Best launcher app for Nexus 10? - Nexus 10 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks

stock

Sounds like you need Nova launcher. It's the gestures that make it a winner.

phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Apex, works great

n1r0k said:
I'm using Apex, works great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried Apex on a N10 yet, but it would be the first 3rd-party launcher I would try, if that means anything

I'm using Go launcher HD. It is not on play store yet, gotta go to the go launcher website and find the apk. Pretty nice, has gestures and lots of customization. The 3 main android buttons are sstill in the middle... I don't think launchers alone can change that.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about the navigation buttons (back, home, recents), then you can't change that with a launcher. Launcher is only your homescreen. The navigation bar is part of the systemui.apk

Go for apex
Sent from my GT-i9001 using xda app-developers app

Configured Apex, works fine.
Do you know if plus version gives two finger system menu?
And how to change buttons from the middle to the side?

Apex and Nova both do what I want.. they seem pretty similar. What I can't figure out is if one of them is better in terms of battery usage, speed, stability, etc? Apex on my Nexus 7 had a bug where icon/folder labels disappeared when I rotated the device, so I switched to Nova. The Apex dev said he would fix that in the next update though.

Nova. Loved the ability to overlap widgets.

Nova and Apex Launcher are the two most widely used launchers and offer basically the same features on both and will do anything you need. SS Launcher is also good but is much more "difficult" to set up perfect since it has no grid, you just drag whatever you want wherever you want.
This one might be good for some users too:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jaGFtZWxlb25sYXVuY2hlciJd

phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the stock launcher enough, but I'm using Apex launcher so that I can use gestures (I have swipe up launch the app tray, swipe down launch settings, and pinch does the homescreen expose). I think Nova is supposed to be pretty good too; when ICS came out, Apex and Nova were the two most popular ICS launchers. I tried them and remember liking them both, but thought that Apex was smoother, however that was a long time ago and Nova may be just as smooth or even smoother for all I know.
Also, I like that Apex (and maybe Nova as well) has the option to keep the launcher in memory, I don't know if it just raises the OoM value or what but I hate hitting home and then needing to wait for things to reload. I don't know if this would happen much on the N10 but it happened all of the time on my TF201 if I didn't set it to stay in memory.
Also, I know this is a mater of opinion, but I can't imagine wanting to get rid of the navigation buttons! Do you use the recent apps button very much? For me, once I got in the habit of using it and not pressing home every time I wanted to switch apps, I really loved it.

I have Nova Launcher... Here is a screenshot. I know its cluttered and needs sorting but you get the idea. Everything is super quick.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

what is that weather widget you're using?
hahnsdroid said:
I have Nova Launcher... Here is a screenshot. I know its cluttered and needs sorting but you get the idea. Everything is super quick.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm using stock for now. I use nova on my phone, but the dock at the bottom is far cleaner join the stock launcher, than nova, at the moment. Plus the drawer and search buttons in the corner are no longer needed. I'll use nova when the ui gets patched for the new tablet layouts.

Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

hahnsdroid said:
Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Damn! That's crowded desktop.

hahnsdroid said:
Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Are you having ocasional freezes and crashes?
HD widgets it's reported to cause freezes and crashes.

Hey nope, non whatsoever. All good here.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Stock Homescreen or Launcher Pro/AWD?

Just curious to know if using LP/AWD launchers instead of the stock 2.3 home screens causes any hiccups/lags? Or does it run even better?
How many of you have opted to use LP/AWD, instead of stock?
onthecouchagain said:
Just curious to know if using LP/AWD launchers instead of the stock 2.3 home screens causes any hiccups/lags? Or does it run even better?
How many of you have opted to use LP/AWD, instead of stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using launcher pro at the mo without any issues. Nice and smooth.
I'm using launcher pro. It's just as smooth as the stock launcher, and I prefer the 4 dock shortcuts to the the 2 in the stock.
There is an issue with the 3D app drawer, it doesn't work properly, so I had to turn off that feature. I'm sure the dev will update for Gingerbread soon enough. 3D drawer is cool, but not a deal breaker for me.
LauncherPro Plus always.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Launcher Pro Plus
Using ADW Launcher. I think I might go back to stock though because I love the new app drawer effects and whatnot.
Launcher pro plus, can't beat its widgets
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Using LP, needed/wanted the 7 screens.
Stock
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
No problems for me. I prefer the options of launcher pro.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Launcher Pro Plus for the awesome Widgets, five column launcher, and the four app dock bar. I also like the sliding additional docks more than ADWs flip up one.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Do you guys using Launcher Pro have the 3D app drawer bug? (Basically you can't slow scroll, only flick scroll).
distortedloop said:
Do you guys using Launcher Pro have the 3D app drawer bug? (Basically you can't slow scroll, only flick scroll).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, there's a bug, you'll have to wait til the dev updates it if you want to use the 3d drawer. Personally, I use the regular drawer. LauncherPro Plus all the way, great app.
ikon8 said:
Yea, there's a bug, you'll have to wait til the dev updates it if you want to use the 3d drawer. Personally, I use the regular drawer. LauncherPro Plus all the way, great app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's what I'm doing. I posted a bug report on the dev's website several days ago, but no response from him yet. I'm patient, though.
When people were reporting here "using launcher pro with no problems" I thought they might have meant including the 3D app drawer.
All my phones ever get is Launcher Pro Plus!
LauncherPro Plus.....
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
I was really hoping to remain stock Android, but I've caved and switched over to AWD. Gingerbread is chalk full of glitches - for example, sometimes when attempting to move icon apps on home screens, they'll automatically snap back into place, and/or sometimes disappear altogether without having gone anywhere near the trash can. AWD does not have this problem whatsoever. There are a slew of other odd glitches with GB. I hope 2.3.2 addresses some of these bugs.
I made the switch to ADW EX from LPP. I like how ADW handles the icon labels more, and the transition effects are sweet.
I'm probably going with Launcher Pro, but Santa FedEx hasn't shown up yet with my new toy.
I got used to LP very quickly, after being rudely hit about the head with that wonderful TouchWiz. I might try out the stock launcher just for s&g, but I suspect I will need more than 5 home screens. I haven't found any reason to go for LP Pro yet.
I use ADW, may upgrade to ADW EX once it's got a bit more version history to prove it's worth the cash. I'm not zealously defensive of any particular launcher, though. Some people like stock, some people like Launcher Pro, some people like ADW, et cetera.
If you're not totally happy with what came on your phone, shop around! Try out some alternatives and find one that you enjoy using. Since we're talking entirely about UI here, you, the user, are the one in the best position to make the choice. ADW.Launcher and Launcher Pro are both free. Their paid versions add features, but you should be able to tell whether you like them or not from the free ones. It's not really important what other people use, what you should use is the one you like.

how to add extra icons to home sbar or whatever you call it

the bar at the bottom of the nexus 4 which has 5 icons, the messaing, phone, chrome camera and the menu at middle. HOW DO I ADD ANOTHER ICON IN THAT BAR? i need 6.
jinjin12 said:
the bar at the bottom of the nexus 4 which has 5 icons, the messaing, phone, chrome camera and the menu at middle. HOW DO I ADD ANOTHER ICON IN THAT BAR? i need 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use third party Launcher, such as Apex or Nova
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anddoes.launcher
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher
THANKS FOR YELLING. @#@#$%@
KyraOfFire said:
Use third party Launcher, such as Apex or Nova
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anddoes.launcher
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher
THANKS FOR YELLING. @#@#$%@
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
those launcher are crap and sluggish. i've already used them. tried many launchers already, they all suck and waste battery life. there's no way to do this without installing any apps or custom roms?
Nope
I am afraid I have to answer that stock launcher can't have 6 icons on the dock.
Either third party launcher or a system mod.
Pretty sure if you feel lag on those launchers it's something with your phone not the launchers. And calm down man, so hostile for no reason
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
KyraOfFire said:
I am afraid I have to answer that stock launcher can't have 6 icons on the dock.
Either third party launcher or a system mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a total novice but my Nexus 7 has 6 icons and is the same OS.
Might there be a way to fiddle the settings? (eg screen resolution)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Because the Nexus 7 has a bigger screen so its stock ROM was designed with more room for icons.
Yes, you can play with the system settings.... but why would you want to do so if there are ROMs/apps out there that do those thing perfectly fine?
I won't stop you from playing with your phone or developing your own ROM though
Edit: And Apex is fantastic. I used it from version 0.3, never lagged or slow (well, except for a few beta builds)
Sent from a Faraday cage using my psionic Nexus 4
drpepe said:
I'm a total novice but my Nexus 7 has 6 icons and is the same OS.
Might there be a way to fiddle the settings? (eg screen resolution)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats like saying you should be able to fit the same amount of words onto an A4 that you did using an A3 paper.
While using the same size font.
lunzi88 said:
Thats like saying you should be able to fit the same amount of words onto an A4 that you did using an A3 paper.
While using the same size font.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I know nothing of the technical aspects of this.
However, I have changed buildprop to alter icon sizes , so it seemed at least a bit plausible...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
nothing about nova or apex is going to slow you down. you will never know its there. promise. and you get mad customizing from them. i dont use apex, but with nova you can speed up the animations and screen swipes. these arent go launchers by the way. these are launchers that some devs will pack in their roms because they run so seamlessly.

Galaxy s4 Swipe up action in touchwiz

Anybody know how I can get the Swipe up action? for example to bring up recent apps or currently running apps. I used nova to do this however I'm not a fan of this launcher overall, I had an iphone 5 with the zephyr tweak and I want something similar to this. Please let me know
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium
You will need a non stock launcher for that. TW does not support this and I have never seen one modded to do this either.
It is what it is...
You mean long-pressing the home button? Or you want a swipe up gesture to do that? Because as far as I know that's not possible. You'd need Nova or the like to do so.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Get Nova Launcher Prime. It supports a bunch of gestures and its wicked fast.
Yup exactly I want a Swipe gesture to replace the long press home button.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium
skinnyp19 said:
Yup exactly I want a Swipe gesture to replace the long press home button.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need a different launcher. Luckily, the Android eco-system contains many different options.
Personally I prefer Apex Launcher but people also seem to like Nova Launcher quite a bit too. I set the swipe down to open my app drawer and the swipe up to directly launch Google's voice search, but the combinations/options are really endless.
Try both, or others and see what you like.
Try swipepad free from the play store, it is the best swipe launcher you can use with ANY launcher. You can set up your favorite apps or recent apps. It works so smooth.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Replace the Default Launcher

How many of you have replaced the default launcher on your S4? What launcher are you currently using?
I switched from the TouchWiz launcher to Nova Launcher. It now has the ability to utilize the "Transparent Status Bar." If you are using one of the stock wallpapers, your status bar can be transparent while you are in the launcher, just like TouchWiz.
DarqAnshin said:
How many of you have replaced the default launcher on your S4? What launcher are you currently using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used go launcher for a long time. I'm thinking about switching to nova though. It seems like it has a lot of cool features.
Buzz Launcher ftw.
I've tried both Nova and Go on my S4. I liked both but am staying with Go for now. No big reason why. I just like some of the Go widgets better.
I use to use Nova all the time on my EVOs, but I didn't know if anyone noticed a performance degredation by switching launchers or not. I know until rolled Nova into my ROM on the EVO that it would chew down memory and slow down the device.
I use Nova.
Sent from my SPH-L720
nivron said:
I switched from the TouchWiz launcher to Nova Launcher. It now has the ability to utilize the "Transparent Status Bar." If you are using one of the stock wallpapers, your status bar can be transparent while you are in the launcher, just like TouchWiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'm in the minority but I use Apex launcher.
Hey nivron, or anyone using nova. Does that transparent nav bar feature only work on stock wallpaper? Or does user wallpaper show thru too? I'm willing to give Nova a run if so. I hate not having a transparent bar. And just confirming its the top bar with the clock/wif etc.?
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
I just tested it with one of my other wallpapers and it seemed to work for me.
roninep said:
I guess I'm in the minority but I use Apex launcher.
Hey nivron, or anyone using nova. Does that transparent nav bar feature only work on stock wallpaper? Or does user wallpaper show thru too? I'm willing to give Nova a run if so. I hate not having a transparent bar. And just confirming its the top bar with the clock/wif etc.?
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks nivron. Guess ill try out nova for a bit!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Using TSF Shell.
I use Nova, too.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Apex and Nova are the most popular, but I use ADW Ex for some of the options that the others don't have. Consensus is usually Apex is smoothest.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
I use nova as well. Try to make it look like touchwiz tho
use luncher pro all the time.
I use nova launcher prime. The best launcher to date in my opinion. Im not a fan of spending money but this one was worth it for the gestures, unread count, extra dock pages, and other features.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
I've been using Apex since my e4gt, don't see myself using anything either.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
inlineboy said:
Apex and Nova are the most popular,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to you or either of those launchers, but that is just not true. Go has between 50 and 100 million downloads. The other two are between 1 and 5 million downloads. Heck, Go has over 1.2 million reviews! So I'd say Go is, by far, the most popular.
My question to you all that have replaced your default launcher with the launcher of your choice is this:
Do you notice a higher memory consumption or an increase/decrease in lag vs the default / Touchwiz
For me, Nova is as fast, if not faster than TouchWiz. I didn't really think TouchWiz was really laggy though.
DarqAnshin said:
My question to you all that have replaced your default launcher with the launcher of your choice is this:
Do you notice a higher memory consumption or an increase/decrease in lag vs the default / Touchwiz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Custom Launchers, Full Screen or Letterbox?

Has anyone tried using custom launchers like Nova on the Essential? Do they use the full screen or do they letterbox around the camera like apps that haven't been updated tend to?
bump.....this is an excellent question I didnt think of. If someone could try action launcher it would be appreciated!!!
Nova and Action Launcher both are not full screen.
bretrick30 said:
Nova and Action Launcher both are not full screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither is the pixel launcher port
graffixnyc said:
Neither is the pixel launcher port
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just killed any excitement I had for this phone. Nova is an automatic install for me. It may take them several months to update
Yup, nothing is full screen right now. Just the stock Essential launcher which is pretty terrible and has virtually no settings.
Isn't the stock launcher literally Essentials own port of the Pixel launcher?
IM0001 said:
Isn't the stock launcher literally Essentials own port of the Pixel launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably fork of launcher3 from aosp
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
slothdabski said:
Probably fork of launcher3 from aosp
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is the same launcher I am using on my U11 right now instead of Sense.
Love it. Simple, fast, smooth.
worldsoutro said:
You just killed any excitement I had for this phone. Nova is an automatic install for me. It may take them several months to update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will fix it in no time..
I'm not too sure it's something that Nova can fix. I just received this email response from them when I inquired about it.
Hello,
This is a bug on their end that we are hoping to have a work around for at some point in the future.
Please contact us using Nova Settings -> Contact Support. This helps us help you better!
Answers to your questions are often found in the FAQ's: https://help.teslacoilapps.com/faq
I have an HTC U11 and own the paid version of the Shortcutter app by LeeDrOiD. I've installed it on my PH1 and it's giving me a few more features such as custom quicksettings tiles and a sidebar. I have enabled his version of night mode which adds some red to the screen. It's gonna have to tide me over until we get root and custom launchers etc. rolling.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Arrow launcher is not full screen either.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
what about lawnchair? anyone tried?
I want to increase my grid size to 7 by 5 and stock launcher just has 0 customization!
Did anyone who installed a different launcher have any issues switching back to the stock Essential launcher (Launcher3)? I tried Action Launcher and after seeing that it was not full screen I switched back to Launcher3. However, Launcher3 won't run now - it keeps crashing. I tried uninstalling Action Launcher and rebooting but neither helped. I'm stuck on Action Launcher now because the stock launcher crashes before loading the home screen. Any advice? Anyone have the stock launcher apk?
UPDATE - I got it working again by clearing the cache and data for the app. I just have to set it back up with my preferred apps & widgets again.
What sucks is that the the status bar size is HUGE!! I tried many apps for status bar overlay but doesn't work with custom launcher. Pretty stupid of Essential!
varun.gid said:
What sucks is that the the status bar size is HUGE!! I tried many apps for status bar overlay but doesn't work with custom launcher. Pretty stupid of Essential!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't have anything to do with essential, the custom launcher developers have to update their launchers to work with essential phone.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I sent an enhancement request to Nova and they responded with the following:
"Essential has made it that only apps that are whitelisted will use the full screen. You would need to contact them directly."
Looks like we all need to be submitting requests to Essential. Seems to be a stupid decision on their part.
tigercranestyle said:
folks of you want to use custom launchers, it takes about 60 seconds to submit a request here:
https://support.essential.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
one thing android has always been better than ios at is customization. with this phone we can't say that. fill out the request, please. include the name of the apps... nova launcher, action, lawnchair, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Just submitted asking to whitelist Arrow Launcher.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Ahh the joys of beta testing

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