I just upgraded my SIII to KitKat 4.4.2 via CM11 nightlies. Loving the KitKat and this non-bloated ROM. I was a Nova Launcher user. But I try to use stock functionality when possible. From what I read, there are (and appear to be) MAJOR improvements with the launcher in KitKat 4.4. CM11 comes with two launchers it looks like 'Launcher' and 'Launcher3' I'm guessing Launcher is the stock KitKat launcher and Launcher3 is an alternative the CM11 developers through in? The problem I'm having is trying to determine the difference/advantage of one over the other. Is Nova Launcher still superior to either or are the differences no longer that significant?
Merry Christmas!
I always come back to Nova. I tried the stock Google launcher, and also gave epic launcher a try, but Nova is just too good.
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i only use nova launcher.
i tried kitkat stock launcher and many other launchers but nothing beats it.
lately i try Themer, but still little buggy.
Randomly playing with alternatives, Nova always does the trick for me.
Nova is the best but give stock launcher a try.
I guess the question become - do you prefer Nova primarily because you're not on KitKat yet? If you are on 4.3 or earlier, Nova would be a no brainer. But seems I could save myself some setup time just by restore my Nova settings. Does KitKat backup your launcher config to your Google account.
I'm on KitKat and see no sense in downgrading to Launcher3.
Rosa Elefant said:
I'm on KitKat and see no sense in downgrading to Launcher3.
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Which begs the question, I wonder why the guys at Cyanogenmod included it in a KitKat build?
Because it's free? I wish the CM guys would add folders in the app drawer though.
Related
I just want to know what you guys think the best launcher available on the android operating system is. I am currently using the launcher pro plus that came per-installed on my cyanogen mod ROM. do you know any other launchers that aer good.
>>>>>>NOTE TRANCENT LAUNCHER CAUSES INSTA T SCREEN SHUTDOWN ON MY PHONE(SO DONT SUGGEST IT)<<<<<<
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
amskhan1 said:
I just want to know what you guys think the best launcher available on the android operating system is. I am currently using the launcher pro plus that came per-installed on my cyanogen mod ROM. do you know any other launchers that aer good.
>>>>>>NOTE TRANCENT LAUNCHER CAUSES INSTA T SCREEN SHUTDOWN ON MY PHONE(SO DONT SUGGEST IT)<<<<<<
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Click to collapse
I like go Launcher or ADW Launcher. Both are good but used go Launcher the most and enjoyed it the best along with goSMS
If you want to be fast, go launcherpro or adwlauncher. However, there's a popular launcher emerging called golauncher. Its heavily customizable and you can make it look exactly how you want. You should check it out for yourself.
Sent from my HD2
amskhan1 said:
I just want to know what you guys think the best launcher available on the android operating system is. I am currently using the launcher pro plus that came per-installed on my cyanogen mod ROM. do you know any other launchers that aer good.
>>>>>>NOTE TRANCENT LAUNCHER CAUSES INSTA T SCREEN SHUTDOWN ON MY PHONE(SO DONT SUGGEST IT)<<<<<<
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Click to collapse
I'd say ADW launcher. It is my favourite of all time right now. But I must ask what is Trancent Launcher? I tried searching for it but I didnt find it.
I say adw launcher ex too. It's fast and well customizable.
But...btw CyanogenMod doesn't have adw as stock launcher?
yeah it does
i am running cm7 on my phone
i just wanted to know
because my cm7 is starting to lag a little.
like it takes aa few second to get past the lock screen
and i though it might be launcher oriented
Zeam launcher or launcher pro. I prefer zeam
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I like ADW Launcher EX in combination with ADW notifier as it is fast and highly customizable.
But the best advice I can give is to try all the free versions of launchers and see which one works best for your device.
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.
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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.
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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.
Getting ready to pick up my new SGS3 in the next week or so - I'm pretty excited. One thing I'm wondering about: has anybody installed a different launcher instead of TW? I'm pretty fond of Nova Launcher and would like to keep using it instead, but don't know if there are any weird issues with trying to use it.
If nobody knows, I'll just post back after trying.
I already installed it and it's working perfect.
yossiw said:
I already installed it and it's working perfect.
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Click to collapse
+1 - tried Apex this time first, and while I like the homescreen features, it won't do folders in the app drawer, which I love on Nova. I copied the backup of my Nova settings from my GSII to the backup location and restored it, and only had to tweak a couple things.
I've been using Apex launcher, works great.
FYI Go Launcher is working fine on mine.
APEX!
Go launcher +1
Sent from my Galaxy S II - I777
Nova Launcher has always performed the best for me.
nova
Nova works flawless, apex good but its noticeably slower
Cool, thanks for the info. I ordered mine from AT&T last night, so it should show up sometime in September.
once you install these launchers, can you go back to TW?
divinewisdom said:
once you install these launchers, can you go back to TW?
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Click to collapse
Yes. Downloading Home Switcher makes it easier.
I've already tried Launcher Pro, Zeam Launcher, Nova Launcher, and Apex Launcher. They all work great. Though, I think I like the features in Apex the best. I'm sticking with that for the time being.
This reminds me of a question I had:
In the TW launcher you can use that big weather widget, but when you run a different lauancher from the market, that widget is not available. Does anyone know how to get that one to show up in a third party launcher?
kingwp1 said:
I've already tried Launcher Pro, Zeam Launcher, Nova Launcher, and Apex Launcher. They all work great. Though, I think I like the features in Apex the best. I'm sticking with that for the time being.
This reminds me of a question I had:
In the TW launcher you can use that big weather widget, but when you run a different lauancher from the market, that widget is not available. Does anyone know how to get that one to show up in a third party launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, as much as I wanted to use TW, apex blows it away performance wise. The weather widget seems to be specific to TW. Its cool and all but I paid for beautiful widgets years ago and that one is just as good
altitude909 said:
The weather widget seems to be specific to TW. Its cool and all but I paid for beautiful widgets years ago and that one is just as good
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Click to collapse
I got Fancy Widgets for free a long time ago form the Amazon App Store. I'm using it instead. The onlything the TW weather widget has going for it is looks. I was just curious.
By the way: I ran across this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604570
It's a vote for Apex or Nova
kingwp1 said:
I've already tried Launcher Pro, Zeam Launcher, Nova Launcher, and Apex Launcher. They all work great. Though, I think I like the features in Apex the best. I'm sticking with that for the time being.
This reminds me of a question I had:
In the TW launcher you can use that big weather widget, but when you run a different lauancher from the market, that widget is not available. Does anyone know how to get that one to show up in a third party launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex and Nova do pretty much identical things. Nova just seems to be less problem free for me. No lags, shutters or slow downs. Can't say the same for Apex.
Baldilocks said:
Apex and Nova do pretty much identical things. Nova just seems to be less problem free for me. No lags, shutters or slow downs. Can't say the same for Apex.
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I haven't had any performance issues, but then again I've only had my phone for a couple days. I know from a different thread you've had yours for a while now. I like Apex because it seems to have more features in the free version than Nova does.
kingwp1 said:
I haven't had any performance issues, but then again I've only had my phone for a couple days. I know from a different thread you've had yours for a while now. I like Apex because it seems to have more features in the free version than Nova does.
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Click to collapse
Probably so. I have the paid versions of both.
Nova launcher is based on the original ICS launcher source, as is the Trebuchet launcher included by default in CyanogenMod9. Development on Trebuchet has slowed to a standstill these past few months, though, so I'll probably be using Nova next (which has more features anyway), as I'm used to it being most similar to the vanilla ICS launcher.
+1 for nova, although I'm using the stock TW now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Just wondering what you guys use for the launcher that comes with a phone or Nova etc, Please share! Does custom launchers can save you battery?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
I use Nova Launcher, just because I like it [emoji4]. Stock launcher is excellent too I think but I don't see any negative effect on my battery with Nova. If there is it's soon little that I don't care.
The stock launcher is ok but I have always preferred Nova launcher so much that I bought the prime version, I also have Apex launcher Pro as well but find Nova smoother & quicker.
Using Nova now. Runs a bit smoother then stock
Stock
Google Now launcher. It's been available in the play store since earlier this week and Z2 is supported.
Nova on everything.
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I will use nova if stock widgets qorking on nova
Nova launcher
Wysłane z mojego D6503 przy użyciu Tapatalka
smart launcher just because its easy to organize apps
Nova launcher. The default one is fine too and better in some ways, but nova works the best for me.
Smart launcher, few shortcut on the desktop and a clock. Do you really need something else?
Sicksky for me, running CM. Minimal, fast, light.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2404089
I like the app drawer on stock, but have been using themer. I haven't looked into Nova too much, recent switch after having 4 iphones. It's odd since you'd think I'd want everything on my homescreen after years with iOS but suddenly I'm all weird about how my app drawer looks.
Google Now launcher. Not interested in bloat and unnecessary, performance-and-battery-sapping gloss.
What is the actual advantage in running a custom launcher? I keep hearing the term banded about but I've never changed my launcher, not even when I was running CM on my old Galaxy S3, I just left it with whatever happened to be there.
Lagamorph said:
What is the actual advantage in running a custom launcher? I keep hearing the term banded about but I've never changed my launcher, not even when I was running CM on my old Galaxy S3, I just left it with whatever happened to be there.
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Click to collapse
More customisation and snappier experience are usually the main reasons. Some launcher have additional functions like organising your apps for you and etc.
I used to be a huge Sony stock launcher fan but then I tried nova and never looked back
Might have to give a custom launcher a try now I'm rooted then and see what all the fuss is about.
Lagamorph said:
What is the actual advantage in running a custom launcher? I keep hearing the term banded about but I've never changed my launcher, not even when I was running CM on my old Galaxy S3, I just left it with whatever happened to be there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest advantage for me is the possibility to add more rows/columns in the homescreen and app drawer, having only 4 columns look ugly and outdated. Being able to download custom icon packs is a huge deal too.
In playing with the G4 over the past few weeks, I've discovered some interesting things about launcher performance, so I thought I would share.
After using Google Now Launcher for several days, I began to notice that it was sometimes dropping frames and stuttering a bit much for my liking when swiping between screens. I switched back to the stock LG Home launcher and amazingly, scrolling was almost perfectly smooth with hardly any dropped frames.
Curious as to why this was, I began testing various launchers... Nova, Action Launcher, Apex Launcher, L Launcher, an AOSP launcher3 build from KitKat, etc. Finally, I noticed a pattern. Launchers based on the KitKat AOSP launcher source all ran very smoothly, while launchers based on the Lollipop AOSP launcher source all dropped frames too often when scrolling around the home screens and app drawers.
So from this, we can deduce two things:
1) The stock LG Home launcher is based on KitKat or earlier AOSP launcher source code. No surprise there.... just look at the page indicator dots, the app drawer background, and the three dot menu style in the app drawer. They all have KitKat styling.
2) LG optimized the G4 to run KitKat based launchers more smoothly since that's what their own launcher is.
So what can we do about it? Well, use an old version of your favorite launcher, of course. Action Launcher 2 is still available in the Play Store and has its own listing. I went with an old version of Nova (Classic v3.3 from http://novalauncher.com) and find it performs more smoothly than the newly released Nova v4. And not to fear, Nova v3.3 can still be configured to look and act like a Lollipop based launcher by changing a few settings. See my screenshots of Nova v3.3 below to see for yourself.
Hope all of you who are driven crazy by the slightest stutters find this information helpful. Let me know about your experiences.
Thanks for this. Will give it a try.
I was surviving with the stock launcher but went crazy after installing the tempered glass protector. After removing the glass all of my swipes or scrolls were being registered as taps.
Sent from my LG-H815
I too have been trying out the top 10 most know launchers in the playstore and have seen that issue as well compared to the stock launcher. What makes me go back to the stock launcher is two things. Health widget for step counter, and the smart notice widget.
wadamean said:
I too have been trying out the top 10 most know launchers in the playstore and have seen that issue as well compared to the stock launcher. What makes me go back to the stock launcher is two things. Health widget for step counter, and the smart notice widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know me too. How nice will be to add those into nova.
I'll be honest, I am running the latest Nova launcher and I haven't noticed any dropped frames or hiccups whatsoever. Everything seems buttery smooth.
Ken4G said:
I'll be honest, I am running the latest Nova launcher and I haven't noticed any dropped frames or hiccups whatsoever. Everything seems buttery smooth.
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Click to collapse
apex is the smoothest launcher at the moment. nova ( i have the paid version ) is not that smooth like action launcher 3,
i'm only running apex for now
The app drawer and everything runs better , try and see yourself , you'll be impressed.
Great discovery. Nova and Google Now was always my go-to launcher but I have noticed frame drops. Very minimal, but I guess some of us are cursed to notice these things.
I always end up reverting to the stock launcher after awhile. I'll try the suggestion above and give Apex a run for a few days.
Also, anyone find it weird that some widgets like the default clock widget can't be used with other launchers?
Sent from my LG-H818
JustinDulay said:
Also, anyone find it weird that some widgets like the default clock widget can't be used with other launchers?
Sent from my LG-H818
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not weird at all, LG based widgets are baked into the LG launcher. Same thing happens with Samsung based widgets, can only use them on the TW launcher.
I'm using stock LG's launcher and it works very nice for me. I disabled Smart Bulletin option from settings and the launcher flies. With this feature enabled the launcher was getting laggy after a few hours of use ,now it's just perfect.
The only thing that drives me crazy about the Stock launcher is the lack of backgrounds for the icons. I like all my icons to feel somewhat uniform. I know the LG Launcher supports themes (basically icon packs)... but the Verizon model has this ripped out. I know it is accessible through some song and dance but the icon packs were pretty bare, only like 20 icons to cover the basics. Some custom packs have more but still barely cover the grand scheme of play store apps.
Overall good find though. I actually really like Action launcher 2 and run it on my tablets but I am unsure about on a smaller device I intend to use with 1 hand. I know you can setup swipes to pull open the drawer. At least we have options. I wonder if this happens on other devices, or just LG?
Very interesting to see that Lollipop based launchers stagger. Although KitKat was the best Android experience I ever had. Lollipop is fun but on the LG (or other skinned devices) the change is miniscule. KitKat ran like a beast on the G2 but started having problems when it upgraded to Lollipop.
I use KISS Launcher. No framerate loss there.