[Q] Do AOSP-derived launchers (Apex, Nova etc.) work? - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi there,
can anyone with a SGS3 check whether AOSP-based ICS launchers like Nova or Apex work on the phone? If I'm getting a SGS3, I really would like to replace TouchWiz with a stock experience, so I'm wondering whether that's possible without further modifications.
TIA
SoWhy

There was someone on General that used Apex launcher because it used less memory.

Nova works perfectly, I'm using it right now.

Apex is fine
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA

FISKER_Q said:
There was someone on General that used Apex launcher because it used less memory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably me
Been using it for last few days. Screenshot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1633561&page=4

Related

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.

Launcher Pro

Anyone having issues with LP? I ask beacause I may be. Issues such as home screens randomly switching, random FC's, and multiple widgets not being able to autoload. I realize that the widgets could be specific however having 3-5 a day not load leads me to the common denominator wich would be LP.
Atm I am only rooted with LP.
Peace
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
LauncherPro has not been updated in a long time. Also it does not play well with ics. Better use Nova launcher.
And one last thing, you asked this on the development section, which is only for a Android development.
I don't believe the author off launcher pro has updated it for compatibility with ics. Checkout apex launcher, you can use the launcher pro icons if you would like.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
augustorm said:
Anyone having issues with LP? I ask beacause I may be. Issues such as home screens randomly switching, random FC's, and multiple widgets not being able to autoload. I realize that the widgets could be specific however having 3-5 a day not load leads me to the common denominator wich would be LP.
Atm I am only rooted with LP.
Peace
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This post belongs in the general section, not the development section.
You'd be better off with the Apex launcher. Or Nova launcher.
Sent from my Obsession
Thanks for the headsup on the other two launchers...and the reason i posted here was because of the fact i considered the issue to be related to development of third party sw....if the development thread is reserved only for roms then my bad.
Thanks again for the responses.
Peace
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Who uses launcherpro anymore.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
joe.kerwin said:
Who uses launcherpro anymore.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Apparently I do....when I find somin I like...I use it. Now if you have somin you wrote that is better let me know and I'll give it a try. However if you're one of those POS's that would rather troll than provide productive information, go ask your mom for arcade money and leave these threads for those that want to properly educate peeps.
Once again...thanks to the previous posters...I have tried both Apex and Nova and have decided to use both depending on my mood. They both provide more fluid properties than LP and buy utilizing both i am afforded a cheap and easy way to change themes.
Peace
I used launcher pro a lot, and it's very sad the dev gave up on it, but I found that GO launcher is the closest best thing (looks quite similar too in default), and it has so many more great features. I highly recommend to try it, if you haven't yet.
dbacchus said:
I used launcher pro a lot, and it's very sad the dev gave up on it, but I found that GO launcher is the closest best thing (looks quite similar too in default), and it has so many more great features. I highly recommend to try it, if you haven't yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I recommend Apex launcher; its literally like the ICS version of launcher pro.
dbacchus said:
I used launcher pro a lot, and it's very sad the dev gave up on it, but I found that GO launcher is the closest best thing (looks quite similar too in default), and it has so many more great features. I highly recommend to try it, if you haven't yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!
teh roxxorz said:
Personally, I recommend Apex launcher; its literally like the ICS version of launcher pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the ICS update for the SGS2 is when LP went south for me. After reading about all the other options out there I went with Apex and paid for it. The big down side to Apex was lack of a calendar widget. So I ended up going with GO Launcher.
Honestly I'd love to used the TW Calendar - if anyone know how to used that with a different launcher I'm all eyes.
rosedog said:
After the ICS update for the SGS2 is when LP went south for me. After reading about all the other options out there I went with Apex and paid for it. The big down side to Apex was lack of a calendar widget. So I ended up going with GO Launcher.
Honestly I'd love to used the TW Calendar - if anyone know how to used that with a different launcher I'm all eyes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TELL ME ABOUT IT. I love the ACTUAL calendar, just something I can glance at....I've been looking into things on that particular note.

[Q]Best Launcher for ICS Tablets

Just like the title says, can you recommend me good launcher for my tablet? Apex Launcher can be a good alternative, Go Launcher HD doesn't give me what I need.
I'm deciding to change my launcher because it doesn't give me what I need in terms of widget capacities, homescreen numbers and the like.
Andromeduh said:
Just like the title says, can you recommend me good launcher for my tablet? Apex Launcher can be a good alternative, Go Launcher HD doesn't give me what I need.
I'm deciding to change my launcher because it doesn't give me what I need in terms of widget capacities, homescreen numbers and the like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex or Nova. They are both good, although I am currently preferring Nova.
Andromeduh said:
Just like the title says, can you recommend me good launcher for my tablet? Apex Launcher can be a good alternative, Go Launcher HD doesn't give me what I need.
I'm deciding to change my launcher because it doesn't give me what I need in terms of widget capacities, homescreen numbers and the like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chameleon launcher. But it is in private beta. You can wait for public version.
Sent from my paranoidnexus s using paranoidxda app
I think LauncherPro works fine on tablets.
markieo said:
I think LauncherPro works fine on tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume we are talking about tablets running ICS or JB. Why would you use a launcher from the stone ages when there are much better launchers based on ICS available?
rmkilc said:
I assume we are talking about tablets running ICS or JB. Why would you use a launcher from the stone ages when there are much better launchers based on ICS available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, my device is on stock ICS. So far I'm running Apex Launcher and it seems to fit my needs. There's a lapse though: when the portrait grid is resized to 10x10, folder names are somewhat lapping each other.
I'll keep this thread open because I still somehow need inputs from you guys. What I keep on looking now is something that replaces everything just like how Go Launcher replaces everything in my phone.
Andromeduh said:
Yep, my device is on stock ICS. So far I'm running Apex Launcher and it seems to fit my needs. There's a lapse though: when the portrait grid is resized to 10x10, folder names are somewhat lapping each other.
I'll keep this thread open because I still somehow need inputs from you guys. What I keep on looking now is something that replaces everything just like how Go Launcher replaces everything in my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change the grid size so it is smaller.
Sent from my Atrix using Tapatalk 2
Nova
*rUcK*
*fUlEs*
So it seems the best contenders are Apex + Nova. I'll try Nova soon.
Andromeduh said:
So it seems the best contenders are Apex + Nova. I'll try Nova soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the fastest and smooth launcher for ICS tablet for Low ram devices???

best launcher fos s3?

what do you prefer? which is the best and why is the best?
apex or nova launcher,light,fast and a lot of great features as go launcher used to be
zodiaxe66 said:
apex or nova launcher,light,fast and a lot of great features as go launcher used to be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz just works well with phone and its fast or SPB shell as its good eye candy
what do you think about yandex?
zodiaxe66 said:
apex or nova launcher,light,fast and a lot of great features as go launcher used to be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said... I used to love GO Launcher, but it has become so filled with useless crap that I gave up using it.
Simonetti2011 said:
Well said... I used to love GO Launcher, but it has become so filled with useless crap that I gave up using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go launcher is laggy man
i use launcher pro as i think i purchased it for 10p ages ago and it allows me to shrink icons/ space etc so i can have more on my screen and more in the dock etc.
I still think apex or nova is superior,but 360 launcher is also nice and has some cool transitions
I bought Nova for nexus 7 and tried it on galaxy s3 and i must say I just missed touchwiz, I prefer touchwiz because of the elegant design, light and fastness
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
josefmawas said:
I bought Nova for nexus 7 and tried it on galaxy s3 and i must say I just missed touchwiz, I prefer touchwiz because of the elegant design, light and fastness
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really liking touchwizz myself. Never thought I would.
Samsung seems to have done something right with this version. I also tried pretty much every launcher there was. My favorite was apex until I got my GS3. but touchwizz just feels "right".
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
pardoned said:
I'm really liking touchwizz myself. Never thought I would.
Samsung seems to have done something right with this version. I also tried pretty much every launcher there was. My favorite was apex until I got my GS3. but touchwizz just feels "right".
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Would have been happily using the TW launcher if not for moving to CM ROMs.
TurkXtreme said:
what do you prefer? which is the best and why is the best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer whichever came with the ROM. I'm used to the CM's default trebuchet, and I've also used the TW launcher with minimal complaints.
zodiaxe66 said:
apex or nova launcher,light,fast and a lot of great features as go launcher used to be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simonetti2011 said:
Well said... I used to love GO Launcher, but it has become so filled with useless crap that I gave up using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... when your launcher is so slow that it lags on a dual-core proc? Where is that uninstall button?
Apex launcher is the best. If your phone is rooted than you can use Titanium backup pro to convert the Apex Launcher apk to the SYSTEM APP and it will work perfectly fine and faster...
Try holo launcher hd plus its minimal and fast and absolutely no lag
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
360 launcher is indeed one of the best launcher I ever used, just so smooth but my gripe with it is the fact that it's not translated into English
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Used since ICS Nova for my old S1 and for my new S3. Changed some weeks ago for TSF Shell.. Costs around ten bucks I think, but has several nice features (I love the folder option) and works flawlessy on S3 with livewallpaper. Doesn't suck so much battery as thought...
Personally I like the AOSP Launcher
The CM10 Trebuchet Launcher
Apex & Nova
As for TouchWizz the launcher isn't the problem, it's the ridiculous amount of crap that comes with it that slows down the device, well that and I can't move the Menu button to the middle like Stock Jelly Bean
But to be honest it's all down to personal taste, I prefer the Google Experience cause I use most of their apps, I have 0 time for the Samsung experience stuff. I mean seriously S-Voice over Google Now
For now i use Nova Prime. But from what little i have used TW in JB roms i will be using TW when official rom comes out.
But in the end it is all up to you!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
josefmawas said:
I bought Nova for nexus 7 and tried it on galaxy s3 and i must say I just missed touchwiz, I prefer touchwiz because of the elegant design, light and fastness
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. The JB version is even nicer. This is the first version of TW I've actually preferred to use over third party launchers. It's really nice and very fast.
I use Apex and I'm very happy with it, no lag and nice features.
Look no further, might not be the most popular but is certainly one of,if not the best :good:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobint.hololauncher&hl=en

Looking for a launcher with folders in a drawer

I really like the new TW launcher in latest leaked JB and I would use it on daily basis if it would support multi dpi settings.. but it doesn't so I'm looking for a launcher that is similar to TW.
Specifically I'm looking for a launcher that as smooth as Apex or Nova but but supports folders within application drawer. The only I know of is GO but its so overloaded that I don't want to use it really. Apex, Nova don't support folders in a drawer do they. I've got 100+ apk on my phone so don't want to scroll through them each time i'm looking for something.
And there as dozens on the market so don't fancy installing every single launcher just to check whether it supports folders or not.
Any suggestions anyone?
The stock launcher support folder in app drawer but I think it's buggy (some apps get scattered on reboot for me). The paid version of nova support folders too, idk about apex.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
'GO LAUNCHER EX' is my favorite
livefortoday said:
'GO LAUNCHER EX' is my favorite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but Go Launcher takes up a LOT of space. I'm suffering from the same problem.
avimakritsu said:
The stock launcher support folder in app drawer but I think it's buggy (some apps get scattered on reboot for me). The paid version of nova support folders too, idk about apex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, Nova Launcher Prime says that it has folder support, didn't test it yet.
Nova launched prime defo has folders in app drawer and they work well
avimakritsu said:
The stock launcher support folder in app drawer but I think it's buggy (some apps get scattered on reboot for me). The paid version of nova support folders too, idk about apex.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said stock TW is good for me but doesn't support 180 dpi which I'm using at the moment.
Thank you for directing me to Nova. Had prime for long time but didn't realized it supports folders. It's going to be my main launcher for now, folders works really good and its blazing fast, just as TW on JB.

Categories

Resources