Database Users

Stock / ADW or Helix

Ok so I am a great fiddler and pusher of buttons but I am not good on the techy side so I am asking...
1) Which one is best - ADW or Helix
2) Does your phone have to be rooted
3) If I don't like it, can I switch back to the SE stock one
4) Is it easy.... can I mess it up!?!
I have looked around at various threads but they mostly seem to be on rooted phones. I have watched Youtube videos demonstrating them both and they look pretty cool. So basically I just wanted some reassurance before I go off and jump into something a bit out of my depth.
Thanks!!

I prefer Helix, your phone doesn't have to be rooted for either, you can install it side by side with the stock launcher and switch between them and they're installed just like anything else so you can't really screw it up.

ADW has more features and is generally better but it force closes too much and tends to stuff up the quick settings widget after watching a divx movie - I have to reboot phone to get it to function again.
Helix is good but when you enter the app drawer you have to press the home button if you want to exit the app drawer as it doesn't have a virtual home key.
I use the stock home launcher as its the smoothest and least bug ridden.
Both Helix and ADW allow you to select the number of homescreens from 2 - 7, the stock one only has 3.

ADW for me. Give all 3 a try, but it's really down to personal preference. Install all 3 along with Home Switcher and try them out to see what suits you best.

ADW as it's better than Helix. But then again it's a personal preference
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

I prefer ADW. I used to use helix but swapped. I went to go back to the stock home but then I remembered that there is no option to have five rows instead of four. I find five rows better because I can fit everything I need onto the screen
I have no idea if helix can do that though.
That is also personal preference though as not everyone would want that extra row

Thanks for the replies guys. Think I will be doing some downloading tomorrow and playing around - I don't think my head is in the right place tonight. Thanks for the info on the Home Switcher too.
Basically I was looking for the extra number of screens so I can sort out my apps/widgets rather than just having it all in the app drawer and having to scroll thru. Does that sound lame!? Or maybe just a bit OCD.
I like the ability to view all your screens in miniature then quick select which one you want (its one of the things I liked about the HTC Desire when I was trying to choose but it was brown and ugly so X10 won).
Edit... OMG there are loads of different themes for ADW too. Choices, choices!

I used ADW for week then switched to Stock SE. I had issue with ADW it is not that smooth while scrolling program. I have swipe couple of time to get page swipe

Ok so I had a glass of wine, cleared my head and bit the bullet and downloaded ADW and Home Switcher.
Can't get the sense ui thing to work. Don't know what I am doing wrong... any clues?

You need to go into system preferences and bind the home button to previews.
Also, make sure sense previews are active under previews settings.
Sent from my rooted X10i using Tapatalk.

Oh for goodness sake, its sooo simple when you know how! I had the Ui sense ticked but hadn't done the home button thing.
Thank you so much for the quick response.

No problem my friend.
Swyped from my rooted X10i using Tapatalk.

Just discovered another way... just long press the little desktop dots and it gives you the preview screens. So now I can have my home button set to my default screen.
I think I need to get a life... been playing with this since I got home from work (altho I did manage to heat a ready meal up for the hubby!!) but I am loving it so far.
Just got Beautiful Widget too and skinned that.... well actually I've done about 6 different permutations of clock and weather but I am now happy.
Thanks for the support today, I wouldn't have taken the plunge without you!

ADW all the way - tried Helix - and it was good - went for ADW - which I didn't like at first - but that was because I didn't know what I was doing... once I'd switch the Samsung app drawer off and sussed out the settings I needed then I quickly reaslised that ADW is in fact the dogs b011ocks!!..

Adw does rock.
Swyped from my rooted X10i using Tapatalk.

And everyone complains abouit ADW force closing yet I have never had it force close on me...and I have never had any problems with the widgets either.

is it me, but i cant find helix on the market, or do you hav the be rooted ?

You are not wrong... I couldn't find it either. Glad I plumped for ADW first then!
Edit.... try herehttp://helixproject.ruqqq.sg/

GPdhillon said:
I used ADW for week then switched to Stock SE. I had issue with ADW it is not that smooth while scrolling program. I have swipe couple of time to get page swipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, until I disabled the "Horizontal Drawer" setting, never had an issue since.

ive tried all of them. if you want to switch between the ones you have all you have to do is not select "use by default" and when you press the home button it will let you choose between them. thats what i did until i figured out that i liked ADW more.
like everyone says just take off the horizontal scrolling for apps and you will be fine.
i also like you you can have 2 apps next to home that are always on the screen and i like you you can customize them to what ever apps you want by dragging the apps there.
as for the force close thing, its only happened to me once but it went away after a newer version of it came out.

[Q] [Req] Homescreen Switcher + several questions

Hey mates,
i have this friend (he's the typical iDork) who keeps annoying me with comments about how ugly he finds my homescreens...
i used to have only one scene (The Sense HD remix scene in minimal grey).
now i'd like to install launcher pro and make it look awesome, custom icons, everything designed as minimal as it gets.
only problem, every time i hit "home" my beloved desire asks me what homescreen it should return to. i know i can make it remember one of the two, but if i want to change then, i'd have to work through the settings and options...
so, here's my request:
a SIMPLE, SEXY WIDGET, that can instantly change the launcher assigned to the home button. i think it's not much work to do, if the API allows apps to change settings (not sure about that).
I'm a C++ programmer with zero experience in java, so i can't do it myself.
finally, i'd like to know how i can mod the launcher pro in the ways seen around on this forum (e.g. Mnml Icons as buttons etc.)
Thanks for your time,
Max
PS: does anyone know a widget for email/sms with a minimal style, such as Cal Widget with transparent background.

Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > LauncherPro > Clear Defaults.
Do you need a widget for that? ..

this isn't my point
i want to be able to switch between two launchers FAST, so i have, let's say a private and a business launcher, one designed for usability, and the other for style.
i don't want to reassign the home button everytime i want to switch, thats why i wnat a widget, or a shortcut, which i just touch once.
but since it seems like i'm the only person here switching frequently between launchers, i guess i'll have to code something myself.
anyway, thx for your time.

Oh.
Not a bad idea.
Good luck.

maxupp said:
Hey mates,
i have this friend (he's the typical iDork) who keeps annoying me with comments about how ugly he finds my homescreens...
i used to have only one scene (The Sense HD remix scene in minimal grey).
now i'd like to install launcher pro and make it look awesome, custom icons, everything designed as minimal as it gets.
only problem, every time i hit "home" my beloved desire asks me what homescreen it should return to. i know i can make it remember one of the two, but if i want to change then, i'd have to work through the settings and options...
so, here's my request:
a SIMPLE, SEXY WIDGET, that can instantly change the launcher assigned to the home button. i think it's not much work to do, if the API allows apps to change settings (not sure about that).
I'm a C++ programmer with zero experience in java, so i can't do it myself.
finally, i'd like to know how i can mod the launcher pro in the ways seen around on this forum (e.g. Mnml Icons as buttons etc.)
Thanks for your time,
Max
PS: does anyone know a widget for email/sms with a minimal style, such as Cal Widget with transparent background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app on the market that can do that.

TheRedDrake said:
There is an app on the market that can do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HomeSwitcher.
Works from 1.5 - 2.1, I think.
Certainly doesn't support 2.2

zHk3R said:
HomeSwitcher.
Works from 1.5 - 2.1, I think.
Certainly doesn't support 2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No,not home switcher. It was called easy switcher or something like that, can't say for sure. It supported widgets for quick switching also. I found several with similar function Launcher switcher/Home manager/, don't know if this one has widgets.

thanks mates,
homeswitcher does indeed not support android 2.2.
anyway, i found "Launcher Switcher" BUT:
- doesn't provide a widget
- sends me to the android settings screen, when i want to re-bind the home button
so, i stiiiiiiiiill haven't fouuuuuuuuund, what i'm looking foooooor....

Cleardefaulthome
It takes you straight to the current launcher info page where you press clear defaults, then press home and select the one you want. Its the best option atm.
Sent from my HTC Desire

[Q] Removing apps shourcuts from the apps screen

Hey all!
I know it might sounds stupid, I'm kinda new to this Andorid stuff
I have the MDJ Revolution HD v.1.2 on my HD2 and can't figure out how to remove\delete shourcuts from the all apps screen, Not the home screen, the all apps screen
I tried everything, can't drag them anywhere cause it says my home screen is full and when it's not, i tried to drag them down and delete them but... Nothing
I'ts there a way to totally remove\delete them from the apps screen- it's a mess!
Thanks guys,I hope you'll make my week by helping a new stupid guy solve this out
=)

From homescreen, click menu button to bring up menu c screen, click menu and find application in menu setting screen. On application manager screen, choice and click on application you do not want and uninstall it. Rhis method will uninstall your application,therefore to have it back, you have to reinstall it.
Sent from my ro.product.model=Desire HD2 using XDA App

10507 said:
From homescreen, click menu button to bring up menu c screen, click menu and find application in menu setting screen. On application manager screen, choice and click on application you do not want and uninstall it. Rhis method will uninstall your application,therefore to have it back, you have to reinstall it.
Sent from my ro.product.model=Desire HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answer !
But i guess you got me all wrong, i don't want to Uninstall apps.. just to remove the shorucuts of them on the all apps screen( once again, I'm NOT talking about the Home Screen - just about the All Apps screen. I moved my shourcuts to folders like;games, media, etc...
now all I want to do is to remove the annoying shourcuts (Igot too many) from the all apps screen.
Got it now? I wanna keep my apps, got them all in folders,,, now please help me remove the shourcuts on this all apps screen
thanks again!

That's down to the launcher. What launcher do you use? (Please say launcher pro!)
Oh yeah, and I'm not being all "know-it-all" like, cos I don't, but it's the App Drawer. Other people will at least know what you mean if you call it something we recognise

johncmolyneux said:
That's down to the launcher. What launcher do you use? (Please say launcher pro!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afriad I don't use one or know what that is.... Yeah, i know, I'm new to this, and new=stupid.
If you understand my problem with the shourcuts on thr all apps screen i'd love to know what you got to say about it.
thanks man

New don't mean stupid mate - you are stupid if you're stupid though
The launcher is the homescreen, with all your shortcuts and widgets on it, and encapsulates the app drawer as well.
In your case, since it's a HD build, I'm guessing that means Desire HD, and I'm also guessing that you have Sense on there.
Is that right?

johncmolyneux said:
New don't mean stupid mate - you are stupid if you're stupid though
The launcher is the homescreen, with all your shortcuts and widgets on it, and encapsulates the app drawer as well.
In your case, since it's a HD build, I'm guessing that means Desire HD, and I'm also guessing that you have Sense on there.
Is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah!!! 100% right.

Okay. Do you want to keep Sense? I only ask because I use something called Launcher Pro, which is basically like your desktop, with widgets and shortcuts, but it also encapsulates the app drawer. With Launcher Pro you can hide shortcuts from the app drawer, but I've never seen this in any other launcher, including Sense.

Is there a way to keep sense and still be able to remove the shourcuts i don't want?
I like the sense thing.
Its just weird I can't find a way to deal with this all apps screen and edit it somehow.
btw- thanks for helping, =)

noamke said:
Is there a way to keep sense and still be able to remove the shourcuts i don't want?
I like the sense thing.
Its just weird I can't find a way to deal with this all apps screen and edit it somehow.
btw- thanks for helping, =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries mate, but as I said, Launcher Pro is the only launcher I know of with this option. It's something that would be in the launcher itself - not something that could easily be added on.

Got it. so I guess Sense and removing shourcuts is something that can't be done,
Thanks again.

noamke said:
Got it. so I guess Sense and removing shourcuts is something that can't be done,
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of. Unless there's some hidden method within Sense itself then I'd imagine that you're asking for new functionality, which would need re-coding and a rebuild of Sense.
I've had a bit of a google and couldn't find anything else either.
I know it's not ideal, but try Launcher Pro. It's in the market and it's free (there's a paid version with some more options). When you press the home button you'll get asked what launcher to use, so you can toggle between Sense and Launcher Pro (and the default Android Launcher) and see which you prefer. It'll mean setting up all your pages again, and you won't have access to the HTC widgets in Launcher Pro, but there's swings and roundabouts.
If you don't like it, you just uninstall it and go back to using Sense. It won't affect your current Sense setup at all, so you won't lose anything.

[Q] First time using EB01 SC 2.4 and have some questions

Just flashed SC 2.4 voodoo rom and have some questions about it.
1. how do you delete the home screen? (I have 7 home screens now.. which is too many for me)
2. When I turn on Camera, it says update firmware. do I have to update firmware?
3. how can you customize shortcut on the bottom (a grey box that have call, app list, browser icon)? sry its kinda similar question as #1.
4. What kind of launcher does Superclean rom use? when i see task manager, icon looks like Touchwiz.. but overall interface and app list look like ADW.. but doesnt have ADW options though.. I'm confused.
I thought I had more questions but I forgot
I will edit this post if I think of more.

triple486 said:
Just flashed SC 2.4 voodoo rom and have some questions about it.
1. how do you delete the home screen? (I have 7 home screens now.. which is too many for me)
2. When I turn on Camera, it says update firmware. do I have to update firmware?
3. how can you customize shortcut on the bottom (a grey box that have call, app list, browser icon)? sry its kinda similar question as #1.
4. What kind of launcher does Superclean rom use? when i see task manager, icon looks like Touchwiz.. but overall interface and app list look like ADW.. but doesnt have ADW options though.. I'm confused.
I thought I had more questions but I forgot
I will edit this post if I think of more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1,3, 4: its pretty much the stock aosp launcher, so any kind of home screen customization is out of the question unless you get something else like launcher pro/adw. Its called launcher2, I believe, taken straight from aosp source. So, if you want to change stuff, you're going to have to look at other launchers.
2. Yes.

And if you're looking for alot of customiziation options along with neat transitions built in...try launcher pro. I've been using it for years on different androids and love it.

mrodsunshine said:
1,3, 4: its pretty much the stock aosp launcher, so any kind of home screen customization is out of the question unless you get something else like launcher pro/adw. Its called launcher2, I believe, taken straight from aosp source. So, if you want to change stuff, you're going to have to look at other launchers.
2. Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean I can't even set numbers of home screen with 'launcher2'?? thats not good..
what does aosp stand for?
If I use launcher pro or adw, stock launcher will be running in background? running 2 launchers will consume more battery and RAM?

2 launchers won't affect you that much. I used to run LPro and Twiz back on DI01 and could get 24-48 hours of bat life.
From what I have read on other posts just make sure that there are no widgets running on the unused launcher, as they might sitll be using the data connection to update.
AOSP is android open source project.
http://source.android.com/
Personally I recommend Lancher Pro over ADW, but I'm sure others will tell you differently. Free versions of both exists so just try em both out.

Full Battery Popup
I didn't know where to post this but I downloaded the new superclean 2.4, and despite it including a program that should have disabled it, I still got a pop-up notifying me of my full battery in the middle of the night. Does anyone know why I got this or does the full battery popup disable not work for all phones?

If you don't like having two launchers and want more customization options, install Launcher pro and uninstall Launcher ebproductions. I use nothing but LP, none of the other launchers can cut it for me.

eboersch said:
I didn't know where to post this but I downloaded the new superclean 2.4, and despite it including a program that should have disabled it, I still got a pop-up notifying me of my full battery in the middle of the night. Does anyone know why I got this or does the full battery popup disable not work for all phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you wipe prior flashing?
And launcher pro is imho the best hands down. Try the trial and if you like it pay for the full. The twitter and facebook widgets are the best of any out there...bar none.

go launcher
re jenisiz - I used rom manager and always back up previous rom and wipe data but i did not try to do it myself in cwm but now that you mention it I will give it a shot
re triple486 - Launchers make all the difference. I have tried just about everything I could find and I personally liked Go Launcher. Launcher Pro is cool but i would say it is 100 times better for the pay version. You can resize widgets to your liking and there is a lot of support for theming the Launcher Pro widgets. Overall, any launcher seems like it offers more flexibility and features than the stock or aosp launcher. Try the free versions and see what you like.

Battery pop up still there
I cleared all data and the cache twice but the full battery popup is still there.
I did not mention this but i installed the Revolution theme over superclean 2.4. Will that prevent the battery popup from being disabled?

triple486 said:
you mean I can't even set numbers of home screen with 'launcher2'?? thats not good..
what does aosp stand for?
If I use launcher pro or adw, stock launcher will be running in background? running 2 launchers will consume more battery and RAM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the only cool thing about the stock AOSP launcher is the 3D app drawer, LauncherPro does this as well but it's not quite as good.
Once LauncherPro/ADW is installed and running, you can use the task manager to kill the other launcher so it's not running in the background.
Press your home key and set the default to LauncherPro/ADW and it will use these by default from then on and the other launchers will not run.
I personally use Launcher Pro on all my android devices and I always recommend it over ADW but they're both good and its just a matter of personal preference, you can install both and try them - it wont hurt anything and they hardly take up any space.
If you set one as a default and want to change the default again go to settings > applications > manage applications - find the launcher you set as a default, and click "Clear Defaults".

[Q] iphone like Launcher for Color Nook

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area.
I am looking for a launcher that just displays a list of all the applications installed on the NC. I have tried all the usual suspects (LauncherPro, ADW, Zeam, Go Launcher etc) but they all go the desktop first and then you need to open the app drawer to access the shortcuts. I could add shortcuts to the desktop but it does not seem to be a good use of time when the shortcuts to all apps are already there.
It would be nice if the launcher had a dock of favorite apps but not necessary. It would be even nicer if press the Home (N) button in the launcher displayed a list of running programs.
In summary, the launcher should work like the Home screen on iOS.
Any suggestions? Be nice now ;-)
Thanks

Have you tried the MIUI roms yet? They are basically designed to look like the iPhone design. If your just wanting a different home replacement then I always liked the Zeam Launcher because you could add like 4-5 shortcuts to the dock bar...hopefully this helps..
Sent from my HTC Pyramid using XDA Premium App

Thanks for the suggestion
I don't really want to try a non-standard ROM at the moment. I did try some of the MIUI themes for ADW and other launchers but all the themes really do is change the icons. That is, the functionality of the launcher does not change. The default screen for the launcher is the desktop and you have to add shortcuts to the desktop.
I might try loading a MIUI ROM on a bootable SD card and see how that works.
Thanks again

ugrxda said:
Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area.
I am looking for a launcher that just displays a list of all the applications installed on the NC. I have tried all the usual suspects (LauncherPro, ADW, Zeam, Go Launcher etc) but they all go the desktop first and then you need to open the app drawer to access the shortcuts. I could add shortcuts to the desktop but it does not seem to be a good use of time when the shortcuts to all apps are already there.
It would be nice if the launcher had a dock of favorite apps but not necessary. It would be even nicer if press the Home (N) button in the launcher displayed a list of running programs.
In summary, the launcher should work like the Home screen on iOS.
Any suggestions? Be nice now ;-)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried it...possibly get a key remapper. I think one of the launchers has one for the home key...see if this will work...