Google seems to have actually managed to gain a competitive advantage with the new stock launcher: the integration of Google Now including the corresponding voice command "OK Google".
Do you think or are you able to tell if this is something, that developers of other launchers will also be able to do?
Furthermore, so far there isn't a launcher out yet with transparent navbar, or am I wrong? Which launcher would you recommend for the nexus 5 in regards to this? I have always used Apex on my GNex and my Nexus 4 and was very happy. But the transparent nav- and statusbars are just too darn sexy.
Put short, if you are looking for an exact copy of the Google Experience Launcher, you're outta luck. It's impossible for a third party launcher to integrate the Google Now 'left swipe' screen or the voice activated "OK, Google" as both features have closed APIs. The good news is, at least the Nova Launcher dev has said that he's planning to implement the same feature but in a different way. For example, placing an entire Google Now widget on the left screen. It won't be exactly how Google has it, but it will be close enough
As for the transparent UI status bar, I believe all third party launchers will support this feature.
esskayy said:
Put short, if you are looking for an exact copy of the Google Experience Launcher, you're outta luck. It's impossible for a third party launcher to integrate the Google Now 'left swipe' screen or the voice activated "OK, Google" as both features have closed APIs. The good news is, at least the Nova Launcher dev has said that he's planning to implement the same feature but in a different way. For example, placing an entire Google Now widget on the left screen. It won't be exactly how Google has it, but it will be close enough
As for the transparent UI status bar, I believe all third party launchers will support this feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks..that was kind of what i thought. I don't really need the swipe or voice activation (allthough they're nice to have)...transparent nav- and statusbars are way more important
any word on when which dev is gonna come up with an update including the new features for kitkat? since i've been using apex for the last 2 years or so i'm not really aware of the differences to the other launchers..
maxiv said:
thanks..that was kind of what i thought. I don't really need the swipe or voice activation (allthough they're nice to have)...transparent nav- and statusbars are way more important
any word on when which dev is gonna come up with an update including the new features for kitkat? since i've been using apex for the last 2 years or so i'm not really aware of the differences to the other launchers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about Apex, but Nova should be sooner than later. The dev has already implemented the feature, it's just a matter of when he decides to release it.
Action Launcher is what I'm currently using. Very responsive dev, I;m currently running the beta and he's added transparency, white folders and white accents to match the kitkat theme.
maxiv said:
thanks..that was kind of what i thought. I don't really need the swipe or voice activation (allthough they're nice to have)...transparent nav- and statusbars are way more important
any word on when which dev is gonna come up with an update including the new features for kitkat? since i've been using apex for the last 2 years or so i'm not really aware of the differences to the other launchers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Action Launcher Beta has transparency. I don't like the launcher itself though, and it does cost $3.99. Nova creater says he is working on it, but didn't give an ETA for the actual release or beta. You can sign up for either beta through Google+.
Action Launcher - https://plus.google.com/communities/109326856140078966644
Nova Launcher - https://plus.google.com/communities/103449253667195874971 (no current beta)
The stock launcher. Love it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
barondebxl said:
The stock launcher. Love it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
Stock launcher too basic and plain for my taste waiting for either nova to update as im using their current version.. or for carbom/liquidsmooth/pa rom where u can change the nav bar buttons as well as color. Same with status bar
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
the only thing i dont like about stock is that you can't set your home panel.
it's annoying having to put all my icons to the right
Megiddo2000 said:
the only thing i dont like about stock is that you can't set your home panel.
it's annoying having to put all my icons to the right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree with this "it's annoying having to put all my icons to the right"
I like my screens where they were and now centering is left WTF?
I like the stock launcher. But it isn't possible to hide App icons in the Drawer vor can I do this? I didn't find an Option for this
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
I will go with stock until nova reveives an update.
I've always used Nova, but I could start using stock launcher (I like the swipe to Google Now) if only there was a way to apply a theme icons as we can do with third party launchers
dachef2000 said:
I like the stock launcher. But it isn't possible to hide App icons in the Drawer vor can I do this? I didn't find an Option for this
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I hate not having this function.
Stock Launcher great, but ...
I can agree it would be great if the stock laucher had two small addons, than it would be the best launcher for me:
1. Custom Number of Rows and Columns for Home and App Drawer
2. A chance to organize the App Drawer using either "Folders" or "Tabs"
Is it not possible for some devs to achieve this with the experience launcher an make my dream come true to have
a more experience launcher.
Best Regards ... I would also pay for such a launcher ...
I agree. I love the stock launcher but hate the icons, if they update to allow icon packs that would be great and to have more control over the app drawer.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
AndrasLOHF said:
Same here. I hate not having this function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the App "Apphider" ... You can hide all apps you want but you need root... This was a solution for my problem ...
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
if someone can post here when nova, or some other launcher, gets the Google now update, it'd be greatly appreciated! :fingers-crossed:
Megiddo2000 said:
if someone can post here when nova, or some other launcher, gets the Google now update, it'd be greatly appreciated! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never
Related
Hi,
Nexus S, as you all know, has the pure gingerbread OS or the stock Launcher. The dock has those two green icons (Phone and Browser).
Is there a way to change those two? I'd like to use the stock Launcher but I really wanted to change those two icons.
thanks!
dont think there is anything like that as far as i know. try launcher pro and make it look as stock as possible with different shortcuts. lots of features in there u might like....
rican408 said:
dont think there is anything like that as far as i know. try launcher pro and make it look as stock as possible with different shortcuts. lots of features in there u might like....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi. thanks
i was using launcher pro, then switched now to Go launcher.
im after the speed and snappiness of the stock launcher actually. although both launchers i used above are fast, one eats battery juice quick. the other one a bit jumpy/lagging at times.
the stock launcher is fluid even when live wallpaper is active. I read somewhere that it is snappy because the launcher uses graphics accelerator or the graphics engin (or something) that's why its crisp even when opening the app drawer, the zoom/fade animation of the icons are smooth. i compared it with 3rd party launchers.
its just those two unchangeable icons that bothers me (and inability to add/remove home screens). though i can live with it, i guess.
thanks again!
You have to decompile SystemUI.apk, then change the images and after that compile it again.
To do this you need apktools, you can google it.
Hope it helped
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
treUse said:
You have to decompile SystemUI.apk, then change the images and after that compile it again.
To do this you need apktools, you can google it.
Hope it helped
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh wow.. sounds like ill be researching
I assume it needs my phone to be rooted?
You can now install Google launcher so happy.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
sent from Motorola geeeee
maccboy2010 said:
You can now install Google launcher so happy.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
sent from Motorola geeeee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear, this is "Google Now Launcher" not "Google Experience Launcher" that play store edition phones have. Ok, sorry, just checked and it's the same thing, somehow i thought that google now launcher is a simplified version of google experience launcher. It's the same thing
Nevertheless it's a very nice launcher, simple and sleek.
.. and it's available now on all phones with android 4.1+
It is Google now launcher
http://www.androidcentral.com/google-now-launcher-now-available-most-android-devices
sent from Motorola geeeee
GreenToad said:
Just to be clear, this is "Google Now Launcher" not "Google Experience Launcher" that play store edition phones have
Nevertheless it's a very nice launcher, simple and sleek.
.. and it's available now on all phones with android 4.1+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference?
Sent from my XT1032
Clarkiieh said:
What's the difference?
Sent from my XT1032
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, sorry, just checked and it's the same thing, somehow i thought that google now launcher is a simplified version of google experience launcher. It's the same thing
Gnl is very good
I hate the icon size, and the draw is awful, so uninstalled it, shame really.
Xposed GEL Settings (requires Xposed Framework) allows you to change such things as icon size and drawer layout, along with many other things:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.theknut.xposedgelsettings
Slight lag when exiting app drawer to home screen. I will stick with Nova.
Nova launcher FTW!
Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
Nova launcher is the best
I do use Nova Prime with most of its features set to imitate the GNL, icon sizes and drawer included. It feels so much better.
is working really fine with gel settings, but i don't know how to resize the icons of the app drawer
Sergolea said:
is working really fine with gel settings, but i don't know how to resize the icons of the app drawer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing the number of rows and/or columns will make the icons smaller / larger.
maccboy2010 said:
You can now install Google launcher so happy.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
sent from Motorola geeeee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been running it since Friday. I like it, very similar to the Moto G stock, but it let's us add/delete launcher screens again. Icons are a touch larger. The Google notifications page is just a slide away - I don't use that much, but I may start paying more attention to it.
rogeriorp said:
I do use Nova Prime with most of its features set to imitate the GNL, icon sizes and drawer included. It feels so much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same, i dig the bigger icons but i rather use Nova so I enlarged them to look more like GNL.
I dislike GNL because of the drawer... Impossible to sort our applications in tabs... I keep Nova Launcher... The only feature I miss on Nova is the slide to the left to see Google Now.
I used GNL for a couple of months and I really enjoyed the swipe left google now, but I recently swithed to nova because of the customization and backup options. I think that I'm going to stick with nova for a while.
lost101 said:
Changing the number of rows and/or columns will make the icons smaller / larger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it worked
Enviado desde mi XT1032
Try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2836552
I can't fault nova launcher at the mo, so much simple customisation it just works a treat!
Anyone got any recommendations for other good ones to try? And any good lock screen apps!
First proper post from the app! Sorry if it's a duplicate
Cheers all!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
mikeroch said:
I can't fault nova launcher at the mo, so much simple customisation it just works a treat!
Anyone got any recommendations for other good ones to try? And any good lock screen apps!
First proper post from the app! Sorry if it's a duplicate
Cheers all!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have always liked Nova....run it on all my devices ...Apex would be my next choice...
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
GalaxyNotesTx said:
I have always liked Nova....run it on all my devices ...Apex would be my next choice...
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+111 :good: Nova great
Action launcher man
nova followed by buzz launcher
I'm using Blinkfeed, nothing wrong with it, launches my apps and shows my widgets. I don't need much more than that!
sense/blinkfeed hands down :good:
nova has been my goto since ice cream was the os apex would be my next choice
Before I've got HTC with sense I had had used many of launchers, but now I now the one and only sense. I don't want anything else right now.
Wysłane z mojego HTC One_M8 przy użyciu Tapatalka
i am using htc for sense/Blinkfeed
MistaBishi said:
I'm using Blinkfeed, nothing wrong with it, launches my apps and shows my widgets. I don't need much more than that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exocetdj said:
sense/blinkfeed hands down :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djlukas1983 said:
Before I've got HTC with sense I had had used many of launchers, but now I now the one and only sense. I don't want anything else right now.
Wysłane z mojego HTC One_M8 przy użyciu Tapatalka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
omer_hyltz said:
i am using htc for sense/Blinkfeed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does sense affect the battery in any way??
kartoonz said:
does sense affect the battery in any way??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not really
Usually always go for nova, used it on my s4 and using it on my nexus 7, but sticking with HTC launcher on the M8 (with blink feed switched off). HTC have done a great job with it, its very smooth and light. There's no extra animations or features hogging ram as it was on previous htcs, you always have more customisation with nova/apex/etc if you want it.
Nova prime for the last 4 years. Tried many but always go back to it.
Google now launcher, also love miui light/express
I use Nova Prime on all my devices... except this one
I've got Nova installed, but haven't bothered to set it up. I've been using Sense the whole time. I guess I am enjoying the "minimalist" look and feel of Sense. I'm not running any widgets, just a few icons and icon folders.
I much prefer Apex launcher for couple of reasons. My setup is single screen with some icons, folders and widgets. I don't use blinkfeed and standard launcher was our right away due to its limitations. With Apex I can turn off transition animations completely, so there are no distractions when swiping to the sides. Same can be done with Nova, but when checking CPU consumption Nova still uses more resources when swiping to the side, even if there is no other screen there and no animation. I feel that Apex is more optimized that way. The biggest advantage when compared to Nova is that gestures in Apex work on free launcher. On Nova you have to pay for the functionality. I use gestures a lot (swipe down/up), so Apex was the clear winner.
Thanks to Google Rewards credits, I've bought practically all the big name launchers out there...ADW, Nova, Apex, Action, Lightning, Go, Next 3D, TSF, missing Smart Launcher as I find it a bit too limiting to pay for yet. Also tried practically all the big name cutting edge free ones like Google, Aviate, Nokia Z, Terrain, Solo, Buzz, Themer. The one I keep coming back to time and time again after I'm done playing with a new launcher is Action Launcher. It just can't be beat in pure day to day efficiency. I love the Covers folder concept, and I find it hard to stick with other launchers on a daily basis after getting used to Action Launcher's slide out app drawer that has the quick first letter search.
I actually do like the stock Blinkfeed launcher a lot, and actually find Blinkfeed useful. I just wish it allowed for some gestures, especially one to pull down the notification tray from anywhere. I found myself missing that one gesture enough to go back to a 3rd party launcher.
My favourite launcher on the M7 is definitely the stock HTC launcher, especially since Sense 5.5 (I think) when BlinkFeed had an option to remove it, rather than having to flash the mod to remove it.
It's been since we've had the option to remove BlinkFeed that I've actually enjoyed and found it more useful to use it.
I do also have the pro versions of ADW, Apex, Nova and TSF Shell though so at least I can always switch to them whenever I fancy.
Talking about switching to a custom launcher, I usually switch to one of them every 3-4 months and stick with it for a few weeks, as I like to customize the hell out of my homescreens from time to time and they're obviously better for doing just that.
ADW isn't as relevant these days though as it simply hasn't got the customizability of Apex and Nova.
I don't have a favourite between Apex and Nova though as they both offer great usability and customization and I tend to switch seamlessly between them, dependant on what kind of set up I'm working on.
BLINKFEED/SENSE!!!!!!
If i haven't told u guys already hehe :silly:
Hi,
I've had the S7 Edge for about a week now and am absolutely loving it, however I have one small gripe. I am used to having the app drawer icon/ button centralised rather than off to the right. TouchWiz doesn't seem to let me move it, and I don't really want to go to a third party launcher if I can avoid it...
Any suggestions? Hacks etc.? I have root access so options involving root are OK for me.
Thanks in advance...
re: launcher
NJ72 said:
Hi,
I've had the S7 Edge for about a week now and am absolutely loving it, however I have one small gripe. I am used to having the app drawer icon/ button centralised rather than off to the right. TouchWiz doesn't seem to let me move it, and I don't really want to go to a third party launcher if I can avoid it...
Any suggestions? Hacks etc.? I have root access so options involving root are OK for me.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are missing out a lot by not wanting to use any 3rd party launchers.
There are over 100 launchers in the google playstore and ALL of them have
the option to move any of the dock icons or other icons on home screen to be
located in the center of the home screen dock or any other place.
None of these launchers require root but it's always best to have root access.
I don't understand why so many people here in xda use the stock touchwiz
launcher when there are so many better ones available which have almost
every conceivable feature and user options in them.
Nova, Next Launcher, Go Launcher and Google Launcher are just a few examples.
Good luck,
Have a great day!
Misterjunky said:
You are missing out a lot by not wanting to use any 3rd party launchers.
There are over 100 launchers in the google playstore and ALL of them have
the option to move any of the dock icons or other icons on home screen to be
located in the center of the home screen dock or any other place.
None of these launchers require root but it's always best to have root access.
I don't understand why so many people here in xda use the stock touchwiz
launcher when there are so many better ones available which have almost
every conceivable feature and user options in them.
Nova, Next Launcher, Go Launcher and Google Launcher are just a few examples.
Good luck,
Have a great day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I've been a long-time Android user and have used Apex, Nova, Go, Sense, Xperia, TouchWiz etc. etc., but it's all a personal preference. I actually quite like TouchWiz (let the flaming commence), but my only gripe is not being able to move the app drawer button.
And saying there are so many 'better' ones available is all a personal preference.
NJ72 said:
Hi,
I've had the S7 Edge for about a week now and am absolutely loving it, however I have one small gripe. I am used to having the app drawer icon/ button centralised rather than off to the right. TouchWiz doesn't seem to let me move it, and I don't really want to go to a third party launcher if I can avoid it...
Any suggestions? Hacks etc.? I have root access so options involving root are OK for me.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched over to TW for my default launcher to see if I could find an answer for you.
Well, dang, if that isn't annoying. I got nothing. You would think that would be an easy and intuitive customization. (Needing root for an Xposed module or a custom ROM??? It just should be easier than that!)
Ugh. I am not OCD, but I prefer my home at center, too.
I find that I only use TW to create shortcuts (so that they appear as options for the Edge sidebar)... then I return to Nova. Like you, I have tried more than a dozen launchers (Smart, Action, Lightning, Go.... many of them very good....) but for me, I keep coming back to Nova for customization and options.
Good Luck. I hope someone finds what should be a simple solution.
I discover Nova, since then, TouchWiz is something from the past, Nova is much better and versatile, try it, you will love it
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
NJ72 said:
Thanks for the reply. I've been a long-time Android user and have used Apex, Nova, Go, Sense, Xperia, TouchWiz etc. etc., but it's all a personal preference. I actually quite like TouchWiz (let the flaming commence), but my only gripe is not being able to move the app drawer button.
And saying there are so many 'better' ones available is all a personal preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to get flamed about. Touchwiz is actually quite nice, bloatware aside. Disabling all that I'd even be able to be happy with Touchwiz if not for the app drawer button. That alone was enough for me to go to Nova. I searched high and low for a way to move the app drawer where it belongs (center) but couldn't find a thing.
My only real grasp on TouchWiz over any other is the widgets I use. Can't use Samsung widgets on Nova right?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Rydah805 said:
My only real grasp on TouchWiz over any other is the widgets I use. Can't use Samsung widgets on Nova right?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never tested all of them, but pulling up widgets on my phone right now there's an option to add Samsung widgets (that I didn't disable with EZ Disabler) so I am assuming they should all work. What are some you're curious about? I'll check them. I know edge still works fine, you can keep the stock look or apply the stock Marshmallow look, there's a ton of options. It basically takes nothing away (so far not even performance or battery life) but enables you to have a bit more control over things. A lot more control really.
Gonna try now, thanks for that info.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
NJ72 said:
Thanks for the reply. I've been a long-time Android user and have used Apex, Nova, Go, Sense, Xperia, TouchWiz etc. etc., but it's all a personal preference. I actually quite like TouchWiz (let the flaming commence), but my only gripe is not being able to move the app drawer button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been a long time Nova user, but also prefer the Touchwiz launcher on the S7. Unfortunately, the only way to move the app drawer button to the center it to have it the only button in the dock at the bottom.
Symphony0fLife said:
I never tested all of them, but pulling up widgets on my phone right now there's an option to add Samsung widgets (that I didn't disable with EZ Disabler) so I am assuming they should all work. What are some you're curious about? I'll check them. I know edge still works fine, you can keep the stock look or apply the stock Marshmallow look, there's a ton of options. It basically takes nothing away (so far not even performance or battery life) but enables you to have a bit more control over things. A lot more control really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have an option to add the Samsung Calendar widget?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Rydah805 said:
Do you have an option to add the Samsung Calendar widget?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.
Symphony0fLife said:
Yep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't figure out how to get it to show up on mine. It completely is not an option.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Rydah805 said:
I can't figure out how to get it to show up on mine. It completely is not an option.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, are you using the free version or paid?
I am using the paid version with the notifications (TeslaUnread) add on. I'm not sure what enabled the widgets as it wasn't my goal, but that's what I have installed on mine in case it matters. I just hold my finger down on the background and it pops up with the usual menu with wallpaper, widgets, etc.
Symphony0fLife said:
Hmm, are you using the free version or paid?
I am using the paid version with the notifications (TeslaUnread) add on. I'm not sure what enabled the widgets as it wasn't my goal, but that's what I have installed on mine in case it matters. I just hold my finger down on the background and it pops up with the usual menu with wallpaper, widgets, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, using the paid version. Weird. I'll mess around with it.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Rydah805 said:
Yeah, using the paid version. Weird. I'll mess around with it.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wife got an S7 today. Haven't touched it yet but I'll pay special attention when setting this part up to see if I can find what makes it available. Like I said, when I set mine up I just wasn't paying attention to the widgets because I don't use any aside from the weather. I just know they're all there now.
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.