Most lightweight and fast launcher...any recommendation? - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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.
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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.
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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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Click to collapse
Google Now voice settings

Related

Launcher choices

What's everyone using and why? I ran launcher pro free before I rooted long ago. After that I switched to adw ex, I love adw! The options for screen transitions are awesome, seems to be very fast and light. Recently ive been trying aosp launcher, which I just can't seem to fall in love with, doesn't seem like there is any options for customization, mainly for the dock, as I don't like having the browser on my dock. What other options are there? I don't really remember what launcher pro was like, thinking about buying it to try it out. Whose still using touch wiz?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I'm using Launcher Pro, I was using touch wiz untill I discovered that you could change the dock with LP... that's what sold me really. Cosmetics lol. Another feature I like is being able to hide apps in the listing.. it's nice if your using the bloated froyo, like I am at the moment, and don't want to go through and uninstall everything.
I was loving adw ex as well ... then launcher pro added the screen transitions in its last release. I REALLY like the Widgets it comes with . And you can download a modded version on xda that changes the look of them making them much more attractive.
I still have adw ex installed. But probably won't go back unless it adds something new. I just find launcher pro to be smoother. And being able to make your own dock really makes it your own.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I'm still rocking the TouchWiz. I've tried out several of the others, but I just can't stand the vertically scrolling list (it makes it much harder to find anything IMO). I just hugely prefer the horizontal pages (a la iOS). The homescreens themselves I really don't have much of a preference about, they're all fairly similar in how I use them (basically just the Google News & Weather widget at the top, Android 2.3 music player control under that, then browser/gmail/camera/battery widget under that, and FB + LED Torch widget on the bottom right (with 2 empty spots). I switch around applications too frequently to really be able to have a list of apps that I use a lot that wouldn't really end up being most of my apps.
Every time I try something else out, I keep coming back to LauncherPro Plus -- in no small part due to the absolutely awesome widgets.
ADW used to run a little quicker than LP, but ADW seems to have gotten slower over time as more features were added. ADW EX was supposed to be a big improvement, but I don't think it actually is (and it's more confusing to use).
At this point, the only thing ADW (both regular and EX) has that LP doesn't is the TouchWiz homescreen re-sorting interface. That doesn't bother me at all, though, as once my homescreens are set up they stay that way.
And, the LP developer is working on a complete, from-scratch re-coding (all the current launchers are based on Google's launcher code with modifications and stuff added on, so there's only so much they can do to them) that's supposed to be dramatically speedier and more flexible... so I don't see myself switching to ADW or any other launcher in the near future.
Launcher Pro <3
I bought the plus version but mostly as a way to support the developer. I don't even bother unlocking it half the time
ADW is nice, too, I just prefer LP. Either is worlds better than TWiz. The latest version of LP adds several transition options, and a major rewrite of the whole thing based on newer code is in the works (at least that's my understanding)
Launcher Pro is my favorite so far. I tried ADW but like being able to side scroll and have transparent shortcuts on my homescreen. The only thing I dont like is that I'm not able access ALL widgets on my phone. I kinda liked the buddies now rolodex. Maybe its user error on my part. Does anyone know about accessing all widgets with LP?
I think I answered my own question about other widgets, in the launcherpro forums is says that some of those TWiz widgets do not and will not work, guess I need to get the donate version. Why not, I love the app.
LP, but people on DL30 might want to try out TouchwizGTG, a modded replacement for Samsung stock. It should let you use all the TW widgets.
I bought launcher pro plus, I like it alright, id be in love if I could do transparent drawer
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And if I could make a swype down gesture open the notification panel
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I'm on Launcher Pro with DL30. Running it for a few days and like it over touchwiz. Before updating to Froyo I was using Go Launcher on DL09 and that one was decent too.
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Go Launcher
Try Go Launcher
I found out about this a little while ago and Its awesome. Its like a little of everything with the best parts of everything.
I tried Go Launcher briefly, but went back to Launcher Pro. Why? Well, the ADW-like features made it tempting, but I immediately missed the widgets. I found some third party ones that are essentially a ripoff of the Launcher Pro ones, but they clearly inferior. Also, screen transitions were much rougher, and its method for adding app icons to homescreens is not very user friendly. There were pluses as well, but overall, Launcher Pro feels much more polished, so I'm sticking with it. I have not tried ADW Ex yet, and it looks enticing, but I'm back to no LP widgets again. I'm content to keep using LP, knowing that a major rewrite is on the way with lots of new features.
Posted from my DL09 SuperClean Fascinate with Voodoo
Launcher Pro Plus calendar widget... done
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
The calender widget is awesome, screen transitions seem smoother as well. Can't wait for a transparent drawer, and maybe some more transitions.
I like having just one home screen, and a simple app drawer, that way it's easy to find everything. So for me it's Launcher Pro.

Wow.. go launcher ex

If u havent tried it, go get it! The best. Grab it in the market for free.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Go sms pro is pretty phat too.
I think it's hands down the best launcher out there. The Honeycomb theme is awesome with it.
Very nice!
Sent from my MIUI powered Evo
I loved the launcher, but ended up trying out others for a second time when they were already bundled with ROMs. Also, as far as I know, GO Launcher EX doesn't allow for higher grid settings on homescreens, which is absolutely essential to my current setup. If this has changed, I will surely go back, as I loved how smooth it was and how much customization there was elsewhere in it!
Also, I second GO SMS Pro (was just GO SMS, just added features in Pro, like the long-awaited, at least for me, support to check drafts! and is still free).
They update a lot, and not in a bad way. They're usually adding more and more features. Ever since I found out about the GO Dev Team when actually looking to use Handcent or Chomp SMS, I've loved 'em.
I just hate using free launchers cause I have ones I paid for. :-/
phatmanxxl said:
I just hate using free launchers cause I have ones I paid for. :-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kind of how I feel, too.
Go Launcher EX is the business. I think so many people are loyal to ADW and Launcher Pro though(why, I can't figure out). I'll bet you that most folks who have tried all three will tell you that Go Launcher EX is superior. The fact that it's free alone sets it apart. And the regular updates are a nice plus too... If you haven't tried it I suggest you do. Then come back here and give an honest opinion of it.
I tried it but can't remember what it was that turned me away. I admit, it has been a little bit so I'm sure it's better.
Does it have it's own widgets. gesture swipes, resizable widget option, able to change app icons on your homescreens, ability to choose any dock you want? These are some of the things I love on ADW ex/ LPP.
It may very well have some of these things now, it has been a bit. I'm on a Sense kick right now, but I'll give it another look.
I love go launcher but I need to reload the icons when I come out of the browser our youtube.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I wouldn't go as far as saying go launcher is superior that's a little much eh? Its good but its not great. I've used almost every launcher out there for more than a weeks at a time each and I always come back to adwEX.
I'm interested to see what this complete rewrite of Launcher Pro...whenever it happens....will bring to the table.
totalanonymity said:
I loved the launcher, but ended up trying out others for a second time when they were already bundled with ROMs. Also, as far as I know, GO Launcher EX doesn't allow for higher grid settings on homescreens, which is absolutely essential to my current setup. If this has changed, I will surely go back, as I loved how smooth it was and how much customization there was elsewhere in it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did add that feature.
Batman58 said:
I tried it but can't remember what it was that turned me away. I admit, it has been a little bit so I'm sure it's better.
Does it have it's own widgets. gesture swipes, resizable widget option, able to change app icons on your homescreens, ability to choose any dock you want? These are some of the things I love on ADW ex/ LPP.
It may very well have some of these things now, it has been a bit. I'm on a Sense kick right now, but I'll give it another look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer is YES to all of your inquiries, execpt for the 1st one(it's own widgets).. Atleast, I dont think it has it's own widgets, but it has so many add-ons, so there might be one. But YES, it has gesture swipes, you can resize the widgets, app icons can be changed on the desktop and in the dock, you can change your dock, the dock is scrollable and supports up to 15 apps, etc...
dirkyd3rk said:
I wouldn't go as far as saying go launcher is superior that's a little much eh? Its good but its not great. I've used almost every launcher out there for more than a weeks at a time each and I always come back to adwEX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason I called it superior is because it's FREE.. and the other two that are comparable are not(ADW EX and LP+). Of course once you put price aside, the opinions are gonna vary as to which launcher is better. To me the 3 are very comparable though.
mattykinsx said:
I'm interested to see what this complete rewrite of Launcher Pro...whenever it happens....will bring to the table.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I'm a LP user 100% of the way. ADW has a lot of flash but poorly designed, Go Launcher is actually okay but performance isn't all that great. LP is very well designed and very fast. Can't wait for the rewrite.
phatmanxxl said:
I just hate using free launchers cause I have ones I paid for. :-/
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'd hate to not use ADW EX simply because I paid like $3 for it
Only thing that's pissing me off is adwEX hasn't been updated since beginning of January. I hope anderwebs is cooking up some hot features, buts I've purchased adwex, launcher pro plus, and launcher 7. I like to switch back and forth. Go launcher being free simply doesn't make it superior; what's 3 bucks when you can buy 2 launchers for the price of one Burger king combo lol. I bought them to try them all and go launcher simply isn't that impressive. You need to try some paid launchers man I bet you won't find yourself saying that anymore.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Philosuffer said:
They did add that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They added the feature but the max is 5x5, combine that with the fact it does not support shuttered dpi and I have to say LPP is still my favorite.
It's cool and neat but far from owning the competition at this point.
I have Launcher Pro plus, ADW Ex. I've always liked ADW Ex better because -
- lockable screens. Can't tell you how many times I've accidentally moved stuff or even dropped and deleted (or had a friend do that while looking at my phone)
- performance especially with the homescreen transitions
- easily edit and resize icons/shortcuts
- I have Pure calendar and Beautiful weather widgets, so I don't really miss LP widgets.
- got tired of waiting for the "re-write" (not a criticism - I just itch for new stuff)
Go Launcher
Pros
- Matches everything ADW Ex does
- Unread Notifications even on the dock (not on ADW, even with notifier)
- Much easier to manipulate entire screens
- discovered go sms - it's gorgeous!
Cons
- Haven't seen a "lock" feature yet. Need to explore.
- Performance doesn't have the same "snap" to it as ADW Ex, but I need to explore and tweak that a little more
Pretty pleased with Go Launcher Ex so far, I'll use it for a while and check.

[DISCUSSION] Which launcher are you using? and why?

As the topic says: Which launcher are you using? and why?
I'm using 2. Regina 3D and Android Seven pro. I would like to combined them somehow. I really like the start menu on Android Seven pro, but i like the 3D effect in Regina 3D, so i'm using them both from time to time.
How about you guys? It would be fun if you post some screenshots along with your post.
go launcher
gjpax said:
go launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
woaw.. that answer sucked. Please write some more, or don't write at all.
Launcher pro
I'm currently using SPB 3D Launcher, it's smooth, fast and looks great. Bit expensive though.
Was using GO Launcher, but after a few hours it gets really sluggish until I have to reboot the phone.
I've used Launcher Pro Plus which is really quick but really lacks features, and ADW EX which is really nice, but I prefer the way GO Launcher and Launcher Pro do the horizontal swipe shortcuts at the bottom of the screen.
I've given QQ Launcher a go too, seems to be very similar to GO Launcher, will be testing it a bit more to see if it suffers from the sluggishness of GO.
I liked the official launcher even before the update, since it is simple and stylish. The updated launcher solved most of my former gripes, so I'm happy using the stock R800i launcher.
Enviado desde mi R800i usando XDA Premium App
_terror_ said:
woaw.. that answer sucked. Please write some more, or don't write at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK
1 . what launcher are you using : go launcher
2. why : because i like it
I am using Go Launcher as well and I advise everyone to just try it. It's very smooth has one of the best app drawers. It's like a better version of Launcher Pro and it also has a lot of free widgets made for it.
GO Launcher EX
WodgeFTW said:
I'm currently using SPB 3D Launcher, it's smooth, fast and looks great. Bit expensive though.
Was using GO Launcher, but after a few hours it gets really sluggish until I have to reboot the phone.
I've used Launcher Pro Plus which is really quick but really lacks features, and ADW EX which is really nice, but I prefer the way GO Launcher and Launcher Pro do the horizontal swipe shortcuts at the bottom of the screen.
I've given QQ Launcher a go too, seems to be very similar to GO Launcher, will be testing it a bit more to see if it suffers from the sluggishness of GO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how's the battery life on SPB 3D? I'm thinking of going with that one to. It's pretty badass looking
LauncherProPlus
Clean.Customizable.Snappier.
and hey,I got the stock Gingerbread look on Rogers
I tried them all.I tried to like them all.ADW Launcher EX,GO Launcher EX,Regina 3D Launcher,Zeam Launcher,Nemus Launcher, and the Gingerbread Launcher ...
... but nothing tops LPP.
I am using Launcher 7.
I love the look and feel of the Windows 7 phones, but don't like what they offer beyond the surface.
As such, this Launcher is perfect for me.
It is very different to your standard launchers so it also provides a certain novelty value.
I find the interface clean, refreshing and easy to use.
However, it crashes a lot (better now though) and you can't really use widgets with it as it causes constant crashing, and slowing of the app draw.
I love it though.
Red_Kop said:
I am using Launcher 7.
I love the look and feel of the Windows 7 phones, but don't like what they offer beyond the surface.
As such, this Launcher is perfect for me.
It is very different to your standard launchers so it also provides a certain novelty value.
I find the interface clean, refreshing and easy to use.
However, it crashes a lot (better now though) and you can't really use widgets with it as it causes constant crashing, and slowing of the app draw.
I love it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my secondary launcher
Love it.
GetPatriotized said:
It's my secondary launcher
Love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine too. I now have go launcher with the new gingerbread theme as first and default launcher and launcher 7 ad second
I tried spb 3D but the RAM dropped from 240mb + to 170mb.
Launcher Pro Plus is my main one. I like it's snappiness, the skinnable widgets rock (ok I admit it I only use calender), customizable dock backgrounds are a snap to use, I LOVE the homescreen transition effects, I can't stand the bland side to side one anymore . Re sizable Widgets are needed for me for my homescreen style, basically for my different sized photos I got tacked on it. I love the configurable icon amount, I always use 5 icons wide on the homescreen.
I bought ADW EX and it was good, but a couple things bugged the crap out of me until I uninstalled it. Number one main reason is the shoddy ass all apps menu animation. I hate hate HATE how the homescreen widges/icons appear in the background when you close the app drawer, before actually 'flies' away. Launcher pro's just seems waaaay more polished. Other than that they are both pretty similar, with ADW being just a little more confusing to customize.
I tried Launcher 7, loved the simplicity and the good job they did, but ended up being too boring after while.
Switched to Launcher 7 again.
Spent an hour making icons,customized it a bit. Downloaded widgets,bought UberMusic.
Loving it!
I use go launcher EX because it's free, doesn't lag for me, doesn't drain the battery anymore than the stock launcher, has themes I like and is VERY customizable.
Sent from my R800
using modded stock launcher with 3 homescreens. don't want to really clutter up my launcher (so as is with my desktop in my lappy ) with unnecessary shortcuts of apps i don't even use. after all, stock apps were optimized by the company themselves to work with the phone properly..
Why do people need two launchers? All I hear is that such and such launcher lags,blah blah blah..but then you go and install two launchers? Reason?
I've used launcher pro plus most of the time for my HTC dhd and now for my play. Have tried most of the launcher on the market but always preferred lpp over any other launcher. It's the best launcher out there imo. At the moment I'm giving launcher 7 a go. Really nice and simple design that matches my look I'm going for. It's not as snappy as lpp, but no major lag nor freezes and it's responsive. You can even get battery % shown with it's build in status bar ;-)
Regards Dousan...
captain67 said:
I use go launcher EX because it's free, doesn't lag for me, doesn't drain the battery anymore than the stock launcher, has themes I like and is VERY customizable.
Sent from my R800
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried ADW and Launcher Pro, but found BOTH to crash and lag often. Mostly the lag.
I switched to Go Launcher/Widget/Keyboard/Facebook/Calendar/Task Manager and honestly its so blazing fast it's very impressive. But the thing I HATE about Go Launcher is for "custom" icons it won't let me use the buuf icon packs. Does ANYONE know any way I can buuf icons for go launcher?
Thanks a bunch
And speaking of icons in general, is it just me or are icons on this OS (gingerbread?) SO freaking small! My girlfriend has a Samsung Infuse 4G and I know the screen is technically aLOT larger but her OS (froyo?) has such nice big icons like iOS. Getting buuf icons would partially help this fact but its still annoying that the icons on this android phone are so freaking small.

Which launcher and why...

First of all, I should say, if this topic has already been discussed, then I apologise, and pelase just point me to the right direction. If not, let's get the discussion going!
I started this thread really for 2 reasons. One is to find out for myself (and hopefully for others) which launcher app is more suitable for my needs. And the second one is to have a discussion on the pro's and con's of the different launchers available.
For the GNote as a standard there is the TW launcher of course. I haven't seen any real shortcomings with it. I quite like it. it's clean, smooth and it works.
I am aware of three others: ADW, GO launcher, and launcher pro. I think ADW has a free and a pay version, and I assume the pay version has more features.
I haven't used any of the others on the GNote, and I never used the GO launcher. However, I did use ADW and LauncherPro both on my viewsonic Gtab. On that particular device I found launcher pro more suitable for my needs. Again, it was clean, simple and smooth.
I've never attempted using addons for either, and I am now becoming aware of the different ways to change icons, themes, etc. It'd be interesting to know what can be done with which launchers...
SS launcher
Why: cause it doesn't suck
Sorry, all I can write for now
From the Beast : Galaxy Note
If I'm not mistaken, only the stock TW Launcher has true hardware acceleration thanks to Samsung's work on it. Every other launcher should be software driven (i.e., CPU taxing).
Go Launcher Ex. I tried almost all popular ones and Go is just the best IMO. I can resize widgets, easily create folders and it's highly customizable.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
QQLauncher is the beat imho
Wysłane z mojego GT-N7000 za pomocą Tapatalk
ssLauncher
ssLauncher because:
It's truly different
It is completely configurable, down to the pixel
All widgets can be resized (although some get funny)
shortcuts can be of any style whatsoever (individually) making for a unique layout
It does not lag at all on my set-up (although transitions are a bit tricky to set up right)
You can have page names (the main thing I wanted)
It's truly different!
Nova Launcher!
Otherwise ADW, I like it's customizability. Never tried SS Launcher though.
If you use gb i think go launchr is optimal choice, but for ics nova is the fastest one
Sent from my GT-I9220 using XDA App
sprintuser1977 said:
SS launcher
Why: cause it doesn't suck
Sorry, all I can write for now
From the Beast : Galaxy Note
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow you are damn right. This app makes so much sense. very unique indeed.
I personally use now Go Launcher Ex-highly customizable etc...but I recommend you to have a look at the "Post your homescreen" threads where you'll see different types of homescreens and launchers by the users.
Another site which is quite good for this is mycolorscreen.com/ where you'll see different homescreens and normally the Widgets in use with the market link. So you'll be able to learn how to customize your screen on your own
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
guibog said:
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One word: Widgets!
I used to use ADW but it ha gotten too buggy, and it looks like it's not being developed anymore .
These days it's go launcher, but really it's just a place holder until I can load ICS, and the stock launcher
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Am I the only one who thinks the none of the launchers are doing it right?
For all I know, TW launcher is the only launcher that uses hardware acceleration. It NEVER lags. Compared to other launchers, I'd stick with it. (I'm on RR v22, ICS for RR v1.6)
TW launcher on ICS for RR looks so much better than stock TW. It makes it bearable. Plus it doesn't lag.
VTL launcher 1.7.0 with left and right docks active, absolutly the more versatile one!
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AA1973 said:
I personally use now Go Launcher Ex-highly customizable etc...but I recommend you to have a look at the "Post your homescreen" threads where you'll see different types of homescreens and launchers by the users.
Another site which is quite good for this is mycolorscreen.com where you'll see different homescreens and normally the Widgets in use with the market link. So you'll be able to learn how to customize your screen on your own
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great site, thanks! Just opened it and found a great homescreen containing several widgets I've been literaly looking for and didn't know they exist. Can't post links yet unfortunately, but you can go have a look and see if it also catches your attention Its on a Note too!
guibog said:
Am I the only one who dislike multi pages launchers? On the Gnote this artifice is not necessary anymore, I just have ADW with only one screen and with some tuning I have enough room for my often used apps, two folders and a off off my kid. I even disabled auto rotate. On such a big screen landscape makes no sense for home screen and most apps but pictures and video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I dislike them, but I'm sure gonna go for as few as I can. Thinking about 2 or so, depends on how many widgets I'm actually gonna need. I don't like to keep scrolling to find what I want.
I installed several launchers and launcher modifiers. Most modifiers sucked. I think they put adware on my phone because once a day or so I get an advert pop up that is not from my provider (I recognise some new type of icons in the notification bar). I uninstalled the launcher modifiers very quickly so I forgot their names. I tried ADW, and so far decided to stick with launcher pro, as it gave me what I needed (customised icons for apps and dock). Anything else wasn't really of interest for me from a functional perspective.
Im using launcher pro on the chinese leak ICS and its so smooth its insane. It looks to be rendering in 60p while using a live wallpaper with absolutely no lag at all. I like the animations and options in it but it is getting a little dated and could do with an upgrade to add some more widgets and functionality.
This was fairly smooth on GB roms pretty much the same as TW launcher but on the ICS leak this flies
You can shrink and zoom all widgets in the paid version from 1x1 to full screen and this works well with nearly every widget I have tried. This is very useful when reducing DPI even though atm I am using the stock 320 incase it breaks something reducing this.
The TW launcher is so low for me when scrolling left and right even though its smooth it just moves across pretty slow, I like to get to where I want quick and launcher pro does this. I havent tried many other launchers lately but tried them all before and keep going back to launcher pro even though it hasnt been updated in a while.
@martcerv: So how is that ICS leak working out for you? Many seem to have problems of all sorts with it...
I have been using spb shell 3d in tablet mode with resizable widgets and for me its the best.
It displays 8 rows x 6 columns and is really suited to the Note. The labels maybe small for some, but not really needed.
For me its the best experience, its compatible with the ICS chainfire release and is very smooth and responsive.
I have adjusted dpi to 213 for better views in gmail etc, but this does not effect shell 3d. At 213 dpi you loose the top bar for some reason, but have put info onto homescreen, see pic
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Favorite Launcher

I've been using Nova since it came out basically and have moved around a little trying some of the new ones but I don't think I've had a fully set up experience on a different launcher since the Launcher Pro and ADW days.
I was wondering if there is a favorite launcher that people like especially if it makes the huge amount of screen space on the Note a little more usable. Currently with Nova I leave the top half of both screens mostly unfilled as it can be hard to reach.
Nova launcher pro version is neat, I got it 99 cents when there was a promotion.
The best thing is it allows you to back up your setting, so when you transfer data to a new phone, you can just use one click to have the exactly screen setting!!!
preston66002425 said:
Nova launcher pro version is neat, I got it 99 cents when there was a promotion.
The best thing is it allows you to back up your setting, so when you transfer data to a new phone, you can just use one click to have the exactly screen setting!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea that's I'm currently using. It's nice and all but I see a lot of launchers that do cool stuff like automatically figure out your most used apps and all that.
Another best launcher for me is Smart Launcher
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I've used so many launchers. Best so far for me are a couple,
1. Microsoft launcher. Hands down the best, just needs more options.
2. Squarehome launcher. Because I'm a big fan of windows phones. This one is very very elegant and very well made. A little on the expensive side (I believe it was $7), but well worth the money. Only gripe is that its settings are all over the place and you have to get used to it to master its customizations.
3. CPL and hyperion if you want stock android launchers. Very nice launchers. Clean and fast. Hyperion has more customizations, but CPL is free.
4. Nova launcher. Have had it for over 4 years now. It has been mostly the same and getting a little too outdated. Dev needs to bring some new features around. Otherwise, competition will destroy them very soon.
5. Samsung One UI house launcher is phenomenal itself.
I've tried next launcher 3D and it was overwhelming then left it in about a month or so.
Using nova launcher. Fast and smooth. But downside when using samsung weather widget, resizing quite wacky.
Gil Smash said:
I've been using Nova since it came out basically and have moved around a little trying some of the new ones but I don't think I've had a fully set up experience on a different launcher since the Launcher Pro and ADW days.
I was wondering if there is a favorite launcher that people like especially if it makes the huge amount of screen space on the Note a little more usable. Currently with Nova I leave the top half of both screens mostly unfilled as it can be hard to reach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can try Niagara Launcher. Been using it since I got my note 9 and when I had the previous models of Samsung eg s9+ and s8+. Its clean fast and everything is ready for your reach.
K-alz said:
I've used so many launchers. Best so far for me are a couple,
1. Microsoft launcher. Hands down the best, just needs more options.
2. Squarehome launcher. Because I'm a big fan of windows phones. This one is very very elegant and very well made. A little on the expensive side (I believe it was $7), but well worth the money. Only gripe is that its settings are all over the place and you have to get used to it to master its customizations.
3. CPL and hyperion if you want stock android launchers. Very nice launchers. Clean and fast. Hyperion has more customizations, but CPL is free.
4. Nova launcher. Have had it for over 4 years now. It has been mostly the same and getting a little too outdated. Dev needs to bring some new features around. Otherwise, competition will destroy them very soon.
5. Samsung One UI house launcher is phenomenal itself.
I've tried next launcher 3D and it was overwhelming then left it in about a month or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks! I'm giving Microsoft Launcher another shot as I used it a while ago but stopped. So far so good!
Gil Smash said:
Awesome thanks! I'm giving Microsoft Launcher another shot as I used it a while ago but stopped. So far so good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. Let me know what you like and what you don't.
K-alz said:
4. Nova launcher. Have had it for over 4 years now. It has been mostly the same and getting a little too outdated. Dev needs to bring some new features around. Otherwise, competition will destroy them very soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nah, i rather have an rock solid launcher instead of some bloated one.
but besides. there isn't much missing on Samsung stock launcher nowadays. they now allow the swipe down from anywhere on the screen to bring up notifications.
i am only missing indefinite scrolling between homescreens and some advanced gesture options like double tap. once Samsung stock launcher can do this, i don't need nova no more.
Always been nova for me, but will try some of the others listed here.
Thinking about spicing up my screen a bit.
Another onecthstcwas light weight and free is Evie. It needs some work. The best thing I liked about it was I could get nadge icons on apps with out installing a helper application. Not as stated it needs a lite work.
I've been using Nova for years now and I have a hard time using something else, but I think Lawnchair is very promising
Nova launcher
Used nova for about 5 years on all my devices... I've found Evie last year... Never come back to nova!
I use Evie on my S8+, Note 9, Nexus 6 and Note 4 (yeah yeah...) and love it.
I am using total launcher. those who need customization should try this once.
Been using Nova for years, but the last few months I've been using Lawnchair V2. Really nice and simple, and they've implemented App Actions in the app drawer recently. Pretty handy.
Used Total Launcher for a long time. Very customizable but somewhat complex.
Recently switched to Nova Launcher along with Kustom Live Wallpaper (KLWP). This makes a great team, but like Total Launcher, lots of under the hood to get the right look for the power user.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk
preston66002425 said:
Nova launcher pro version is neat, I got it 99 cents when there was a promotion.
The best thing is it allows you to back up your setting, so when you transfer data to a new phone, you can just use one click to have the exactly screen setting!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, all this.
I have briefly tried other launchers, but they quickly fail to live upto what I know of Nova.
I guess a lot of it comes down to me kind of wanting a launcher to give me a way of automatically improving efficiency not because I don't want to put the work in to figure out how to set up something complex but because I don't know what I want!
So far I'm digging the Microsoft Launcher but it doesn't do a whole lot that Nova doesn't. I've tried things like Niagara too but those tend to be a little overly simplified.

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