Database Users

Apex launcher is the most batter launcher on ICS stock rom?

Touchwiz is so boring. I want to change it.
Do you think Apex launcher is a good choice?
Thank you!

Better than Nova according to me
Inviato dal mio GT-N7000 con Tapatalk 2

Yes, its the most bAtter, you can even make cookies and cake from it

Don't know about stock ICS, but it's buttery smooth on CM9 and it has more juicy features than the other stock ICS based launchers.

Nova all the way for me.. Smooth and cube out transition is better. Apex one gives me headaches.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

since the offical relase of ICS im using Apex. works great so far
i hate the widget list on TW

APEX Launcher having some fc's while using gallery for wall paper change
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I use go launcher love it, what do Nova and apex, offer that go doesn't anything?

Indeed, Apex is the best for me.

Alexanderbooth said:
I use go launcher love it, what do Nova and apex, offer that go doesn't anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No spyware?

I think Apex is the best launcher i have ever tried, it's even better than the aosp ics launcher in terms of speed and stability.
Sent from my PMP5080B using XDA

ajamils said:
yes, its the most batter, you can even make cookies and cake from it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahahahaha

You can't go wrong with either. I prefer Nova for it's stability and speed...way less drawer redraws than Apex. However, Apex has notification bubbles for your dock, ie Phone, SMS, etc. which I wish Nova had.

suniljozef said:
APEX Launcher having some fc's while using gallery for wall paper change
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try QuickPic. And to switch between scorllable portrait and fixed it is in the apex settings.

Apex used with minimal text app is amazing. Being able to add widgets to the dock is another great reason to use apex. It'll take a lot for me to change to a different launcher now.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

pboesboes said:
No spyware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what spyware is this? is it bad for it?

Tried them all and +1 for Go Launcher EX has all the bells and whistles and is fluid and no fc's

ajamils said:
Yes, its the most bAtter, you can even make cookies and cake from it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone tried to make gingerbread?

Recommendations to make better our SGS3 in every way possible

I would like to create a single post where we comment on recommendations to make better and faster and more reliable our phones, ways to decrease the RAM usage, extend battery life, useful tricks, etc.
- Disable all animations
- Disable buttons lights
- Download app named multitask shortcut
- Download SwiftKey 3 and Swype
- Use as less possible widgets and live wallpapers to avoid homescreen refresh
- Disable touch vibrations
Any other useful tips for making better the Galaxy S 3 experience are welcome.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

I used to use touchwiz, but can't stand the slow transition, even after making the adjustment under development in settings.
Then i install Nova launcher, turn transition to the fastest. Wow, now my phone has over 300 mb free ram after boot up and is fast. And I mean real fast. For those who need speed. Go with Nova, and you retain most of the touchwiz features, like smart stay.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

yatbond said:
I used to use touchwiz, but can't stand the slow transition, even after making the adjustment under development in settings.
Then i install Nova launcher, turn transition to the fastest. Wow, now my phone has over 300 mb free ram after boot up and is fast. And I mean real fast. For those who need speed. Go with Nova, and you retain most of the touchwiz features, like smart stay.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought touchwiz launcher still runs in background even though you install another launcher?

ruffruff said:
I thought touchwiz launcher still runs in background even though you install another launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can freeze it
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Install cm9, it's a huge difference! Just tried it yesterday and.. The performance is stunning.. Everything is smoother and faster!
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sohebq said:
you can freeze it
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks. I didnt know that as in the sgs2 days, freezing the twlauncher might lead to softbrick. Will try it later.

Just did everything in the op and phone feels tons faster
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Wow guys seriously. So you disable everything fancy , what's the use of such a powerful processor. You could've got S1 if you wanted to disable every eyecatchy stuff .
All these animations shouldn't give S3 any kind of hiccups. I use a ton of widget and all animations are turned on (Although to a scale of 0.5 ). It's super fast and
on stock

eggman89 said:
Wow guys seriously. So you disable everything fancy , what's the use of such a powerful processor. You could've got S1 if you wanted to disable every eyecatchy stuff .
All these animations shouldn't give S3 any kind of hiccups. I use a ton of widget and all animations are turned on (Although to a scale of 0.5 ). It's super fast and
on stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. I never understood the need fit the latest and greatest only to dumb it down. I don't get cm9 you can run it on many of phones so why spend the money on all the flash. I'm thankful for cm 9 cuz of my HP touch pad is now usable but will never understand the need to make every new phone plain. Just my thought not flaming anyone i like change sometimes
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda app-developers app

ruffruff said:
ok thanks. I didnt know that as in the sgs2 days, freezing the twlauncher might lead to softbrick. Will try it later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install another launcher , make it active, and then freeze the touchwiz, no issues with me
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

sohebq said:
install another launcher , make it active, and then freeze the touchwiz, no issues with me
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you freeze TouchWiz? In the settings? Force detention? No need to root, right?

Sensamic said:
How do you freeze TouchWiz? In the settings? Force detention? No need to root, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u can frreze it through titanium backup and yes, root needed
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

thirsty1258 said:
I agree with you. I never understood the need fit the latest and greatest only to dumb it down. I don't get cm9 you can run it on many of phones so why spend the money on all the flash. I'm thankful for cm 9 cuz of my HP touch pad is now usable but will never understand the need to make every new phone plain. Just my thought not flaming anyone i like change sometimes
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't like samsung software, but i live their hardware so.. Perfect fit for me
Skickat från min GT-I9300 via Tapatalk 2

eggman89 said:
wow guys seriously. So you disable everything fancy , what's the use of such a powerful processor. You could've got s1 if you wanted to disable every eyecatchy stuff .
All these animations shouldn't give s3 any kind of hiccups. I use a ton of widget and all animations are turned on (although to a scale of 0.5 ). It's super fast and
on stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+++111
agree

yatbond said:
I used to use touchwiz, but can't stand the slow transition, even after making the adjustment under development in settings.
Then i install Nova launcher, turn transition to the fastest. Wow, now my phone has over 300 mb free ram after boot up and is fast. And I mean real fast. For those who need speed. Go with Nova, and you retain most of the touchwiz features, like smart stay.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never saw the free ram and i cant see as phine's with my mom , but still 300mb? Are you sure
In my old optimus one I used to get 320 mb free on normal basis
It has just 512 mb ram!
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Sensamic said:
I would like to create a single post where we comment on recommendations to make better and faster and more reliable our phones, ways to decrease the RAM usage, extend battery life, useful tricks, etc.
- Disable all animations
- Disable buttons lights
- Download app named multitask shortcut
- Download SwiftKey 3 and Swype
- Use as less possible widgets and live wallpapers to avoid homescreen refresh
- Disable touch vibrations
Any other useful tips for making better the Galaxy S 3 experience are welcome.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method bricked my galaxy s3
Thank me if I've helped you

Please tell me how to revert, you bricked my phone!
Thank me if I've helped you

rishabho1 said:
This method bricked my galaxy s3
Thank me if I've helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was that reply meant for someone else? Nothing the op suggested would brick your phone.

norpan111 said:
Install cm9, it's a huge difference! Just tried it yesterday and.. The performance is stunning.. Everything is smoother and faster!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'll be doing that once the fm radio works.
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[email protected] dpi

Hi guys
changed the dpi on my n5100 to 160 by accident and got a whole new version of interface.
Is it remnants from another device?
I like it a lot but worried about compatibility with apps. Anyone tried it?

You've got Nova launcher or Apex on there haven't you?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4

RavenY2K3 said:
You've got Nova launcher or Apex on there haven't you?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but look at the bottom bar. Very similar to stock android but Samsung modded. Also notifications screen has changed to the same as my Note2. most thingswork apart from the dialer.
Touchwiz will not load at 160dpi is the reasn i 'pushed' Apex from the Play store.

Nah, that's what's supposed to happen, it's gone "Full Tablet mode" lol.
If you clear the data on the launcher, it should sort itself out and display in a tablet form.
Like this... screenshot to follow...
Update: screenshot added.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 4

RavenY2K3 said:
Nah, that's what's supposed to happen, it's gone "Full Tablet mode" lol.
If you clear the data on the launcher, it should sort itself out and display in a tablet form.
Like this... screenshot to follow...
Update: screenshot added.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.
anyway to force it on non rooted devices? .
I shall clear my caches and try again.
Thanks again

8rummie said:
Thanks for that.
anyway to force it on non rooted devices? .
I shall clear my caches and try again.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only need to do it on the app itself, if clearing doesn't work, install another launcher then, remove and install the one you originally installed. But make sure you have at least one other Launcher than the default TouchWiz one or you could find yourself in a whole world of headache.
And no, the file that gets edited to change the dpi can only be done once rooted.

Which android version you use? 4.1.2 or 4.2.2?
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Was that directed at me, or the thread starter?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4

[Q] What features do you lose if you don't use S-Home launcher?

I'm new to the Galaxy Note 3 and S-Pen. What features do you lose if you don't use S-Home launcher?

Neo3D said:
I'm new to the Galaxy Note 3 and S-Pen. What features do you lose if you don't use S-Home launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as written in different threads, you don't loose and S-Pen functionality if you move from standard launcher to any other.

None. I use Nova Launcher. You only lose the features if you root and install another ROM that doesn't have the Samsung apps/features.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

YungMage said:
None. I use Nova Launcher. You only lose the features if you root and install another ROM that doesn't have the Samsung apps/features.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, what about the Samsung Calendar widget?

Neo3D said:
Thanks, what about the Samsung Calendar widget?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing everything works same with or without stock Launcher as long as you remain unrooted.

YungMage said:
Same thing everything works same with or without stock Launcher as long as you remain unrooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we root but keep the stock ROM, will everything still work as well? I don't really need a custom ROM but need to use Titanium Backup to copy my Smurfs game over to my new phone. I spent almost two years playing Smurfs and I'm really far on it.

Neo3D said:
If we root but keep the stock ROM, will everything still work as well? I don't really need a custom ROM but need to use Titanium Backup to copy my Smurfs game over to my new phone. I spent almost two years playing Smurfs and I'm really far on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Helium instead of TB, it's non-root.
Send From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk

Neo3D said:
If we root but keep the stock ROM, will everything still work as well? I don't really need a custom ROM but need to use Titanium Backup to copy my Smurfs game over to my new phone. I spent almost two years playing Smurfs and I'm really far on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk depends on who created the stock ROM and what system files/apps are left intact.

Neo3D said:
Thanks, what about the Samsung Calendar widget?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of samsung widgets does not work in other launchers. So S planner widgets also wont be working.

Neo3D said:
If we root but keep the stock ROM, will everything still work as well? I don't really need a custom ROM but need to use Titanium Backup to copy my Smurfs game over to my new phone. I spent almost two years playing Smurfs and I'm really far on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have taken back up of smurf game app folder under internal sdcard/android/ data+obb folders from your previous Android device you can copy it to your new device. It should work from your last status until unless the newly installed smurf creates new folder structure.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

muhtesem insan said:
Most of samsung widgets does not work in other launchers. So S planner widgets also wont be working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why do I have the S Planner widget on my homescreen in Apex?
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ShadowLea said:
Then why do I have the S Planner widget on my homescreen in Apex?
Send From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't but you can have Google calendar widget.
Sent from my SM-N9000Q using Tapatalk now Free

You lose the swipe up gesture to get the My Magazine function with an alternate launcher, don't you?

ogretech said:
You lose the swipe up gesture to get the My Magazine function with an alternate launcher, don't you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea but you can just put app on your home screen or better yet dl Flipboard.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

With Nova, can you still use the gestures to reduce the screen size for one-handed operation? I could not seem to do that.

Faster TouchWiz?

So is there any improvement in the latest touchwiz? Any opinion from S5 users? And maybe for those who had the chance to see a Note 4 from close ?
Im in S3 and I dont like the touchwiz laggy and problematic as hell. I have a fear to buy samsung device again. I am thinking of the note 4 just because of the feature to capture images and transform them in editable text.
But im worried about the touchwiz..
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Have you considered trying a different launcher? Touchwiz is very resource-intensive, but many of the third-party launchers are very quick. I'm using Google Now launcher on my Note 2, and it still flies. It will make your S3 much faster, anyway.
You could do the same thing with the Note 4, but you'd likely lose some of the S-Pen functionality.

gtalum said:
Have you considered trying a different launcher? Touchwiz is very resource-intensive, but many of the third-party launchers are very quick. I'm using Google Now launcher on my Note 2, and it still flies. It will make your S3 much faster, anyway.
You could do the same thing with the Note 4, but you'd likely lose some of the S-Pen functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using nova launcher.. but with touchwiz I mean also the samsung pre installed apps like gallery,contacts etc..
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Ahh, gotcha. Unless you're married to them for some reason, you should try replacement apps in the Play store.

gtalum said:
Ahh, gotcha. Unless you're married to them for some reason, you should try replacement apps in the Play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you change message/phone app?
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patriotaki said:
Can you change message/phone app?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
message yes..phone no

sevomemo said:
message yes..phone no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any good message app you can recommend? I also hate that I must delete old message to have space for new ones...
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patriotaki said:
Is there any good message app you can recommend? I also hate that I must delete old message to have space for new ones...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just uninstall it with titanium backup (if you have root)..hangouts is the most used replacement(it's the default messge app on nexus)

sevomemo said:
just uninstall it with titanium backup (if you have root)..hangouts is the most used replacement(it's the default messge app on nexus)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I have root but I dont like hangouts too much connection with google..I dont want to mix messages with google plus account or maybe they save messages on cloud..
Many connections with google are not so good they keep track of everyone haha
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app

patriotaki said:
Yea I have root but I dont like hangouts too much connection with google..I dont want to mix messages with google plus account or maybe they save messages on cloud..
Many connections with google are not so good they keep track of everyone haha
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honestly i don't know message replacement apps other than hangouts..but i did a quick search for you and i found those
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...t-sms-text-messaging-apps-for-android-1232990
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-text-messaging-SMS-replacement-apps-for-Android_id59083

sevomemo said:
honestly i don't know message replacement apps other than hangouts..but i did a quick search for you and i found those
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...t-sms-text-messaging-apps-for-android-1232990
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-text-messaging-SMS-replacement-apps-for-Android_id59083
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A big thanks from me to you
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app

sevomemo said:
message yes..phone no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I was thinking of dialer replacements, but I guess you're still stuck with the same phone app. There are many messaging replacements, though I actually really like hangouts.

patriotaki said:
Is there any good message app you can recommend? I also hate that I must delete old message to have space for new ones...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8sms from the store,freezing stock message app. About dialer, give a try to exdialer, on the store too, quick ans with nice themes. :good:

Fighting with myself over TouchWiz
I've been using alternate launchers for a long time. Was on Go Launcher for most time, but relatively recently I've moved to Noval Launcher, as it has caught up with Go Launcher features, and it seems that Go was a bit buggy in more recent releases.
All that being said, I am presuming at this point that I may want to actually utilize some of the features that TW offers, and won't be ther on other launchers. On the other hand, I too fear lag/performance issues, and loss of features in Nova that I am so accustomed to.
Of course, I suppose I need to get the phone in my hands first before worrying about TW.

You can replace the dialer by simply installing another one from the store. But when someone calls you, you will be faced with a lag followed by a black screen with status bar at top and then BOOM! The laggy samsung phone app (Don't worry your phone didn't blow up
---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 PM ----------
About the improved TW on S5, I have a S3 phone rooted with QS ROM installed and Boeffla 6.1 beta4 linaro installed and a S5 transformation pack supported by QS.
I think finally Samsh*t thought about locking the launcher, phone app in memory. That makes TW a bit faster. Opening the phone app now is faster and the lag is gone. Also switching to contacts from the phone app is lagless. But there are still some micro lags in launching an app.
Hope that I helped you with that.
Links are in my signature.

gtalum said:
Have you considered trying a different launcher? Touchwiz is very resource-intensive, but many of the third-party launchers are very quick. I'm using Google Now launcher on my Note 2, and it still flies. It will make your S3 much faster, anyway.
You could do the same thing with the Note 4, but you'd likely lose some of the S-Pen functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem with Google launcher is that annoying bar at the top of each screen. Cannot remove it. Pain in the butt

@home said:
Problem with Google launcher is that annoying bar at the top of each screen. Cannot remove it. Pain in the butt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the search bar, but it can be removed with the GELS xposed module.

I am new to android- If I use a new launcher on the note 4 (Nova or Google Now) would I lose functionality of the S Pen or the fingerprint scanner? Thanks

Stigga said:
I am new to android- If I use a new launcher on the note 4 (Nova or Google Now) would I lose functionality of the S Pen or the fingerprint scanner? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app

DNASTY6997 said:
Nope
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Does using a new launcher reduce some of the TW bloat/memory usage or does it go over TW and just mask it?