Launcher/Interface discussion. - ZenFone 2 General

I have been reading a lot of negative comments on the launcher in some of the reviews I have read and thought a discussion of features and quirks might be a good topic.
Personally I have been a TouchWiz fan for a while but lately I have been using Nova. I really like the Asus' customization abilities. If you are in the app drawer, you can click on the 3 vertical dots in the upper right of the screen. There you can change all sorts of characteristics of the drawer like grid size and folder icon options.
Anyone figure out how to change the icon grid for the home screen?

Personally, I use and recommend ActionLauncher 3. Best Lollipop launcher available, IMO! The QuickTheme feature is brilliant and the side drawer is faster than navigating through drawer pages.

Pretty sure the asus launcher doesn't allow changing the grid size.
Just got mine yesterday, but been using Google Launcher. Coming from a Nexus 5, and a Nexus 4 before that, it's what I'm used to. That being said, I'll probably switch to nova launcher, because there are a number of Asus apps you can't get rid of. So I'll use nova launcher to just hide the from the app drawer, and it will be like they don't exist!

nathan118 said:
Pretty sure the asus launcher doesn't allow changing the grid size.
Just got mine yesterday, but been using Google Launcher. Coming from a Nexus 5, and a Nexus 4 before that, it's what I'm used to. That being said, I'll probably switch to nova launcher, because there are a number of Asus apps you can't get rid of. So I'll use nova launcher to just hide the from the app drawer, and it will be like they don't exist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using Nova Launcher on all of my phones for along time.. Decided to try out Action Launcher 3 that rlaw recommended and after trying it out a bit, it just became my new launcher (paid the $5 for the plus version).
I really like the screen swipe to bring up the quick app list (instead of digging thru the app drawer) and the Shutter function in the paid version is really neat take on folders. It also has the ability to hide apps like nova launcher has..
I recommend checking it out, it has the best features in the plus paid version but IMO it's worth it to support apps that make my experience better :good:

I was using nova launcher prime up until I got this phone, and the only thing making me want to switch back is that I could have 6 apps in the dock on nova. On a screen this size, you'd think they'd let you do that.

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
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
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.

Best Custom luncher App

Hi, everyone
I am new to android and smartphones. I bought an Atrix and will be getting rid of my dumbphone.
I do not really like Motoblur (its okay, but I read that lunchers are MUCH smoother and also gives you alot more options to customize).
From what I can tell, the two big players are
- LauncherPro
- AWD Launcher
I would like to hear what you guys think of those and what are thier Pros/Cons if any?
Thanks in advance
I like LauncherPro. It's super fast and has lots of cool features. ADW lets you drag and drop onto the launcher which is really annoying to me. I was constantly flinging apps on to and off of it. Hope that helps.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
Launcher Pro is great for it's speed. I like Zeam because it lets you config the swipe up (open dialer) and swipe down (bring status screen down) on the front screens.
The Bishop said:
Launcher Pro is great for it's speed. I like Zeam because it lets you config the swipe up (open dialer) and swipe down (bring status screen down) on the front screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do that on launcher pro....
Zephyrs said:
You can do that on launcher pro....
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Click to collapse
how? the closest I've found is the gestures on the buttons at the bottom. I can't find anything that lets me swipe the middle (empty) part of my screens and have it do anything (I keep my icons on the top and bottom rows so I have 2 rows with which to do that swipe).
I'll be very honest, I always seem to come back to Zeam.
It's light and fast and does the job a launcher should do and more...just lighter and faster.
The one thing I realized I couldn't live without was the double-tap action that you can set. I set it to expand my notifications, so now, instead of having to trek my wee thumb all the way up to the notifications bar and pull it down, I just double tap an empty spot on my screen and down it comes!
I've tried GO Launcher and LP...I don't know. Zeam is just the bees knees.
I had Launcher Pro Plus on my Droid and loved it so much that when I switched to the Atrix, it was the first app I put on the phone. I've fooled around with ADW in the past, but was never a big fan.
i prefer Launcher pro for speed and ADW.Launcher for drag and drop feature.
ADW also support widget resizing in free version.
Better Theming support for ADW
It is not as fast as Launcher pro but im still using ADW as it is very easy and fast to customize (change shortcuts and their icons)
i will switch to launcher pro when they add drag and drop to app drawer support (dunno if they already incorporated that since i haven't tried for atleast 3months now )
Well I use Zeam right now on my Nexus one and love it; very clean and fast.
The customization features are a little lacking (arranging of different pages after they're already made) but the speed and lightness of the overall package makes up for it.
I like the speed and feel of ADW Es but switched to Launch Pro Plus because of the widgets.
Launcher pro. Fastest, most consistent and smooth.
Sent from my Motorola Atrix using tapatalk
I use GoLauncher EX. Today it received a feature of looping homescreens. Best. Feature. Ever.
I tested both ADW and launcher pro when I first got the phone and end up getting the paid version of launcher pro. This is my first android phone, so I was learning a lot about it when I made the choice... honestly don't remember exactly why I chose launcher pro. I think I just generally liked the feel and some of the customization features, as well as widgets.
Zephyrs said:
You can do that on launcher pro....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use LP and was actually just searching my cyanogen and LP settings tonight to find a swipe setting but couldn't. Also using wave launcher which interfere with my not. Bar when sliding up so I'd really like this feature. How do you access it?
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Custom launcher implies personal choice. You're better off asking why people pick and compare to what you like.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
i have had all 3, LPP, ADW Ex, GO Launcher
Launcher Pro Plus feels bulky, although it might not be
ADW Ex is very easy to use / setup, but i still feel something is missing, I was an ADW fan until i tried Go launcher 2 days ago
I like GO launcher the best, its free first of all, then it got nice folder icons, easy to delete programs in app drawer, kill active background programs in a flash, and dont forget the promise weekly update
lets just say i m now a Go launcher fan, freaking awesome combo together with GO SMS
I'm an ADW Ex guy.
love the easy resizeable widgets, have multiple columns and rows, animation transitions, awesome secret dockbar,easy to drop icons on dock, customizable docks.., move pages around, delete pages around etc.
It's fast for me :/ I dunno why it's not fast for people. :x but we all have preferences.
I do like the widgets on LP+ .. one thing i like about it
for GO, I like the app menu because it has so much more than a regular app drawer
:x
Just to clarify, you can get widgets such as beautiful widgets and the likes with custom launcheDO any of those launchers have GPU accelarated UIs?
xyrovice said:
I'll be very honest, I always seem to come back to Zeam.
It's light and fast and does the job a launcher should do and more...just lighter and faster.
The one thing I realized I couldn't live without was the double-tap action that you can set. I set it to expand my notifications, so now, instead of having to trek my wee thumb all the way up to the notifications bar and pull it down, I just double tap an empty spot on my screen and down it comes!
I've tried GO Launcher and LP...I don't know. Zeam is just the bees knees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just installed zeam, like the clean and simple menu look. One question, any way to change the icons in the dock?
after trying launcher pro i came right back to motoblur. yea, its not as fast (although i didn't notice any slowdowns) but it looks a lot better. there is a reason why they fixed up the interface. Motorola did a slick job on this phone.

[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.
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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.

Launcher... why yes but which one are you using?

what launcher you are using and why
I have used many launchers and it seems though some are smaller size wise most use up to the 123mb that TW uses (this includes unread plugins and such) even Trebuchet from CM is using from 99-122mb.
Just wondering if there is a gem hiding that I havent used
Favorites
Zeam- too old has issues now
Nova- memory hog
Apex- out of date
Lightning- uses alot of memory
KEEP IT CLEAN AND POLITE. ALL COMMENTS AND OPINIONS ARE WELCOME :good:
Mods if it gets out of hand or if it feels irrelevant feel free to remove post or clean post at will. Thank you in advance for all your hard work
Touchwiz! ?
Stuck on GoLauncher... I know it's heavy , but so used to it.. Will move to something simpler soon
Nova prime is still the best, it's been regularly updated and has the best customizations. Every launcher is a memory hog, so you might as well choose the best lol
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Been using Nova launcher for years now and have never regretted my decision, even after using alternatives like golauncher, apex, trebuchet, etc I would still find myself reinstalling nova. Another reason for my love for it is the constant updates and implementation of new animations each time a new Android version comes out, it is versatile and as surprised as I am to hear people point out is a memory hog this is one issue I have never experienced.
true would be nice though to have a truly light weight launcher.
Using Mihome launcher
Nova launcher, prime. Worth the donation, and the devs maintain it. I bought ADW a long time ago, but it's growing cobwebs.
Anybody use the sense 7 launcher and apps?
Nova
Nova, because of the ability to have a scrollable dock. I have 5 pages (25 icons) there, so I almost never need to use the app drawer.
I love the tsf 3d launcher and use it with the lines icon pack. Comes with its own weather widget which I love
Sent from my HT6 using XDA Free mobile app
Smart launcher works best for me
I know that I'm inviting hate by saying it, but I'm using the Google Now Launcher on my Galaxy Note 4 N910T. Used Nova religiously my my GS3 and Note 2, then got a Nexus 5 on launch day and got hooked on Google Now. Haven't really tried anything since, though I might revisit the launcher scene if I'm looking to change things up.
I'm still on stock ROM, but using Nova Launcher. I think I misread the poll and voted stock. Sorry.
Nova or Apus launcher
no hate for the Google now laucher, if you use it as its meant it is pretty sweet and has good functionality. I myself tried out Windows launcher wasn't super impressed that's why I use android lol

Best launcher

I really don't like the default app drawer, so I am looking for a 3rd party replacement. So far I have used Nova Launcher Prime on the previous phone, which one do you recommend?
Nova is by far the best launcher I have used 2nd would be Apex.
Nova here too. I keep trying other but always come back to Nova.
Nova prime. It's so customisable that there is no other need for other launchers!
Used Nova and Apex over many years but for some reason I much prefer Apex, it has that little edge with a few things that Nova is missing.
I've tried them all, keep coming back to Nova.
z-launcher
I use both Nova and Action Launcher 3. At the moment I am Action Launcher.
i use next 3d launcher
Hands down Nova Prime.
I'm using Nova Prime, and I love it. So customizable and feature-packed. But it's the only 3rd party launcher I've ever used, so I can't really compare it to anything else. However, I can't imagine anything being any better.
Apex
If the Nova people above have time I would thoroughly recommend giving Apex a try. It really does add some great little visuals, drawer features and functionality. The only thing I miss from Nova is the alphabetical slider in the app drawer. May take a bit of fiddling with settings but you really can do so much more with Apex compared to Nova. Just hope they bring out an update to Apex as it is a little overdue although works without issue...
Nova prime
Sent from my Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk
The best launcher on the Galaxy S7 Edge is exactly the same as the best launcher on the last three phones I have owned. Namely Nova Launcher Prime. I go one further by setting up a Nova activity when the home button is pressed on the Nova home screen which opens up HTC Blinkfeed, and then back to Nova with another press within Blinkfeed. The perfect combination.
Nova Prime all the way ?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
I've used just about every launcher out there, Nova, Apex, Action, Go and a bunch I can't recall. My fave for its customizability, speed, and light memory footprint is Lightning Launcher. You can write scripts to change its behavior and attach them to individual actions and gestures. You can make it do things with Tasker and, my real favorite, is that you can create multiple home screens, each with multiple pages. I have my daily home screen, a Car screen (that's triggered by Tasker when my car BT connects), a Night home screen and one for Workouts (triggered like the Car screen when my BT earbuds connect). There's a paid version (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.pierrox.lightning_launcher_extreme) and a free/trial (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.pierrox.lightning_launcher). One of the best app purchases I've made.
Action Launcher 3 :good:
Nova !
Nova launcher prime on all my android devices. I have also used Apex in the past but it hasn't been updated in a while since June last year & they lost me when they added the Feeling Lucky ads to the paid version.

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