I find AOSP plain and boring so i try new homscreen replacement now and then and have compiled a list of top 5 android homescreen replacements and they are
1] Next launcher
2] Go launcher
3] themer
4] Buzz launcher
5] Nova launcher
here is the blog post i wrote about it Top 5 android theming apps
Wergin said:
Good apps thanks
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welcome
Also Apex Launcher (similar to Nova but some slight differences).
I tend to use either Nova or Apex (currently Nova since they were the first to add in KitKat's transparent status bar) but Themer is on track to be very cool for people who want something a little less like an extended version of the stock launcher. It's still in beta but it's from the folks at mycolorscreen who have become the best source for custom theming on Android.
My number 1 spot would go to Themer. Liked it from my old phone. Since I'm not that keen on customizing anymore, and I want to have Google Now with just 1 swipe away on my homescreen, I don't use it currently. But from all the launchers I have tried so far, themer is my favorite one. The second place goes to Action Launcher.
Good information sharing..
Where is the Mi Launcher?
And tsf launcher too
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
@hapticc - your page isn't opening mate
about the launchers, my favorite atm is holo launcher...
cos all i need from a launcher is gesture swipes.. up & down for notification & app drawer..
nova & apex have these only in paid version..
i wish GEL would incorporate gestures..
along with access for google now & LMT, that would be perfect
Sliding Explorer
Sliding Explorer have full screen on 4.4:laugh:
solved said:
Where is the Mi Launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't work...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I was always a nova user since i had a galaxy nexus. Since getting the nexus 5 though, i discovered more customization tools for themes and widgets, and ive been using Go launcher just because it works with the aesthetic/homescreen setup im currently using.
If nova launcher had a few more tweaks to it like icons not clipping/cropping, id probably go back to using it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Juansegovia20 said:
And tsf launcher too
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
TSF launcher is great but next launcher has replaced it.
letmedanz said:
@hapticc - your page isn't opening mate
about the launchers, my favorite atm is holo launcher...
cos all i need from a launcher is gesture swipes.. up & down for notification & app drawer..
nova & apex have these only in paid version..
i wish GEL would incorporate gestures..
along with access for google now & LMT, that would be perfect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed the link sorry for inconvenience
aangelsmithh said:
Good information sharing..
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Click to collapse
Thanx for positive comments its make me blog more and more
DigitalUnderground said:
Doesn't work...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yeah they updated it to work on their website but the play store version wasn't updated yet. I had a thread on it. The only thing I don't like about it is non transparent nav bar. The notification bar is transparent but not the nav bar. In the broken version it was transparent. Not sure why it was removed unless that's what caused the issues
Sent from my white LG Nexus 5
Related
Is it possible to make the applications menu semi-transparent/transparent while keeping the original launcher? I don't like it when I press the app drawer and the app menu turns the background black.
Its something like this(in the attachments) but I also want it to be completely transparent.
If you get an alternate launcher from the Play Store like Nova or Apex, I believe there is an option in the settings to adjust the opacity of the app drawer. I don't think there is a way to do this with the stock launcher, though.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
RockNrolling said:
If you get an alternate launcher from the Play Store like Nova or Apex, I believe there is an option in the settings to adjust the opacity of the app drawer. I don't think there is a way to do this with the stock launcher, though.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
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Click to collapse
I hope to keep the stock launcher because I want to keep it original while doing some mods to it to make it look better
Unless you somehow mod the stock launcher and change the background transparency then no you can't do it. I use Nova launcher and my app drawer is semi transparent. Nova is much better than the stock launcher IMO. Maybe talk to a dev and see if they can help you out with the mod if you wanna keep everything stock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
SPreston2001 said:
Unless you somehow mod the stock launcher and change the background transparency then no you can't do it. I use Nova launcher and my app drawer is semi transparent. Nova is much better than the stock launcher IMO. Maybe talk to a dev and see if they can help you out with the mod if you wanna keep everything stock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
EDIT: Thks Nova launcher is a better option everything looks better.
Thank You SPreston!
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
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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
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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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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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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
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?
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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
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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,
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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
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Click to collapse
Post here which third party launcher you guys are using
I'm using inspire launcher & it works so smooth
Touchwiz ...and forever touchwiz
I usually use Google Launcher with Xposed GEL settings
but as for third party launchers, I prefer Inspire Launcher or Next Launcher
On a side note, "Best" anything threads are discouraged on XDA
Best ???, choose what you like most.
For me Nova Launcher works fine.
Nova paid..ultimate customized
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk
Nova Launcher :good: :angel:
Brada can you show some screenshots of your nova customization??
activegiri said:
Nova paid..ultimate customized
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk
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I started using dodol launcher and am really enjoying it.
never looked into dodol launcher - will definately try that one
solomoninusa said:
I started using dodol launcher and am really enjoying it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GO launcher
i have searched NOVA launcher as best , but i find Go launcher nicer than Nova in some points like : I am not able to hide app like i can do in GO launcher, other like nice effect and icon in go launcher ( yes, you can install huge icon pack in go launcher).
:good: try go and Nova launcher and share your experience here.:good::good:
[ tried Dodol and themer beta, they have cool themes but i dont like those much ]
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.
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Click to collapse
Neither is the pixel launcher port
graffixnyc said:
Neither is the pixel launcher port
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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?
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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
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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!
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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.
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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