Database Users

One handed use limitations like notification bar

I am strongly considering the Note II. I know one handed use isn't really ideal, but you do need to do that occasionally. One issue I can see is bringing down the notification window. Are there any shortcuts to doing this? Any other times that one-handed use seems like a PIA?
Thanks!

Well you can replace Touchwiz launcher with something like Apex which has gestures, for example swipe down and notification bar will come down or double tap etc.
Not sure of a similar gesture based app exists that works with Touchwiz.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

jreuschl said:
I am strongly considering the Note II. I know one handed use isn't really ideal, but you do need to do that occasionally. One issue I can see is bringing down the notification window. Are there any shortcuts to doing this? Any other times that one-handed use seems like a PIA?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do this onehansed with no real issue. I would say I have average size hands. Might be difficult with small hands. I have to stretch to reach all the way across the screen onehanded, but it isnt impossible. I will say note2 is more comfortable for this than note1

nikzDHD said:
Well you can replace Touchwiz launcher with something like Apex which has gestures, for example swipe down and notification bar will come down or double tap etc.
Not sure of a similar gesture based app exists that works with Touchwiz.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, a replacement launcher is sensible anyway, given how horrid Touchwiz is (personal opinion, I know), so something like Apex or Nova (my choice) gets around this. With Nova a simple downwards-swipe anywhere brings down the notification menu.

Robster83 said:
Agreed, a replacement launcher is sensible anyway, given how horrid Touchwiz is (personal opinion, I know), so something like Apex or Nova (my choice) gets around this. With Nova a simple downwards-swipe anywhere brings down the notification menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will i lose any of S-pen functionality/

GMD Gesture is an app that lets you cray your own features that work any where. I got it originally for my tablet, but now use it on my galaxy nexus too. Works great. Waiting for the note 2 to hit states.

Hell Guardian said:
will i lose any of S-pen functionality/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing you'll lose is page buddy.
- Frank

just switched from nexus4 to s4 , things i dont like

Guys,
Just ditched my nexus 4 for s4 due to brightness and camera issues which I hated the most of nexus4 rest the speed etc was completely enough for a average user like me.
what i miss mostly of my nexus4 is simplicity, whereas s4 is too complicated to use due to tooo many features which are hard to understand.
what i want to know is it possible right now to make it simple as vanilla...
sorry if i wasn't clear enough to make you guys explain.
Thanks
p.s. in terms of these days phone, its sick!

coolraghav said:
Guys,
Just ditched my nexus 4 for s4 due to brightness and camera issues which I hated the most of nexus4 rest the speed etc was completely enough for a average user like me.
what i miss mostly of my nexus4 is simplicity, whereas s4 is too complicated to use due to tooo many features which are hard to understand.
what i want to know is it possible right now to make it simple as vanilla...
sorry if i wasn't clear enough to make you guys explain.
Thanks
p.s. in terms of these days phone, its sick!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash an AOSP ROM.
Sent with my Sonic Screwdriver

coolraghav said:
Guys,
Just ditched my nexus 4 for s4 due to brightness and camera issues which I hated the most of nexus4 rest the speed etc was completely enough for a average user like me.
what i miss mostly of my nexus4 is simplicity, whereas s4 is too complicated to use due to tooo many features which are hard to understand.
what i want to know is it possible right now to make it simple as vanilla...
sorry if i wasn't clear enough to make you guys explain.
Thanks
p.s. in terms of these days phone, its sick!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just spend ten minutes looking through the settings and getting it how you want it. Pretty much all the features that you don't need can be disabled. If you've had a Nexus 4 I don't see how an S4 could be any more difficult to use to be honest.

Thanks for your reply wolf, is it as easy as it was with nexus4 or do i have to face any trouble. I'm completely newbie in all this.

mshaw03 said:
Just spend ten minutes looking through the settings and getting it how you want it. Pretty much all the features that you don't need can be disabled. If you've had a Nexus 4 I don't see how an S4 could be any more difficult to use to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A. Settings, its easier in vanilla.
B.All the samsung apps are coming before
C. When I long-click an app in applications menu, i liked the idea of app info/uninstall
D. Hate samsung apps ..
Also how do i find what processor my phone is running ? As I'm not sure yet which processor in India they've released.

coolraghav said:
A. Settings, its easier in vanilla.
B.All the samsung apps are coming before
C. When I long-click an app in applications menu, i liked the idea of app info/uninstall
D. Hate samsung apps ..
Also how do i find what processor my phone is running ? As I'm not sure yet which processor in India they've released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They've released the i9500 version and you can check the Model number of the device:
Settings->last tab->About Device->Model Number.

Just install another launcher like Nova or APEX, they will give you the plain stock Android experience you are looking for. I have Nova running and it actually sped up my phone substantially. I also checked the RAM availability before and after using Nova and essentially stayed the same. Give it a try.
coolraghav said:
Guys,
Just ditched my nexus 4 for s4 due to brightness and camera issues which I hated the most of nexus4 rest the speed etc was completely enough for a average user like me.
what i miss mostly of my nexus4 is simplicity, whereas s4 is too complicated to use due to tooo many features which are hard to understand.
what i want to know is it possible right now to make it simple as vanilla...
sorry if i wasn't clear enough to make you guys explain.
Thanks
p.s. in terms of these days phone, its sick!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nycrazyg said:
Just install another launcher like Nova or APEX, they will give you the plain stock Android experience you are looking for. I have Nova running and it actually sped up my phone substantially. I also checked the RAM availability before and after using Nova and essentially stayed the same. Give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plain stock? No not really lol. How do you get rid of black and neon green colors

i'm not fond of launchers eh.
guys how can I arrange apps alphabetically...its so hard finding an app now!! lol .. i miss my nexus .. haha somehow tell me how to make it plain n simple.

coolraghav said:
i'm not fond of launchers eh.
guys how can I arrange apps alphabetically...its so hard finding an app now!! lol .. i miss my nexus .. haha somehow tell me how to make it plain n simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will get my s4 tomorrow.. but in my s3, its done like this.. i am very sure its the same in the s4
Go to app drawer--> press menu button--> view type--> alphabetical grid..done
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

mshaw03 said:
Just spend ten minutes looking through the settings and getting it how you want it. Pretty much all the features that you don't need can be disabled. If you've had a Nexus 4 I don't see how an S4 could be any more difficult to use to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chillz88 said:
Will get my s4 tomorrow.. but in my s3, its done like this.. i am very sure its the same in the s4
Go to app drawer--> press menu button--> view type--> alphabetical grid..done
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got it, thanks mate! i was just more used to 3 buttons @ bottom of screen (n4)

wednesday13 said:
Plain stock? No not really lol. How do you get rid of black and neon green colors
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Black and Neon Green colors? I'm guessing you haven't given Nova or Apex a try. It changes everything, homescreen, app drawer, and with Nova you can even set a theme color that changes the color accent colors of the Menus. I used to own a Galaxy Nexus, and I have the options using these launchers to revert everything to stock Android. Don't knock it until you try it, I mean really try it though.
coolraghav said:
i'm not fond of launchers eh.
guys how can I arrange apps alphabetically...its so hard finding an app now!! lol .. i miss my nexus .. haha somehow tell me how to make it plain n simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about Touch Wiz, the option is in the Touch Wiz app drawer. Hit Menu, then View Type, There's Alphabetical Grid, or Alphabetical List.

Just install nova or apex launcher. Works like a charm.
I prefer nova launcher though.

i'm coming from a nexus 4 as well i too hate all the preinstalled samsung apps, but I disabled most of them.
What I can't stand is the physical home button. Its not a deal breaker but i HATE IT

i switched from nexus 4 too.
things i hate about the s4:
1. back button on the right side because i usually use my phone with the left hand.
2. no recent apps button. so holding the home button is slow.
3. no aosp browser unless using doc's barebone rom. chrome and stock browser is so slowww compared to this.
4. bloated apps and bloated gimmicks features like smart and gesture things which slow down the phone. resolved by turning them off and using doc's barebone rom.
things to love on the s4:
1. nice screen, i mean really really great.
2. better camera than the nexus 4, the nexus 4 has cool tint, like blueish.
3. micro sd card
4. replacable battery, i mean just get the battery kit and have infinity battery. awesome.

TouchWiz 4.3 on a Tablet is a Screw Job

How do I know? I just played with the 4.4 skin at best buy on the Pro models. They seemed to have fixed nearly every design issue I had with 4.3 on my 2014. It really feels like a tablet skin instead of a phone skin. I'm glad Samsung fixed it but why do such a terrible job in the first place? Was my $600 not worth their time?
Incredibly excited for 4.4 update. It will be like getting a brand new device! I really hope they have some kind of option to remap the menu button to a task switching button. That would be the ultimate.

Two words:
Nova. Launcher.

I checked the pro series 4.4 skins in best buy too. Although the skin seems to be more tablet oriented, the TouchWiz lag still exists. The device was still not snappy enough

Agree... Nova launcher fixes everything. Buy it once and you'll have it on every device you own.

Just bought Nova With the $25 credit they gave me to the google play store. I've Used the free version for ages. Finally broke down and bought the pro.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

jherring002 said:
Just bought Nova With the $25 credit they gave me to the google play store. I've Used the free version for ages. Finally broke down and bought the pro.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha you literally just inspired me to do the same. Had the 25.00 credit and then some from the Google survey app. In case anyone didn't know download the Google survey app and get free Google play credits. Totally worth it.

RussellEstridge25 said:
Haha you literally just inspired me to do the same. Had the 25.00 credit and then some from the Google survey app. In case anyone didn't know download the Google survey app and get free Google play credits. Totally worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're Welcome =)
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

jherring002 said:
You're Welcome =)
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha ty!

Stocklone said:
How do I know? I just played with the 4.4 skin at best buy on the Pro models. They seemed to have fixed nearly every design issue I had with 4.3 on my 2014. It really feels like a tablet skin instead of a phone skin. I'm glad Samsung fixed it but why do such a terrible job in the first place? Was my $600 not worth their time?
Incredibly excited for 4.4 update. It will be like getting a brand new device! I really hope they have some kind of option to remap the menu button to a task switching button. That would be the ultimate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with a N12 at BB and came away with a different opinion. Most of the differences between it and the N10.1-14 were pretty minor and aesthetic. M-UX is of course new but did you look at the number and type of widgets available? Pretty sparse. What used to be My Magazine is now broken up so each category in what was the "News" section are now individual widgets. There's no Facebook for the Social widget either just like My Magazine. There's e-mail, calendar, and all the S Apps like Hub, Apps, WatchOn etc. There's Hancom widgets but we're probably not getting it (unless you side load it as explained in the apps section of the forum). Not much else. And at CES there were mini tiles shown that acted like shortcuts to a bunch of common/popular apps; gone. Unless Samsung's got big future plans for stocking M-UX with widgets and shortcuts I'd be fine without having a mandatory page of it on my home screen.
In terms of TW (now "classic") the settings menus and some others have been freshened and the notification panel drop down has been reformatted/resized so it's more appropriate for a tablet. There are more Pen Window apps and the way you launch multitasking's been revised to "swipe from the side" which now conflicts with other apps (EG: Astro) that also swipe from the side. You can now also cascade (overlay) Multi View windows which was a N10.1-12 feature that got left out of the N10.1-14 launch ROM.
What other major changes or differences did you notice that I missed?
As for Samsung's interpretation of 4.4 over 4.3 I've been using an "official" AT&T 4.4 ROM for about a month on my N3. The only functional changes are the location and wireless control panels have been re-worked so they are much clearer and easier to interpret and the lock screen has a "one app" option that's set to camera by default but can be changed to any app. It can also be set to "4.3 style" which I chose because there are more options including launching five apps from the lock screen. The notification bar icons are white (wow! ), there's a new slightly revised default system font, and there are some minor UI graphic changes. You have to look pretty hard to see the differences between 4.3 and 4.4 as designed by Samsung. The biggest difference I've seen is my battery life went up and the N3 which was already fluid on 4.3 became more so. Having played with M-UX and come away meh, performance improvements are what I'm looking forward to most in our update. That along with some of the cleaned up menus and new Multi View functionality.

I don't even know anymore what touchwiz looks like even though i have a samsung smartphone and the note 10.1 so many great launchers around.
I'm still looking forward to 4.4 because of the redesigned settings and notification. And hopefully bug fixes. And i think it would be the first time i actually have the most recent android version on one of my devices...

stm8 said:
Two words:
Nova. Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't give a flying crap about the launcher. I use Action Launcher. I left Nova a long time ago. Don't miss it one bit.
The task switching actually being at the bottom instead of the middle of the screen and the notification drawer not being a phone one anymore plus it having multiple sliders instead of one giant huge slider show Samsung put a lot more thought into 4.4.
Those two things drove me nuts. Anytime I have to use a phone app on a tablet I die a little on the inside.
I also like the icons in 4.4 way better than 4.3.

BarryH_GEG said:
I played with a N12 at BB and came away with a different opinion. Most of the differences between it and the N10.1-14 were pretty minor and aesthetic. M-UX is of course new but did you look at the number and type of widgets available? Pretty sparse. What used to be My Magazine is now broken up so each category in what was the "News" section are now individual widgets. There's no Facebook for the Social widget either just like My Magazine. There's e-mail, calendar, and all the S Apps like Hub, Apps, WatchOn etc. There's Hancom widgets but we're probably not getting it (unless you side load it as explained in the apps section of the forum). Not much else. And at CES there were mini tiles shown that acted like shortcuts to a bunch of common/popular apps; gone. Unless Samsung's got big future plans for stocking M-UX with widgets and shortcuts I'd be fine without having a mandatory page of it on my home screen.
In terms of TW (now "classic") the settings menus and some others have been freshened and the notification panel drop down has been reformatted/resized so it's more appropriate for a tablet. There are more Pen Window apps and the way you launch multitasking's been revised to "swipe from the side" which now conflicts with other apps (EG: Astro) that also swipe from the side. You can now also cascade (overlay) Multi View windows which was a N10.1-12 feature that got left out of the N10.1-14 launch ROM.
What other major changes or differences did you notice that I missed?
As for Samsung's interpretation of 4.4 over 4.3 I've been using an "official" AT&T 4.4 ROM for about a month on my N3. The only functional changes are the location and wireless control panels have been re-worked so they are much clearer and easier to interpret and the lock screen has a "one app" option that's set to camera by default but can be changed to any app. It can also be set to "4.3 style" which I chose because there are more options including launching five apps from the lock screen. The notification bar icons are white (wow! ), there's a new slightly revised default system font, and there are some minor UI graphic changes. You have to look pretty hard to see the differences between 4.3 and 4.4 as designed by Samsung. The biggest difference I've seen is my battery life went up and the N3 which was already fluid on 4.3 became more so. Having played with M-UX and come away meh, performance improvements are what I'm looking forward to most in our update. That along with some of the cleaned up menus and new Multi View functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't get a chance to play with the multi-tasking tab. So what side do you swipe from? Please tell me it's not the left where every single side menu is?
I hate nearly every Samsung app and use none of their widgets. I buy the Note for the S Pen which I use with non-Samsung apps. I'm just incredibly tired of using a 10.1" phone so hell yeah I'm excited about 4.4. It looks like your priorities are quite a bit different than mine so it makes sense your take away is different than mine.

Stocklone said:
Didn't get a chance to play with the multi-tasking tab. So what side do you swipe from? Please tell me it's not the left where every single side menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's how it works now. If it's like the current set up you can, when it's open, drag it from side-to-side if you want.
Here's the Tab|Pro 10.1 manual. I'd imagine everything in it will be similar to what we're getting. Jury's still out on how Samsung's going to deal with the "menu" vs. "tasks" capacitive button issue. A pic of the soon to be released VZW N10.1-14 still shows our menu button so it wouldn't appear Samsung's planning any physical changes for the N10.1-14 down the road. So we'll either have a capacitive button that says one thing and does another (menu=tasks) or the s/w for the N10.1-14 will be adjusted to still support the menu button. Even though Google's killed the menu button in 4.4 Samsung's revived it because it still works the exact same way on the N3 4.4 ROM.
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/c...axy_Tab_PRO_KK_English_User_Manual_NAE_F2.pdf
I'm just incredibly tired of using a 10.1" phone so hell yeah I'm excited about 4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google's the one to blame for the phone UI. The unified UI works fine on a 7-8" display that's primarily used in portrait mode but looks goofy on anything larger. Like this...
The Nexus 10's not a hell of a lot better than the N10.1-14. The only glaring blunder on Samsung's part was the full-screen notification panel but other than that there's not a big difference UI treatment wise between the Nexus 10 and N10.1-14.
It looks like your priorities are quite a bit different than mine so it makes sense your take away is different than mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of polar opposites. I use pretty much all the features (that work well) in TW and have most stock Google apps disabled in settings. We totally agree about S Pen being the purchase driver for a Note though.

I'm running Buzz launcher, it's good on battery life and smooth, apex is good as well, a new update will be coming out in a few months for 4.4 let's hope they give us the new pro features when it comes out. I would also like to go back to the virtual buttons like the last model, I keep hitting the back and menu button in portrait.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Curtis_HTC said:
I'm running Buzz launcher, it's good on battery life and smooth, apex is good as well, a new update will be coming out in a few months for 4.4 let's hope they give us the new pro features when it comes out. I would also like to go back to the virtual buttons like the last model, I keep hitting the back and menu button in portrait.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep hitting the back button in portrait too. But I doubt virtual buttons are coming to this tablet.
Make sure to watch the sunset at least once a day

RussellEstridge25 said:
Agree... Nova launcher fixes everything. Buy it once and you'll have it on every device you own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have it on all my Android devices. Note 2014 rocks with it.

Nova + spen is king!! I have nova on everything I use. I have put slide from the side apps on before but I always forget that I have them. I bought the note 2014 for the spen and snote (I format a basic chart for personal training sessions to fill out) and when I get my 12.2 it will be that much better. I would prefer to have the old notification bar in the bottom corner though :/ I used to use that mod on my note 2 and I loved it!!!!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

what features are you using with nova prime over nova free? i have about $75 in google credits but just can't bring myself to spending the $4 or whatever it is for prime...it seems like the free version has everything i need...i don't use gestures or care to increase icon size or have folders in the app drawer...i'm curious to find out, thanks!

maximus96 said:
what features are you using with nova prime over nova free? i have about $75 in google credits but just can't bring myself to spending the $4 or whatever it is for prime...it seems like the free version has everything i need...i don't use gestures or care to increase icon size or have folders in the app drawer...i'm curious to find out, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My favorite thing to with Nova+ is get rid of the app drawer shortcut and make the home button open up the app drawer. Not sure if that is a plus feature or not.

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?
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Google Now voice settings

Any way to centralise the app drawer button?

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...
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Yep.

Symphony0fLife said:
Yep.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.