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Always seems to be a ton of threads about why people hate touchwiz and how eager they are to get rid of it but...what do you like about what Samsung did different?
I absolutely love the pulldown menu modifications
I love the music/call controls in the pull down, and like the power widget there. This is something I really wish that Google would adopt/roll into stock android later on (or at least Cyanogen).
I also like the shortcut to adjust your phone's brightness (rolling finger across the top bar).
I personally prefer the way this phone handles making a call on a 2nd line and conferencing people in...it's much better than stock android (I came from a Moto droid and conferencing in a new # was always kind of a pain in the ass).
I personally prefer the way they redid the calendar to stock (I seem to be in the minority here though).
I use google voice for all SMS, so I can't really comment on that.
I use LauncherPro, so the actual look of the launcher doesn't bug me...
Actually, the only thing I truly hate about the modifications Samsung made was the damn alarm program..it's way worse than the droids, and it's way too easy to turn off...and the snooze button is hard to differentiate from the turn off alarm button.
Overall, Samsung has some nice stuff if they just abandon the cartoony iPhones look of the launcher and work on a few of the performance hickups here and there.
hydrogenman said:
I absolutely love the pulldown menu modifications
I love the music/call controls in the pull down, and like the power widget there. This is something I really wish that Google would adopt/roll into stock android later on (or at least Cyanogen).
I also like the shortcut to adjust your phone's brightness (rolling finger across the top bar).
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Click to collapse
Other than the calendar (which is a near-total fail for me; maybe others' calendars don't have the same bugs as mine - which is a scary thought, b/c it makes a global "fix" seem less likely), I really like TouchWiz - particularly the features listed above. The "Power Control" Android widget (or whatever it's called) - which is normally crucial - becomes almost unnecessary, provided you're OK with using the pulldown for toggling GPS, Wifi, etc.; and sliding finger for brightness. (The only Power Control item you can't toggle using pulldown is "Sync," which I almost never turn off anyway).
I like how the TW icons look; and I dig the app drawer, b/c I prefer the "list" view that it offers. I may try another launcher someday, but right now I feel no need -- I'm digging TW (and much prefer it to stock Android).
Don't care for the Samsung widgets at all, but their functions can easily be bested with stuff in the Market.
pavvy said:
Other than the calendar (which is a near-total fail for me; maybe others' calendars don't have the same bugs as mine - which is a scary thought, b/c it makes a global "fix" seem less likely), I really like TouchWiz - particularly the features listed above. The "Power Control" Android widget (or whatever it's called) - which is normally crucial - becomes almost unnecessary, provided you're OK with using the pulldown for toggling GPS, Wifi, etc.; and sliding finger for brightness. (The only Power Control item you can't toggle using pulldown is "Sync," which I almost never turn off anyway).
I like how the TW icons look; and I dig the app drawer, b/c I prefer the "list" view that it offers. I may try another launcher someday, but right now I feel no need -- I'm digging TW (and much prefer it to stock Android).
Don't care for the Samsung widgets at all, but their functions can easily be bested with stuff in the Market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never once used any of the TW widgets...that's one thing that was a bit of fail
BTW, you can get the TW style of app drawer on 3rd party launchers
I was rather pleasantly surprised with TouchWiz. I think it's much better than Stock Android. I'm not sure exactly why people are complaining about it.
What I like about it.
1. WebOS like UI controls for Music and Toggles in the Notification drop down.
2. Paged scrolling of apps in the App Drawer. I hate inertial list scrolling.
3. Some of the widgets like dual clock and calendar clock. If there is no place to add a widget on that screen, it finds a screen with space. Buddies Now is a nice widget, but it's slow and buggy.
4. The interface to add/remove screens and move screens around.
What I dislike.
1. It syncs all contacts instead of just "My Contacts". Of course this is not the launcher, but the app. But other than this, the contacts and dialer are much better than stock.
2. Pressing the Home button, sends it off to Screen 4 on my phone instead of the center screen. Very annoying.
3. There is an Android bug that prevents folders from being opened. With LauncherPro, I can restart the launcher which fixes the problem. No such ability in TW.
4. Can only change two of the 4 icons at the bottom.
Likes:
Messaging/calling through contacts.
Power control in notification drawer
Launcher is starting to grow on me
The interface when a call is in progress
Puzzle piece notifications
Dislikes:
Music player can't distinguish between songs and ringtones
Nearly the same issue with gallery and album art
Can't set the home screen when less than 5 screens
Lock screen but that's purely cosmetic
The media scanner, but I don't think that's TW specific (Be awesome to have it scan on demand)
I really don't like how all the Samsung widgets want to take up an entire screen.
hydrogenman said:
BTW, you can get the TW style of app drawer on 3rd party launchers
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Click to collapse
Thanks, that's good to know... I'll have to try 'em sometime, I know they have lots of fans around here.
I actually prefer TW to LauncherPro or ADW. So far everything works pretty well.
I do wish that the samsung widgets were re-sizeable so they didn't take up the whole screen. I like the app drawer, it is just copying the iPhone, but I don't visit it a whole lot thanks to the FolderOrganizer widget. That widget should have come stock with the phone IMHO.
i really like some of the modifications that samsung has added, especially in the dialer and contacts apps (they have already been mentioned). i found another one last night in the calendar app, if you add a location to an entry it shows you a map of the location from the calendar entry.
wolfvgang said:
I actually prefer TW to LauncherPro or ADW. So far everything works pretty well.
I do wish that the samsung widgets were re-sizeable so they didn't take up the whole screen. ......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. If I do understand you correctly, you are using ADW or LauncherPro and mention that 'everything is working pretty well, also referring to 'samsung widgets'?
How do you access 'samsung widgets' from say ADW Launcher - ESPECIALLY BuddiesNow ??
I can only access it from the default launcher, but do prefer ADW also - but am stuck
Thanks for your help or ideas.
I don't understand anyone wouldn't use LauncherPro.
The scrolling dock is genius. I have about 15 apps that I use regularly, so the dock does a really great job to accommodate that. Also, you can easily add your own custom icons, and do away with the default ones that come with TW and LP.
I also hate that on TW, you have the home screen # indicators at the top, giving you a lot less home screen space.
The app drawer, though not as easy to use as the Applications viewer in TW, is at least original. This phone already looks like an iPhone, so having a very Android-esque applications viewer is refreshing.
TW does a lot fantastic things, some of which you guys mentioned, but the general layout of it is pretty ****ty, and LauncherPro is just about perfect... and free.
I like the toggles on the notification pull down. I don't like how the brightness slider has no visual feedback to determine what the current bright is set at. If there was a slider widget attached to the bottom or a popup when the slider is in use that would make it easier.
I like the swipe on contacts for the call/sms.
After loading JI6, I tried using the TW launcher again, but I couldn't find any of the TW widgets compelling so I'm back to Launcherpro.
Just found this out, if you dislike the iPhone style of the app drawer, left to right, changing it to Alphabetical list gives me the normalish way we are used to the app drawer working, up and down.
Now if we could just remove the annoying outline on the icons I'd be set
Coming from an iPhone, Touchwiz was a bit too iphone-ripoff for me. I personally use Launcher+ but TW did have some good points.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
my biggest dislike is that contacts and dialer are no longer the same application. I never had a dialer shortcut on my phone before because I could just use contacts, now I have to use up 1 more space for the dialer.
Owenv said:
my biggest dislike is that contacts and dialer are no longer the same application. I never had a dialer shortcut on my phone before because I could just use contacts, now I have to use up 1 more space for the dialer.
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Click to collapse
You can access the contacts from the dialer, would be an extra click if you really want to not have that extra icon
z0phi3l said:
You can access the contacts from the dialer, would be an extra click if you really want to not have that extra icon
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Click to collapse
yeah but as far as I know you can't get to dialer from contacts, and I'm used to having the contacts icon on my home screen. I know I could just change it but you know what they say about old habits. however it isn't a problem since I have another contacts app that solved it for me.
My favorite feature is the dialer. I love the fact that it has speed dial unlike stock android. I also love the predictive dialing. These two are the biggest for me.
Android i good. The scrolling homescreen with widgets is good. Only one thing is terrible: The app launcher. No categories/catalogs i launcher?!
So you have to scroll along xx times until you finally spot the application you're looking for.
Here are suggestions on different solutions:
When you open the app launcher you see custom folders ex. "Office, Games, Multimedia, Utils, Settings". When you install a app, you get a question in what folder to put the app link". Besides the folders in the launcher you can have a option to also see latest run apps.
This solution would show the usual vertical scroll down app list. But with a important twist. A line, or the backgroundcolor is different, when you are scrolling on a different category, + a OSD text stays front telling on what category you are, ex "Work, Entertainment, Hobbies, Health, Internet".
One launcher actually has almost made it, don't know if it's Launcher Pro or ADW launcher. You can have apps in different groups and click between them. Only thing missing is name of the categories so you see where you're at. And option to disable the group "All"
I'm pretty certain that Slick UI will have this when it launches.
MIUI already does this
bobjase said:
MIUI already does this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, MIUI doesn't even have an app drawer, it just puts all of your apps on the launcher and you're forced to put every app into a folder.
Hell, vanilla Android has folders, which is exactly what MIUI is using.
TooSlo said:
To be fair, MIUI doesn't even have an app drawer, it just puts all of your apps on the launcher and you're forced to put every app into a folder.
Hell, vanilla Android has folders, which is exactly what MIUI is using.
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Click to collapse
oooooooooo flamed.
yeah to start with i thought Miui was amazing, but now I realise other than looking completely different its pretty sh!t
If you want categories in your home-replacement. I suggest you head over to my website http://futurinnovations.blogspot.com/ to see what I am working on. If you are a dev yourself, you can help all that you can. It's still a work in progress and I haven't come up with any fancy renderings of it, yet. I do, however, have some sketches of what it is supposed to look like and how it functions. Tell what you think of it. It will be the second post from the top (under my live wallpaper screen shots).
DxTop has an amazing implementation of categorized app drawer - with corresponding live folders.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
go launcher has app drawer sorted I believe
Swyped on my OG Droid using Tapatalk
Go launcher has app sorting, not sure about categories though.
I think LG Optimus One has that kind of launcher
Starts at 1:17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZLaId_ep68&feature=player_embedded#!
And here is thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=812302
And u can send the money to me. j/k
I wish this feature would be implemented into LauncherPro. I love all the other features of LauncherPro, so it would be nice to be able to keep those and still have this category feature.
auto app organizer .apk
create shortcut in homescreen or dock and voila you got what you want in all the launchers ...
LG Home does what you're asking its in the market but only really works for the galaxy s line up.
Sent from my phone...which is faster than my laptop.
If like me, you dislike the look and feel of Touchwiz ... it is possible to replace at least the launcher portion of it with Google Launcher. This will make the Note look cosmetically similar to a Nexus device. The remainder of the Touchwiz interface will remain unaffected.
For those of us on JB 4.3
Download the zip file from this post (credits @geoworld_200)
Extract the 3 apks but copy only GoogleHome.apk to external storage
Install (requiring temporary disabling of the "unknown source" security block)
Run the app and it will invite use of GoogleNow which you can either accept or decline
Press the physical "Home" button and you can now chose to use the Google Launcher instead of Touchwiz
I've tried this on my (rooted and custom ROM) P605 and it works just fine with no FC or issues so far. But, per usual, YMMV. And it obviously won't get updates via Play.
Presumably the same could be achieved for KK using the more recent version of the apk found here. But I haven't tested it yet pending a 4.4 ROM release ...
rickinoz said:
If like me, you dislike the look and feel of Touchwiz ... it is possible to replace at least the launcher portion of it with Google Launcher. This will make the Note look cosmetically similar to a Nexus device. The remainder of the Touchwiz interface will remain unaffected.
For those of us on JB 4.3
Download the zip file from this post (credits @geoworld_200)
Extract the 3 apks but copy only GoogleHome.apk to external storage
Install (requiring temporary disabling of the "unknown source" security block)
Run the app and it will invite use of GoogleNow which you can either accept or decline
Press the physical "Home" button and you can now chose to use the Google Launcher instead of Touchwiz
I've tried this on my (rooted and custom ROM) P605 and it works just fine with no FC or issues so far. But, per usual, YMMV. And it obviously won't get updates via Play.
Presumably the same could be achieved for KK using the more recent version of the apk found here. But I haven't tested it yet pending a 4.4 ROM release ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just use Apex or Nova - which will be updated in Google Play? My personal preference is Apex, and I also use the LG Lock Screen app on the Play Store too.
I'm rooted, so have removed TW Launcher via Titanium completely.
YmmV
I own NOVA launcher on GS3 and tried on P600 but I prefer Touchwiz ability to show unread FB notification count directly on icon. I didn`t find any replacement with similar feature.
kornelius1982 said:
I own NOVA launcher on GS3 and tried on P600 but I prefer Touchwiz ability to show unread FB notification count directly on icon. I didn`t find any replacement with similar feature.
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Click to collapse
Just place the FB widget on the home screen, and resize to 1x1. Does the same thing. Then you can escape the lag that TW gives.
cdinoz said:
Just place the FB widget on the home screen, and resize to 1x1. Does the same thing. Then you can escape the lag that TW gives.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the solution, I`ll give it a try later, but to be honest, Touchwiz on KK isn`t as laggy as older one, at least I for me.
p.s. I just tried on GS3 but when I try to resize I get white little widget without any info on it.
I was excited about trying the Google Experience Launcher because it would respond to "OK Google" on any launcher screen.
However, I was extremely disappointed with the lack of ability to configure the launcher. No, that's too general. There's absolutely no configuration options at all.
One of the things I don't like about the TouchWiz and Google Launcher is that there's no way to control the number of rows/columns and the spacing between them. I use Apex where I can get a lot more rows and columns on the page. And I can control the spacing so I can get icons right up to the edge of the screen. In addition I can reduce the size of the icons for a better look.
It's not like I want to fill the screen with icons, on the contrary, I like to have the icons near the edges and out of the way so I can better see the wallpaper. The TouchWiz and Google launchers are pretty much an iPad launcher. No flexibility and no configurations.
Hello,
I wonder what people use as home Launcher for the Z3 COmpact.
The original one is nice with some additional features like the Drawer Menu.
NOVA has been my choice for years so now got back to it again.
But I think of using Google Now as it supports Voice Activation from the home screen (or even Lock Screen, though not sure??)
Anyhow, what's your preferred one?
Why not miui?
P.S. I am a miui super fan
Hi.
Voice activation is supported on any page of nova launcher prime (I use it on my Z3 compact)
Nova for me
Got it MIUI, but cannot seem to edit the Poll anymore ;-(
As for NOVA just found it indeed. Only does not work on the lock screen ;-( But Nova rocks indeed.
I'm using Next.
I using CM Launcher.. A few weeks..
Its offer Small-Fast Launcher but lots of customize..
I can't believe Terrain Home didn't make the list.
Any decent launcher now should get you to a search textbox in one action, and the search should dynamically filter your phone content (apps, contacts, bookmarks, etc.) as you type.
Terrain also includes a reasonable selection of feeds, a la Blinkfeed or Samsung's My Magazine.
Action Launcher for me, lacks some of the Nova features but I can't live without my covers and shutters.
using flow and aviate, switching between them when bored, but flow home launcher is great but still on beta though.
cpurick said:
I can't believe Terrain Home didn't make the list.
Any decent launcher now should get you to a search textbox in one action, and the search should dynamically filter your phone content (apps, contacts, bookmarks, etc.) as you type.
Terrain also includes a reasonable selection of feeds, a la Blinkfeed or Samsung's My Magazine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a link? Can't seem to find it on the Play Store
I was using Xperia until yesterday, then I switched to Nova.
I use folders pretty heavily so all the apps I use regularly are available with 2 taps from the home screen. I never use the drawer. The main reason I'm using Nova now is because I discovered Chronus which is great for showing when I have new mail, texts, calls, events, etc. all in one place, but it's a 4x3 widget so I needed the extra row Nova gives me.
I like the idea of a launcher with context, so I could see myself using something like Aviate, but so far I haven't quite found one that feels just right.
I use nova prime cause i want to use knock on and knock off. Coming from lg g2 and dont wnt to miss this xD
It's visible to me. Maybe you have to Google it and register for the beta first. I simply don't remember. FWIW, they're a Samsung venture.
Found it - try terrainhome dot com.
Google Now Launcher, but with Xposed GEL Settings.
I've been using Nova Prime for years but recently switched to Smart Launcher Pro because I'm tired of the standard matrix of icons paradigm. Granted, Smart Launcher Pro isn't far off of that, but it's a welcome change.
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Buzz Launcher with Buzz widget here.
I'm using Action Launcher Pro.
I'm using lineage os (7.1) and there is only one home app which is trebuchet launcher. Could anyone please recommend me any launcher (flashable zip) for my custom rom? Thanks.
@maztur10
Earlier, as you might know, Nova was the undisputed king of launchers having hell lot of the customizations along with the fluidity. But recently, Apex Launcher and Action Launcher has also caught upto it, if not crossed over; and there has been new entries in the game.
So following will be my top picks :
1. Nova Launcher (FREE | PRIME)
2. Apex Launcher (FREE | PRO)
3. Action Launcher (FREE)
4. Pixel Launcher by Google, (Android O) (PS | APKmirror)
5. LawnChair, your open source light-weighted launcher. This is the one I've been using from some time now. (gitHub releases | XDA thread)
Other worthy options
6. Google Now Launcher (FREE)
7. Evie Launcher (FREE)
8. Arrow Launcher by Microsoft FREE)
9. Z Launcher by Nokia (FREE)
Well there are a tons of them but these were my top picks. For fluidity and best user experience you should definitely go with Nova. LawnChair, I've been using, is also very good and comes for no cost. Nova can be customised and made to give you any kind of look with all those icon packs and customisations. But you don't want to do the hard work yourselves, Arrow Launcher is pretty good for UI. Z is good looking but isn't stable and hasn't been updated in ages. Apart from these there are like the Apus or Go or CM, which I would say are basically adwares; atleast that's what I like to think. Also there are these iOS and Mi like launchers which doesn't fetaure any application drawer and I find them very messy to manage. It takes so much time just to search for the app you want.
So now its totally upto you what you want to go with. My best wishes to you.
EDIT - One thing I forgot to mention is about Google Cards. Google Cards first came for the Pixels and later Nexus', which are basically google gathering all the relevant info from your google searches and on-screen activity on your phone and then displaying the relevant information. Its very useful and gives you continuous alerts about the traffic congestion or the weather and news updates relevant to you, or if their is a meeting coming up, or it's someone's birthday. So what I'm trying to say is, its pretty useful. Earlier you needed root permissions for this to use on other devices, but some time ago Nova and, I think, Action too has included this feature without root, so you can just swipe from left edge of your home screen to see your google cards. So that's definitely was a point worth mentioning. I don't know if any other launcher does provide this functionality. Hell even Google's Pixel Launcher doesn't (Google now too, ofcourse). But, then again, there's LawnChair too. Now, I remember why I'm hooked up to it from the last two months ;-B
Well, thanks @sasukay. I'm using Nova (prime) right now and it's great!