Stick to stock or get a launcher? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a Nexus 7 with JB 4.2 installed. Do you recommend I stick to the stock setup or get a launcher?
Thanks,
Jon

Jon12345 said:
I have a Nexus 7 with JB 4.2 installed. Do you recommend I stick to the stock setup or get a launcher?
Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a launcher. You can run them both and then just keep the one you like. There are features inn a launcher that I couldn't live without like the ability to hide apps on the app drawer and define my own gestures for the home screen. For instance I have an up swipe set to bring up settings. A double tap the app drawer. I also have the home key set to hide the dock. I couldn't do any of these with the stock launcher.
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Nexus 7
Clean ROM 3.0 - MKernel+ a19

Jon12345 said:
I have a Nexus 7 with JB 4.2 installed. Do you recommend I stick to the stock setup or get a launcher?
Thanks,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personal choice, obviously... something like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher will look almost the same as stock, but give you more flexibility.
I recently switched to Chameleon launcher on my tablet. It looks and behaves very differently, but once I got used to the change I really started liking the tablet look. In my opinion, it's very functional, and I like being able to switch between a home layout and a work layout.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jaGFtZWxlb25sYXVuY2hlciJd
I held off on buying when it was $10 but at $4 I took the plunge.
I get bored with these things fairly quickly, so who knows how long I will be high on it, but for now it's good.

Depends on what you like
This is a question that nobody can answer except you.. But my experience with the Nexus or any tablet.. I hate the dock bar.. Especially how it goes to the side in landscape mode.. So i use Nova Prime and turn the Dock totally off... I also hate the Google search bar at the top of my home screen again with non stock launcher you can turn this off.
I guess my advice would be to try a few.. I would try .. Nova APEX and maybe go launcher.. Many like go because of all the add on for it.. But to me its kinda kid looking ...
Give some a try....
Good Luck
Erica Renee :silly::silly:

Related

Launcher Pro Plus... Anyone using it on Tab 10.1?

Title says it all... Is anyone using LPP on their Gal Tab 10.1? Hows it working out for you?
I did it worked great. I used it with beautiful widgets and better cut.
had it working but goes into f/c all the time so took it out.
i've used it on the xoom with no probs. have it running on a transformer and on the gt10.1 and haven't had any fc's. works great to me.
Didn't try launcher pro, but in using adw launcher ex since someone on this forum mentioned it this morning.
Hate to admit, I didn't even bother looking into it before since I didn't think they would support honeycomb. Soooo much faster than stock.. stock honeycomb needs to be this quick flying through home screens or I'm never going back.
Anyone else use ADW? Major differences vs launcher pro in honeycomb? I've used all of the launchers on my phones before.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Have yet to try either, but am thinking about going with launcher pro... Going to give it a shot on my Infuse as well.
Mankoorb: Are you using the larger weather widget? Im currently using tha one, but cannot get the background to actually be transparent...
Lp Is awesome on mine
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I can't wait for the tablet version of SPB Shell 3d.
How do we use these other launchers without removingthe HC notification bar at the bottom?
Heuser1 said:
Have yet to try either, but am thinking about going with launcher pro... Going to give it a shot on my Infuse as well.
Mankoorb: Are you using the larger weather widget? Im currently using tha one, but cannot get the background to actually be transparent...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually had to select opaque to get the background removed on some, while others didnt remove at all, just gotta trail and error with it.
Srikar_NBK said:
How do we use these other launchers without removingthe HC notification bar at the bottom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LP doesnt cover the notification bar.
Rhyno77 said:
Didn't try launcher pro, but in using adw launcher ex since someone on this forum mentioned it this morning.
Hate to admit, I didn't even bother looking into it before since I didn't think they would support honeycomb. Soooo much faster than stock.. stock honeycomb needs to be this quick flying through home screens or I'm never going back.
Anyone else use ADW? Major differences vs launcher pro in honeycomb? I've used all of the launchers on my phones before.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw the same post and thought I would try it.
I searched "adw launcher ex" on the market and got some 500+ hits?!?
There has got to be an easier way to find apps on market???
dannyboy22 said:
I saw the same post and thought I would try it.
I searched "adw launcher ex" on the market and got some 500+ hits?!?
There has got to be an easier way to find apps on market???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's generally the most downloaded.
dannyboy22 said:
I saw the same post and thought I would try it.
I searched "adw launcher ex" on the market and got some 500+ hits?!?
There has got to be an easier way to find apps on market???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I entered the same search string. There are a lot of matches, but "ADWLauncher EX" from AnderWeb was the very first one in the list, which is what you are looking for.
What I like about the Honeycomb launcher is how it keeps the icon spacing perfect regardless of which orientation the tablet is in. The Android 2.x based launchers mess up the spacing when you rotate the screen.
Are there any launchers that do a similar job with the icon spacing that the Honeycomb launcher does?
Ravynmagi said:
What I like about the Honeycomb launcher is how it keeps the icon spacing perfect regardless of which orientation the tablet is in. The Android 2.x based launchers mess up the spacing when you rotate the screen.
Are there any launchers that do a similar job with the icon spacing that the Honeycomb launcher does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with LP you can adjust the spacing on the grid, and find the spacing that you like best.
Ravynmagi said:
What I like about the Honeycomb launcher is how it keeps the icon spacing perfect regardless of which orientation the tablet is in. The Android 2.x based launchers mess up the spacing when you rotate the screen.
Are there any launchers that do a similar job with the icon spacing that the Honeycomb launcher does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used LPP on the Xoom and now GT.
I changed the number of rows and columns to max (10 I think) and the spacing seems to stay correct in either orientation.
Also seems to get rid of all the lag with HC which I never noticed before due to going straight to LPP out of the box. Tried HC launcher on the GT for a couple of days but the lag was driving nuts! Just wish I could keep the larger icons.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Rhyno77 said:
Didn't try launcher pro, but in using adw launcher ex since someone on this forum mentioned it this morning.
Hate to admit, I didn't even bother looking into it before since I didn't think they would support honeycomb. Soooo much faster than stock.. stock honeycomb needs to be this quick flying through home screens or I'm never going back.
Anyone else use ADW? Major differences vs launcher pro in honeycomb? I've used all of the launchers on my phones before.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using ADW Launcher EX now (as of yesterday -- like you, learned from reading it on here).
It really is faster, smoother, better animations, etc. and you can have your vertical apps back! I never liked horizontal scroll for apps.
The ONLY downside, and it may be placebo, is that I think the stock widgets (bookmarks, gmail, calendar, etc.) scroll more slowly, but that is really the only downside that I can see -- at least those widgets work!
All in all, I'm now a proponent of aftermarket launchers for Honeycomb, which I never thought I would be.
Tried it and chnaged back, i didnt like the way the app draw looked. i prefured the stock set up....still think it needs more work. but on my phone thats all i rock!
ADW EX got auto-installed when I first set up the tab (it's what I use on my Evo so was in my stuff on market), and after messing with the stock launcher for a while I tried it, haven't looked back. Easier to get the look I want, plus seems quite a bit faster.

Icons/Widgets Shifting on the Screen

So, I've searched and honestly don't know what different terms to use to find any info.
Nexus 7, unlocked, rooted, TRWP, ADW EX launcher. Team EOS JB.
Moving from screen to screen, the icons or widgets ROTATE on their axis. To the point sometimes I can't even read them. The only way to get them back, is to rotate and back, or to turn it off/on. This is weird. I've never seen this before.
It does NOT happen on stock launcher on EOS JB. I've looked for some settings that might explain this - but I have the same setup on my Xoom, and this never happened.
Any ideas?
I'm guessing adw isn't fully compatible.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Nuts.
Assuming that's the case, can anyone reco a launcher? ADW is the only one I've tried. Lots of work goes into these these so I do not mind buying something. IE ADW EX, as an example.
newskate9 said:
Nuts.
Assuming that's the case, can anyone reco a launcher? ADW is the only one I've tried. Lots of work goes into these these so I do not mind buying something. IE ADW EX, as an example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Nova Launcher with no problems!
Try the free version first, and there is a Prime version which unlocks some other features if you like it!
Nova - heard good things about that one. I'll give it a shot. I try to have my phone and tablets look the same - so may have to Nova-ize the MAXX too!
Thanks!

Google Experience Launcher

Just wonderering if anyone is using the Google Experience launcher? Looks really good on the note almost feels like a Nexus experience. Also it responds to the OK google command on the home screen. Always listening which I thought was only a feature on the Nexus 5 / Motorola?
I hate touchwiz and it was one of the main reasons I was hesitant about buying the note. Now I have the best of both world, best tablet and nexus like experience. The Spen etc still work perfectly. Worth giving it a try..
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57618555-285/get-the-google-now-launcher-on-your-android-device/
andyzarins said:
Just wonderering if anyone is using the Google Experience launcher? Looks really good on the note almost feels like a Nexus experience. Also it responds to the OK google command on the home screen. Always listening which I thought was only a feature on the Nexus 5 / Motorola?
I hate touchwiz and it was one of the main reasons I was hesitant about buying the note. Now I have the best of both world, best tablet and nexus like experience. The Spen etc still work perfectly. Worth giving it a try..
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57618555-285/get-the-google-now-launcher-on-your-android-device/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used it but ended up back on nova as i am comfortable with it and love the endless customizing.
I'm using it. Wont go back to TW anymore. I wish that there would be option to make folders in application list.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using Tapatalk
Sudbury78 said:
I used it but ended up back on nova as i am comfortable with it and love the endless customizing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using Nova previously. Agree Nova is also superb. I have moved over to google experience as I have a nexus phone and like the fact basically consistent. I have been using android devices for years now but only used Nova a few months ago. Really impressive how it changes the feel / look of the tablet.
Googles launcher is free of course. I got the paid version of Nova...
Doesn't it work in landscape view??!
Ahmedmoataz said:
Doesn't it work in landscape view??!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does.
valexi said:
Yes it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But how?!
When I launch it the portrait view is the only one available and I don't know how to access the launcher settings
Thanks in advance ?
Hello guys,
I'm coming in from the Note Pro side and wanted to reflect the OP comments. The launcher is smooth as butter and as stated it's as though the GNL was made for the Galaxy Note lineup. I've noticed all S Pen functionalities are fully intact. The best of both worlds...multi Window SPen features with a PURE Google experience!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Ahmedmoataz said:
But how?!
When I launch it the portrait view is the only one available and I don't know how to access the launcher settings
Thanks in advance ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it is portrait when tab is horizontal, and vertical when held normally.
As you can see in this picture:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50487738
Sent from my SM-P605 using Tapatalk
Ahmedmoataz said:
But how?!
When I launch it the portrait view is the only one available and I don't know how to access the launcher settings
Thanks in advance ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you turned off screen rotation by mistake?
Just access the normal Samsung setting screen (by tugging the top of the screen down with your finger) and it is the 4th option from the left. Make sure it is selected... Only thing I can. Think of. Bet you have unselected it by mistake.
andyzarins said:
Have you turned off screen rotation by mistake?
Just access the normal Samsung setting screen (by tugging the top of the screen down with your finger) and it is the 4th option from the left. Make sure it is selected... Only thing I can. Think of. Bet you have unselected it by mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No bro....., it is off!!!
Could u please post the version u r using?
is there a dock for the homescreen?
nymikey said:
is there a dock for the homescreen?
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Click to collapse
Yes, if you put the icons on the bottom row, then it is a dock and doesn't move as you swipe between screens.
I've got the paid Nova Launcher as well. I've stuck with it on my S3, but I haven't gone back on the tablet yet. On the S3, I thought the icons were too big and there is zero customization. However, I've enjoyed the Google Now Launcher on the tablet more so than I thought I would.
If there was a Google Now widget that is always listening that I could use with Nova, I would go back. Heck, I might still go back after the novelty of "Ok Google" wears off.
I finally did it......GREAT LAUNCHER!!!

Most lightweight and fast launcher...any recommendation?

So far, I have tried Apex, Google Now, Nova, and Smart Launcher 2; however, none of these are as smooth as the built-in TouchWiz Home. I like to keep my homescreen simple with a nice wallpaper and four mostly used app icons at the bottom. What I hate about TouchWiz Home is that it puts that ugly page indicator right in the middle even if you just have one page. Since I'm not rooted (AT&T), there is no way to get rid of it. So, are there any launcher that is very lightweight and fast?
Heh... this is the first guy who says tw is smoother than nova or apex
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
bat0nas said:
Heh... this is the first guy who says tw is smoother than nova or apex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me...after disabling bunch of craps on my Note 4, TW launcher actually has been very smooth for me.
cjparker said:
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong but you loose nothing with nova. S-pen works perfectly there. I didn't find any differences.
bat0nas said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but you loose nothing with nova. S-pen works perfectly there. I didn't find any differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same with apex, been running fine since launch day.
sherpa said:
So far, I have tried Apex, Google Now, Nova, and Smart Launcher 2; however, none of these are as smooth as the built-in TouchWiz Home. I like to keep my homescreen simple with a nice wallpaper and four mostly used app icons at the bottom. What I hate about TouchWiz Home is that it puts that ugly page indicator right in the middle even if you just have one page. Since I'm not rooted (AT&T), there is no way to get rid of it. So, are there any launcher that is very lightweight and fast?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about lightning launcher. The only problem I have with it is the app drawer can be a bit slow to launch. Otherwise, as the name suggests, lightning fast and ultra customisable!
Nova
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Premium HD app
stock touchwiz is the best. nova was super laggy when i tried it. stock touchwiz has no lag once you switch animations/transitions etc off in developer options.
I always used Nova on my previous devices (s2, s4).
For now on my note 4, I'm still on TW...
There were some reports here on xda that TW gives the best battery life... [emoji15]
Nova.
Since SGS2 through SGS4 and N4 now i`m using Go Launcher EX and it`s the best, the most featured, most customizable launcher in my opinion and btw i don`t have any regrets for speed/lags.
gabi11 said:
I always used Nova on my previous devices (s2, s4).
For now on my note 4, I'm still on TW...
There were some reports here on xda that TW gives the best battery life... [emoji15]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then I choose customizability and functionality over the few % of battery life.
Nova. Have never experienced lag. Maybe it's because I have Aggressive Desktop selected. S-Pen works fine with it, too. Didn't really give TW a shot because I love the gesture control and infinite scrolling on Nova. I swipe up to open my house alarm app and double tap to turn off the screen. Also, holding the Recents button brings up a sub menu that links to Nova settings, system settings and app list, rather than just settings for the launcher. And just a theory, but I think "OK Google" hotword detection with the screen off works better with Nova.
I've usually stuck with Nova, but find myself using TW for the Note 4. I've purchased Nova and Apex. For fast light launcher, use Hola. It's still installed on my Note 4 while Nova got the boot already
Whilst I'm another Nova fan, and TW this time is pretty decent, I'm a converted Dodol user. Very fast and light (85mb for two screens) even with themes and gestures and many other customisation options. Also has some nice built in widgets.
Sent from my SM-N9100
For light use smart launcher is the pinnacle of light, and remarkably easy to use, however using the GEL has to be my favourite, different strokes for different folks though. Used apex and nova for years, have both pro versions, apex for me is the better of the two. I also have the spb shell 3D, quite heavy, loads of eye candy, also very expensive and hasn't had an update in years. So much potential though.
If you decide to install cm12 then launcher 3 with lollipop is fantastic, I wouldn't swap it.
cjparker said:
I have Apex, Nova, ADC, and have tried a bunch of others. Experienced using them on my ASUS tablet so they aren't new to me. I'm still using TW on my Note4 because I don't want to lose functionality of some stuff, most notably s-pen. Oh... and paid versions of all of those if there is a paid version. I guess I'm not after something that people will envy when they see it. I just want to learn to use all the stuff my new phone can do! heheheh.... coming from a moto Razr. I tried Themer and I really like the concept, but it was a bit overwhelming. Maybe I just need to spend time with it. My s-pen still worked but I didn't explore what DIDN'T work, so... *shrug* .... still on TW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally tried Themer with my HTC One and also thought it was overwhelming. But really just don't like TW so I tried it again and spent a weekend setting it up. Wow! I love it. I easily customized a theme, and lag is minimal. It has gesture control and I've completely eliminated the bottom bar as I use Swapps sidebar. All Spen functions are working.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4
Howie Dub said:
Nova. Have never experienced lag. Maybe it's because I have Aggressive Desktop selected. S-Pen works fine with it, too. Didn't really give TW a shot because I love the gesture control and infinite scrolling on Nova. I swipe up to open my house alarm app and double tap to turn off the screen. Also, holding the Recents button brings up a sub menu that links to Nova settings, system settings and app list, rather than just settings for the launcher. And just a theory, but I think "OK Google" hotword detection with the screen off works better with Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get hotword detection with screen off?
jh787 said:
How do you get hotword detection with screen off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Now voice settings

Nexus 10 Homescreen layout

Hello N10 owners. I've had an issue that's been ongoing for some time, and would like to figure this out.
Somewhere long ago between roms, my homescreen started to not use all the available space. There are huge margins on the each side. I'm able to remedy this by restoring an old version of Nova Launcher, however, this locks me in to using Nova all the time. When I start with a clean Rom, it does it. When I use another launcher, it does it. Any clues as to why this is happening? Here's two screen shots, one with Action launcher and one with Nova.
I use action launcher on my N10 as well. This is normal behaviour in action launchers. It doesn't have customizable margins settings.
I'm pretty sure nova does though, so try changing those.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
shuli81 said:
I use action launcher on my N10 as well. This is normal behaviour in action launchers. It doesn't have customizable margins settings.
I'm pretty sure nova does though, so try changing those.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Action launcher is just an example. Launcher3 and even Nova does this with the margins until I restore the old version.
jblaylock said:
Action launcher is just an example. Launcher3 and even Nova does this with the margins until I restore the old version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I understand your problem.
I just installed latest nova from play store and set width margins to none. This seems to work fine.
This doesn't work on AL because it doesn't have adjustable margins.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
So then is the stock version of this just to have huge margins? When I clean flash a new ROM, it always has these huge margins.
jblaylock said:
So then is the stock version of this just to have huge margins? When I clean flash a new ROM, it always has these huge margins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean in the stock launcher?
No idea. I never use stock launcher.

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