG.

[Q] What is the best launcher?

I want to know what the best launcher is in terms of uniqueness and not just speed. I want a launcher that is different from other launchers and has actually been well thought out. Thank you.
Personal favourite
I quite like Launcher Pro - lots of icon packs and easy to customise! Can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Only issue is that it hasn't been updated for a while
If you want custom themes without having to pay for Launcher Pro Plus, then try GoLauncher - not a personal favourite of mine but is again very customisable and does pack in a few unique features.
I used to use Zedge for pure speed, but it was a bit limited customisation-wise and I overclocked my phone, so I didn't need a really fast launcher any more
i tryed many launchers...but Launcher Pro is the best choice for me...so i stick with it a long time now
deff Launcher Pro You can do what ever you want
<Mod Edit> External link!
i like launcher pro & go launcher too
I use Launcher Pro too... even I uninstall/erase other launchers.
Smonic said:
I want to know what the best launcher is in terms of uniqueness and not just speed. I want a launcher that is different from other launchers and has actually been well thought out. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go luncher
Adw launcher ex paid version
I just noticed that a ics launcher is available in market. Did anybody try it??
Go Launcher EX.
Zeam.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
I used launcher pro for ever then found zeam. Not as fast as lp but smooth and good looking
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
just tried the ics launcher. not very smooth and nothing special. Im not much impressed
vikraam said:
just tried the ics launcher. not very smooth and nothing special. Im not much impressed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I had also tried it. not very good. Instead ended up using Go Launcher Ex with ICS theme.
I just got ADW Launcher EX the other day from the 10c app promotions per day google is doing and i'm loving it so far.. lots of new features compared to the free version
Might be a good idea for people to keep watch incase it goes up for 10c again.. few days left of apps
Try this 360 launcher. Link:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345601 pretty smooth, not bad so far.
Sent from my GT-i5801 using XDA App
Yea 360 launcher is awesome. Just never have seen these app drawer animations in any other launcher. very nice and very smooth. And the themes are good looking too
Edit: I just noticed that there is a lockscreen setting in its preferences using which we can have a variety of lockscreens too. And there are lockscreens available for download within the app itself.
This is f**king awesome
Only 3 lockscreens are available. But all 3 are good especially The iPhone lock screen and ics lock screen are looking great
Nemus
I use Nemus Launcher. It's fast and does what I need

[Q] What launcher do you use for your Android?

I'vs used so many launchers like Launcher Pro (Plus), ADW Launcher EX, Go Launcher EX, and so much more 3rd-party launchers, but I always seems to go back to stock GB launcher because of the graphic acceleration and the smoothness even with live wallpapers...
What launcher do you use and why? I really want to know Thanks
Stock, AdwEx, Nemus, Zeam and many more. I haven't found my "Favorite" yet. :-D
Sent from my M9300 using xda premium
but what do you use most?
I use eclair launcher. Yay slide to open app drawer!
Sent from Darth Hercules
For slower phones I'm recommending LauncherPro, but for better-equipped mobiles GoLauncher is the best option due to large amount of cust. options, speed and reliability.
On LG GT540 I was using LauncherPro, and now on SGS - GoLauncher.
But what do you use? I'm just curious...
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Nova Launcher.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
ADWLauncher EX
I never heard of nova launcher... How is it?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
kyokeun1234 said:
I never heard of nova launcher... How is it?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Launcher is for ICS only.
It's a modified stock ICS launcher that gives your more options and customization.
Default Miui launcher, pretty much always use stock launchers.
Reason being, my attitude to computing devices is simple ...........
everything uses resources. On PC this isn't so much of an issue as PCs can have a deep pool of system resources to dip into. However on a mobile device thats not the case, so if i want my device to function quickly and
accurately then i need to NOT load it up with lots of non critical non productive
processes, that usually do nothing but impress n00bs with eyecandy.
oh, that sounds cool. I'll get that when i get ICS in my Nexus S thanks
TW 4G Launcher for SGSII
Guru Zeb said:
Default Miui launcher, pretty much always use stock launchers.
Reason being, my attitude to computing devices is simple ...........
everything uses resources. On PC this isn't so much of an issue as PCs can have a deep pool of system resources to dip into. However on a mobile device thats not the case, so if i want my device to function quickly and
accurately then i need to NOT load it up with lots of non critical non productive
processes, that usually do nothing but impress n00bs with eyecandy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Default miu launcher works great as is. I have tried lpp,adw go launcher, panda home, sslauncher,vtl and launcher 7.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
I use ADW Launcher Ex because it uses less RAM and is pretty fast IMO.
Go Launcher EX with ICS theme and Go Locker with ICS theme
Nova launcher all the way.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium
I use GO Launcher EX and Launcher Pro (I have 2 phones )
Using stock Miui launcher...
but i kinda love thw TW launcher too =]
Tried also the Go launcher and it was actually nice... dont know if its heavy on the system though...
Nova Launcher.

does anyone use Go Launcher on the Rezound?

does anyone use Go Launcher on the Rezound?
The only reason I use it is because I like having
a lot of icons on one home screen. (6x7 to be
precise) HTC Sense doesn't seem to allow this,
or did I miss something?
THanks!
i tired and it lagged like hell on both ics and gingerbread. try adw ex, thing is smooth as butter.
Kiersten_Kress said:
does anyone use Go Launcher on the Rezound?
The only reason I use it is because I like having
a lot of icons on one home screen. (6x7 to be
precise) HTC Sense doesn't seem to allow this,
or did I miss something?
THanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use go launcher and have no lag or anything, it runs smooth as smooth can be for me.
hardfallen87 said:
I use go launcher and have no lag or anything, it runs smooth as smooth can be for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. Runs great for me.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium
I'm surprised it works fine on ics for you since I read a lot of compatibility complaints. I know it works fine on gb
I've used Sense, ADW, Go, Trebuchet, Nova, and now Apex. Out of all of them, only Go gave me a feeling of slow responsiveness. All custom launchers have lots of tweaks now (including grid size), so I go with whatever is in my current flavor of ICS unless I get issues.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Have used on cleanrom DE 1.2 with no problems and no lag. Now using mx launcher. Works pretty good.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Running GoLauncherEX myself. No lag at all
Have ran it on the following:
Ineffabilis Dues v1.01 and v1.4
CleanROM GBE, DE and SE
Still on old firmware as well. No problems
I use go everything. Rocks Widgets, keyboard, etc, it's super handy.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
I do and I really like it.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
i'm using it on stock/unrooted....no issues whatsoever.
I had some lag on stock. Maybe I should give it another try...
im running it on CR 4.3 without lag or slugishness
I used goLauncher. However, I noticed the icons were very tiny, and widgets didn't take up the correct size of the screen. I'm using Apex Launcher now, so far no problems.
I absolutely love go launcher. It had all the options I need plus amazing themes. Rotation, gestures, custom fonts despite ics, and phenomenal updates, nothing even comes close. Sadly it only ran smooth on aosp or cm7 on tbolt. It runs like **** on rezound, after debloating and desensing , specially on ics. Ppl suggested other launchers but none come close in terms of themes maybe in options..
I just deal with the lags and hick ups and thank my god for their phenomenal dev team they came a long way on ics
Ask not what your developer can do for you, ask what you can do for your developer.
Used it for awhile and then noticed in my proxy logs that it was calling to china randomly throughout the day. adw ex now.
alphabets said:
i'm using it on stock/unrooted....no issues whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
I tried go launcher when I was completely stock and it did lag so I decided I would try out sense for awhile. I ran go launcher on my Droid x running miui. I ended up not liking the sense launcher at all. Yesterday I rooted and tried out a couple of roms. Go launcher works great on cleanrom 1.7.5 and ineffabilis 1.4(currently on).
esheesle said:
Used it for awhile and then noticed in my proxy logs that it was calling to china randomly throughout the day. adw ex now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O.O
I'd love to see those logs.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
I use go launcher myself. I started using it real close to it's initial release and it definitely offers the most complete package among it's competitors in my opinion.

Best ics launcher

Which ics launcher do you guys prefer? I used to swear by tsf shell but its unsupported by ics so now I use nova launcher
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I believe the majority will likely vote for Apex, but I am a Nova launcher fan myself as well.
-Ryan
+1
ryandelman said:
I believe the majority will likely vote for Apex, but I am a Nova launcher fan myself as well.
-Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried both nova and apex. I have had a better experience with apex, nova has crashed on me a few times.
TSF shell is my favorite launcher on ICS....even though i cant get it work but for a day or 2
the2rrell said:
TSF shell is my favorite launcher on ICS....even though i cant get it work but for a day or 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah man I wish they would release an ics update I miss it already haha
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
do go launcher or ADW not work on ICS or something?
SayWhat10 said:
do go launcher or ADW not work on ICS or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go launcher works fine its what i prefer
Havent tried adw.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
I like Nova. I tried Apex when I first flashed Seraphim, but I found one quirk that pushed me back to Nova. I like to set up my one homescreen very minimally, then use a swipe up gesture to launch my app drawer. On Apex, it was really finnicky and would only work with a slow, deliberate, perfectly vertical swipe up, whereas Nova allows some slack and my swipe can be fast and slightly angled, making it super easy to launch the app drawer when I need it. I know I can set a dock icon to do the same swipe up, but I have grown accustomed to swiping anywhere on my screen.
If it weren't for that one issue, I would be all over Apex, as I feel it has a few more options that are nice, and seemed a tiny bit smoother. That one small issue is the only thing keeping me on Nova. Also that and I paid for Nova Prime, so I want to get some use out of it at least.
I've tried everyone mentioned on this thread I can tell you from experience adw EX is my favorite....it has tons of options,from changing icons to scrolling docks,,and different docks,, icons w/no labels on icons,,grid sizelooks good at 6x6,,swipe gestures to hide status bar or do do what you like,,fast scroll or animated scrolling thru screens,,5 home screens,, ...just to name a couple.....If you haven't tried it,,at least try it once.....but remember the best version is the Ex one... wont hurt anything and you may love it,...
Zeam launcher: Fast, free, simple, customizable, no bloat.
Runs better under ICS then GB.
APEX no doubt. Theres an Apex beta which is going to include swipe gestures and more features. i believe those features are locked until you purchase the paid version.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
xda1zero said:
Zeam launcher: Fast, free, simple, customizable, no bloat.
Runs better under ICS then GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man just started using it. It works and there's little lag unlike nova or apex. +1!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Apex until proven otherwise
Ray_Banci said:
Which ics launcher do you guys prefer? I used to swear by tsf shell but its unsupported by ics so now I use nova launcher
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the ICS-like launchers are concerned (namely Apex, Nova, and Trebuchet), the only major area in which they differ is performance and on a very microscopic scale at that. I'm fairly new to Android (my current Galaxy Note is my first Android device) so I'm not aware of everything that is out there but the two launchers I've used under ICS since the leaks have been available to us i717 users are Apex and Nova. As far as transition and animation frame rate, stability (No "frozen" or stuck buttons, no glitchy widget re-sizing when switching to landscape, etc...) and overall speed are concerned, Apex feels much more solid. I have yet to use Trebuchet because I'm waiting on the link to the "NOTEworthy" ROM to be posted which uses Trebuchet as the default launcher. I'll report back in once I've experimented with it and share my experiences.
As far as the classic launchers that have been available for the majority of Android's existence go (GO Launcher, ADW EX, Pro Launcher), it's all a matter of opinion now that ICS is available to us. The primary issue with the classic launchers is when they're used under Gingerbread since there is no GPU rendering API built into the OS like there is in ICS. Essentially, if you aren't opening a full-screen 3D app that uses its own protocol for accessing the hardware for graphic acceleration, then you will have awful performance no matter how well the launcher is designed or written. Thankfully, this no longer has to be an issue since ICS is available to us and third-party code can finally use the kickass GPU in our phablets.
If you like the look of stock ICS better than the look of the traditional launchers, then I would go with Apex because it has the most functionality and performance overall compared to Nova.
is apex only for ics
Yes
EL MEXICAN said:
is apex only for ics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works best with ICS, however it can run on older versions of Android. If you wanted to theme Gingerbread to look like ICS, using the Apex launcher would be a good start.
Im using SPB shell right now.......Super smooth, and a little different.
it will have to do until TSF Shell updates there app to work on our Note.......
ok cool i will give it a try
thair7391 said:
It works best with ICS, however it can run on older versions of Android. If you wanted to theme Gingerbread to look like ICS, using the Apex launcher would be a good start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. Per Apex launchers web:
Q: My phone is running Android 2.x (Froyo/Gingerbread). Can I use Apex Launcher?
A: Sorry, but the answer is no. Apex Launcher is based on the stock Android 4.x (Ice Cream Sandwich) launcher, and it uses many new APIs that are not available in previous versions of the system.
Another vote for Nova here. It's pretty similar to Trebuchet or Apex in look, but it has some additional features in the Prime version.

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