Replace the Default Launcher - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot

How many of you have replaced the default launcher on your S4? What launcher are you currently using?

I switched from the TouchWiz launcher to Nova Launcher. It now has the ability to utilize the "Transparent Status Bar." If you are using one of the stock wallpapers, your status bar can be transparent while you are in the launcher, just like TouchWiz.
DarqAnshin said:
How many of you have replaced the default launcher on your S4? What launcher are you currently using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I've used go launcher for a long time. I'm thinking about switching to nova though. It seems like it has a lot of cool features.

Buzz Launcher ftw.

I've tried both Nova and Go on my S4. I liked both but am staying with Go for now. No big reason why. I just like some of the Go widgets better.

I use to use Nova all the time on my EVOs, but I didn't know if anyone noticed a performance degredation by switching launchers or not. I know until rolled Nova into my ROM on the EVO that it would chew down memory and slow down the device.

I use Nova.
Sent from my SPH-L720

nivron said:
I switched from the TouchWiz launcher to Nova Launcher. It now has the ability to utilize the "Transparent Status Bar." If you are using one of the stock wallpapers, your status bar can be transparent while you are in the launcher, just like TouchWiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'm in the minority but I use Apex launcher.
Hey nivron, or anyone using nova. Does that transparent nav bar feature only work on stock wallpaper? Or does user wallpaper show thru too? I'm willing to give Nova a run if so. I hate not having a transparent bar. And just confirming its the top bar with the clock/wif etc.?
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

I just tested it with one of my other wallpapers and it seemed to work for me.
roninep said:
I guess I'm in the minority but I use Apex launcher.
Hey nivron, or anyone using nova. Does that transparent nav bar feature only work on stock wallpaper? Or does user wallpaper show thru too? I'm willing to give Nova a run if so. I hate not having a transparent bar. And just confirming its the top bar with the clock/wif etc.?
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks nivron. Guess ill try out nova for a bit!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

Using TSF Shell.

I use Nova, too.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

Apex and Nova are the most popular, but I use ADW Ex for some of the options that the others don't have. Consensus is usually Apex is smoothest.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

I use nova as well. Try to make it look like touchwiz tho

use luncher pro all the time.

I use nova launcher prime. The best launcher to date in my opinion. Im not a fan of spending money but this one was worth it for the gestures, unread count, extra dock pages, and other features.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

I've been using Apex since my e4gt, don't see myself using anything either.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

inlineboy said:
Apex and Nova are the most popular,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to you or either of those launchers, but that is just not true. Go has between 50 and 100 million downloads. The other two are between 1 and 5 million downloads. Heck, Go has over 1.2 million reviews! So I'd say Go is, by far, the most popular.

My question to you all that have replaced your default launcher with the launcher of your choice is this:
Do you notice a higher memory consumption or an increase/decrease in lag vs the default / Touchwiz

For me, Nova is as fast, if not faster than TouchWiz. I didn't really think TouchWiz was really laggy though.
DarqAnshin said:
My question to you all that have replaced your default launcher with the launcher of your choice is this:
Do you notice a higher memory consumption or an increase/decrease in lag vs the default / Touchwiz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Related

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
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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?

Best launcher app for Nexus 10?

Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
stock
Sounds like you need Nova launcher. It's the gestures that make it a winner.
phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Apex, works great
n1r0k said:
I'm using Apex, works great
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Click to collapse
I haven't tried Apex on a N10 yet, but it would be the first 3rd-party launcher I would try, if that means anything
I'm using Go launcher HD. It is not on play store yet, gotta go to the go launcher website and find the apk. Pretty nice, has gestures and lots of customization. The 3 main android buttons are sstill in the middle... I don't think launchers alone can change that.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about the navigation buttons (back, home, recents), then you can't change that with a launcher. Launcher is only your homescreen. The navigation bar is part of the systemui.apk
Go for apex
Sent from my GT-i9001 using xda app-developers app
Configured Apex, works fine.
Do you know if plus version gives two finger system menu?
And how to change buttons from the middle to the side?
Apex and Nova both do what I want.. they seem pretty similar. What I can't figure out is if one of them is better in terms of battery usage, speed, stability, etc? Apex on my Nexus 7 had a bug where icon/folder labels disappeared when I rotated the device, so I switched to Nova. The Apex dev said he would fix that in the next update though.
Nova. Loved the ability to overlap widgets.
Nova and Apex Launcher are the two most widely used launchers and offer basically the same features on both and will do anything you need. SS Launcher is also good but is much more "difficult" to set up perfect since it has no grid, you just drag whatever you want wherever you want.
This one might be good for some users too:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jaGFtZWxlb25sYXVuY2hlciJd
phemark said:
Hi,
What launchers are people using?
Which would be the best to be using on a table/Nexus 10. I really dont like the buttons in the middle, and would like the option to increase number of rows/columns on the screen too. Maybe some desktop gestures?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the stock launcher enough, but I'm using Apex launcher so that I can use gestures (I have swipe up launch the app tray, swipe down launch settings, and pinch does the homescreen expose). I think Nova is supposed to be pretty good too; when ICS came out, Apex and Nova were the two most popular ICS launchers. I tried them and remember liking them both, but thought that Apex was smoother, however that was a long time ago and Nova may be just as smooth or even smoother for all I know.
Also, I like that Apex (and maybe Nova as well) has the option to keep the launcher in memory, I don't know if it just raises the OoM value or what but I hate hitting home and then needing to wait for things to reload. I don't know if this would happen much on the N10 but it happened all of the time on my TF201 if I didn't set it to stay in memory.
Also, I know this is a mater of opinion, but I can't imagine wanting to get rid of the navigation buttons! Do you use the recent apps button very much? For me, once I got in the habit of using it and not pressing home every time I wanted to switch apps, I really loved it.
I have Nova Launcher... Here is a screenshot. I know its cluttered and needs sorting but you get the idea. Everything is super quick.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
what is that weather widget you're using?
hahnsdroid said:
I have Nova Launcher... Here is a screenshot. I know its cluttered and needs sorting but you get the idea. Everything is super quick.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using stock for now. I use nova on my phone, but the dock at the bottom is far cleaner join the stock launcher, than nova, at the moment. Plus the drawer and search buttons in the corner are no longer needed. I'll use nova when the ui gets patched for the new tablet layouts.
Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
hahnsdroid said:
Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn! That's crowded desktop.
hahnsdroid said:
Using the weather widget from HD Widgets.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you having ocasional freezes and crashes?
HD widgets it's reported to cause freezes and crashes.
Hey nope, non whatsoever. All good here.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2

What is a launcher?

Hi guys, can you explain what a launcher is. If I add or use a launcher what happens to my stock launcher? Is it running in the background, use more battery? Will it keep my app arrangement in stock saved while I use a new launcher? Thanks for all the help I've been using stock ever since I used a Nexus.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 4
A launcher launches apps, app drawer, home screens, etc. If you install another launcher, you will be prompted which you want to use, stock or the one you downloaded. Not sure if the stock runs in the background, but i believe your set up will be the same if you delete your new launcher. Download one and try: for example, there's nova, adw, apex, etc.
Kick-Ass Joe said:
Hi guys, can you explain what a launcher is. If I add or use a launcher what happens to my stock launcher? Is it running in the background, use more battery? Will it keep my app arrangement in stock saved while I use a new launcher? Thanks for all the help I've been using stock ever since I used a Nexus.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A launcher is where you find your home screens, widgets, apps, etc. If you download and install a third party launcher such as Apex or Nova your stock launcher is still there. It doesn't change unless you change it. You can do whatever you want with the third party launcher and it won't mess with your stock launcher setup. They are completely separate. It won't use more battery. It doesn't really run in the background. Sheen you first install the new launcher and press the home button a prompt for which launcher to use will come up. You can select the such launcher or the new one. You can also chose to use the option you pick just once, in case you want to test it out and go back and forth between launchers, or always if you decide you like the new launcher more.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Thanks guys any recommendation which one to use?
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 4
Kick-Ass Joe said:
Thanks guys any recommendation which one to use?
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally use Apex, but many people like Nova launcher. Those are the two titans. But there's a dozens of different launchers that offer different features and UI experiences.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I've used adw, long ago, but now i've been using nova and enjoying it over stock.
I prefer apex. Apex and nova are pretty similar. Go launcher is nice because of all the theme packs but has a lot of extra add on programming I don't care for like there own app store. Adw I've never really used
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

[Q]Nova or Trebuchet ?

Hi, just whanted to know which is the best for smooth experience ? I don't want my UI to stutter..
tlf55 said:
Hi, just whanted to know which is the best for smooth experience ? I don't want my UI to stutter..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both won't stutter. It depends on your preferences.
abaaaabbbb63 said:
Both won't stutter. It depends on your preferences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does nova drain more battery than Trebuchet ?
tlf55 said:
Does nova drain more battery than Trebuchet ?
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Click to collapse
Nope, but Trebuchet has more options. For Nova you have to pay for those options.
But Trebuchet crashes when trying to change the number of home screens.
Nova is much smoother and liter
I always use it although Trebuchet is perfectly smooth on our Nexus 4 like on no other device
What about Apex? Tbh in terms of stutter they should all be fine, it comes down to the features and personal preference.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Apex has been quite amazing. Although, I might change to nova because of the speed.
Always been a Nova fan...fast, customizable, and light!
So in term of battery, there's no difference right ? between apex/nova/trebuchet ?
In terme of stutter sometime it's like trebuchet have some few (very very few and not that noticable but has anyway) i'm in cm10.1.. that's why i'm asking about other before buying the right one ..
tlf55 said:
So in term of battery, there's no difference right ? between apex/nova/trebuchet ?
In terme of stutter sometime it's like trebuchet have some few (very very few and not that noticable but has anyway) i'm in cm10.1.. that's why i'm asking about other before buying the right one ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're gonna buy, go for Nova.
Nova FTW!!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Trebuchet is very simple, offers nothing but speed.
Nova is light too and has a lot of (really) great features that Trebuchet does not have. Nova isn't slow at all, but if you're not sure, try the free version first, you'll see
Nova, hands down! hidden dock and gestures, I love the gesture feature! I have my settings, app drawer, dock, nova settings set up with nova's gesture feature. It took a bit to get used but I can't think of living without it now....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Nova.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
Really Nova better?
Really guys? Nova is better?
any stuff in particular that nova has that the other one doenst?
I personally like Apex much more than Nova.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
I think Apex is better than Nova because its theme can be changed according to CM10.1 theme or Icon pack .. nova only allows changing the icons
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 AM ----------
Ahmad H Storm said:
I think Apex is better than Nova because its theme can be changed according to CM10.1 theme or Icon pack .. nova only allows changing the icons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also they have the same exact options ... the only option that nova has and apex hasn't is "Overlap when placing" .. or at least that is what i think
I personally prefer Nove. But my advice is: try both out. Nobody can tell you which launcher fits the most in the way you use your phone and which features you use or not.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Nova apex trebu.. all are good. nova and apex paid versions offer a lot of custom options.. trebu does not have so many features..
and as far as lag or shutter is concerned it mostly depends on your hardware.. on nexus 4 i you have not underclocked your device oand/or dont have a lot of bloated apps installed no launcher should shutter...
I am using Nova Prime and i am really happy with it. It also features option to hide apps from app drawer which i was looking for for a while.

Nova launcher or Touchwiz

Hi people...im using nova launcher for a long time... in relation the battery is better option using touchwiz? Any another good launcher...?
What launcher you use?
thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app
tutufjv said:
Hi people...im using nova launcher for a long time... in relation the battery is better option using touchwiz? Any another good launcher...?
What launcher you use?
thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there are many lauchers out there, in my opinion, Nova/Apex Launcher is the best one, because of it's customizability.
Touchwiz Launcher isn't bad, but there aren't much options to customize it, like larger app grid.
If you want to try a comletely new Launcher, you should try out Themer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer).
Agreed
Shad0wKn1ght93 said:
Well, there are many lauchers out there, in my opinion, Nova/Apex Launcher is the best one, because of it's customizability.
Touchwiz Launcher isn't bad, but there aren't much options to customize it, like larger app grid.
If you want to try a comletely new Launcher, you should try out Themer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycolorscreen.themer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themer is quite good, but annoyed me that it has no "keep in memory" option, as I'd press home and wait for it to load. Currently I'm using, and loving, the Google Experience Launcher. Aviate is also quite good.
Nova launcher is my main primary launcher, it's speedy and timely updates. The customisation is excellent to although I use the prime version. I've got Apex as well but prefer Nova. Aviate as mentioned above is unique but still needs further development before I contemplate using it primarily.
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk

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