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Try Launcher Pro, if you haven't tried it or another home screen replacement already!

If you're hesitant to replace the stock home screen, as I was, you should at least try out launcher pro to see what you are missing. Scrolling is buttery smooth, both between home screens and on the app drawer. RAM actually INCREASES from using Launcher Pro (with a rooted, but stock froyo phone, stock home screen kept me around 200-225mb RAM...launcher pro gets me between 220-250 mb RAM). Finally, and probably most importantly, there are a TON of features to try out in terms of usability, personalization, notifications, etc...
Also, in case you didn't know, it's free. Give it a shot and potentially enjoy a better g2x experience!

I've been using it ever since I've gotten the phone. It's the smoothest launcher out there imo, and makes it impossible to go back to stock.

I agree on using launcher replacements, especially if you actually delete the stock launcher and add the replacement to system apps like I do. I my self use ADWLauncher, used it since it first came out.

Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898

jrwingate6 said:
Launcher Pro used to be the fastest/smoothest launcher on the G2X but ADW took the crown with it's last update. Try ADW and see for yourself. Many have tried ADW and agreed. I will test Launcher Pro again once a new update is released.
Here is my review on the top 4 launchers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068898
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Edit: sorry, I see it is very relevant to the latest version of ADW!

Erislover said:
I tried LP today actually because they just released the new update. Is your review of all the launchers relevant for the latest version of ADW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.

jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to each his own...everyone has their own personal preference. my advice is for everyone to just try each home replacement and see which one you like best.

I have tried them all, and personally I think Go Launcher is the best. It does everything the other ones do, but the ability to put folders in the app drawer sold me. I also use Go Contacts, Dialer, and SMS. Great devs.
Sent from my HTC vision using XDA Premium App

I see Launcher Pro is 0.8.6. I'm looking up the new features now. I have the latest but it gets updated so frequently that I lose track of new features sometimes.
[Update]
Icon Packs!
I haven't used ADW Ex in a while. What features are in the latest update?
Out of Launcher Pro and ADW Ex, I really like ADW Ex the best. Seems they have a lot more control over icon sizes, themes, homescreen tranistions, etc. Launcher Pro, while has most of those things, really stands out with the Paid Version and their Widgets. I can't find full screen scrolling widgets for Twitter and Facebook that are easy to use. The Cool with with LP Pro, is I can back it up on my SD card, and now every time I download the free version, I can restore my settings from SD and immediately have my Facebook and Twitter widgets placed, logged in, and updating within seconds. I don't have to fool with signing in each one EVERY TIME I flash a new rom.
So LP Pro for me. I am really glad they introduced Widget Themes and Icon Pack Support so I can change it up once in a while.

One nice thing about ADWex is the mix and match part of the theme section. I can use an icon set from one theme, a dock bar from another and a hidden dockbar from yet another. Alternatively, all icons from all themes are always available regardless of what theme set you're using.
Sent from my LG-P999

While it's absolutely cool to discuss which home screen replacement app is the best, the only reason why I posted this thread was to encourage users who HAVEN'T tried out any of these apps to take the plunge, so that their g2x experience is enriched a bit.
like tq745 says above, to each his own, but you really should try them out and see how much better android is with them.

What if we don't like them how can we return stock?

Sorry double post

Sk8trfred said:
What if we don't like them how can we return stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just uninstall it's like installing a different browser!
As for me, I love lp. I would like the themes of adw but the scrolling apps at the bottom of lp are something I love.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
Yes my reviews are based on the current versions of all 4 launchers. Keep in mind you have to pay for ADW EX to get hardware acceleration. The hardware acceleration is only in the launcher but for some reason it makes the entire phone run faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).

jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.

jlevy73 said:
Where did you read that ADW EX is hardware accelerated. AFAIK, the only launcher that is hardware accelerated is launcher2 (stock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try the new adwex on fast profile. Ftw
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

jrwingate6 said:
In a ADW thread. Then I emailed the DEV to confirm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll have to give 1.3.3 a shot when I get back home.

Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.

hiko36 said:
Whoever recommended Go Launcher is on to something. I'd always been turned off by the icon when I saw it in the market (silly, i know) but it has some of the most diverse options and is the most featured amongst the free options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its good for sure. Once it gets hw acceleration ill check it out again.
Till then the speed of adw is wow.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Is anyone using ADWex...a question

Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!

stunya said:
Got my infinity a few days ago and have just started customizing. I used ADWex on my prime and planned on doing so with the Infinity (maybe until chameleon). Is anyone using it? Any issues so far?
One thing i noticed is that i do not have the status bar on top with the normal blue line? I was able to work around this using a shortcut to the adw settings, but i usually keep the status bar on until i am completely done with the build.
I also seem to lose all apps/widgets/icons on my main screen every 10 or so times that i hit the app drawer. hit the drawer again and they all come back.
Look forward to everyone's feedback. I had an entire hubs setup on my prime that i was going to work back to.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hubs won't work because multipicture lwp lags like hell. Also, ADW is pretty outdated, hasn't been updated for a few months.

i agree it needs an update, i just havent had guts to swap launchers. I love the dock and functionality of adw.
BTW-multipicture is working on mine right now? 5 screens, 5 separate pics, no noticable lag. Are you having issues?

i have it working ok, also until chameleon (should get my beta key soon XD )
obviously increased colomns and rows for the tablet compared to my xperia s, but works well. not as smooth as i'd like, and yes its out of date by quite a long way, but ok until chameleon/jelly bean combo!
does anyone know if its ever going to be updated again, or is it dead in the water now?

I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?

I just switched to ADWex because Apex and Nova were crashing all the time. The stock launcher wastes too much screen space so I was trying to find a launcher that would allow me to go edge to edge. ADWex does that and I've only had a few crashes with it.
It's an old launcher and doesn't like some widgets. I'm like everyone else, I'm waiting for Chameleon. Should get my email notice today!

Give Nova Launcher a try. Its really nice.

Do not assume any such thing...
stunya said:
I am going to assume that 90% are using stock ICS and the few that arent are APEX/NOVA right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.

that is a good point for sure. I didnt think about the early adopter status.
Thoughts on Nova vs Adw EX?

R2N2 said:
I believe that isn't even a good working assumption. First, I suspect that first adopters are typically more experienced Android owners. In my experience, experienced users are rarely happy with many stock applications; hence not likely to be happy with the launcher and are willing to try other launchers.
For my self, I have yet to find a stock launcher whose functionality isn't limited. On my TF700t I switched it out a couple of hours after getting the tablet. Until recently I had been using, successfully, ADWlauncher EX. The other day I installed Nova Launcher to test it and it is the current 'default' launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make us sound like angry old men unhappy with anything stock

Currently the best launcher for TF700T is..... GO LAUNCHER HD. Give it some times nothing can catch up with it. Currently it only has about 60% of the features of Go Launcher Ex. Go Launcher Ex has proved to be the top launcher for all smart phones.

Adwex is the only launcher i'll use on tablet. Soo much faster sand flexible than other launchers. Status bar is the only odd thing i've noticed, but can get to setting from menu.

What launcher do you recommend?

I have a GN 10.1 and came from a TF201. In order to keep the "Hubs" format on my TF201, I used ADW Ex, which worked great. That being said, the TF201 was a pretty vanilla experience. Since the GN 10.1 has TW, not sure how much functionality is lost by going to another launcher.
Any recommendations?

Well, on ICS I prefer Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. Funny thing though. When either are used on my Note 10.1, the seem to mess up he wallpaper resolution, blowing it up too large. Switch back to the stock launcher and the wallpaper goes back to normal. Switch again back to Nova and it will be normal for a while and then go bad from turning off the screen and back on. No idea why...anyone else?

I use Nova on my tablets since I opted to buy the prime version...

Itchiee said:
I use Nova on my tablets since I opted to buy the prime version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also bought Nova and switched my phone over to it from Apex. Do yoyu experience this wallpaper thing? It happens to me on the stock wallpapers as well as pictures from gallery

I didn't have this issue on my first Note 10.1 last week, and will let you know about my new one that arrived today.
(I switched from 16gb to 32gb...)

On my GNote I prefer Apex, ATM. One thing making me crazy tho, is that the dock isn't transparent. Can't find a way to do it. I know I can hide it, but if it's hidden you can't specify how many folders/icons you can put on it. TYIA
Found it! Just tired from work, I guess. :-/

Nova launcher, no wallpaper issues to report, so far it's working flawlessly...been using it 2 days.

I personally use Apex Launcher, works great and you can use the Samsung Widgets
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Nice one to try is Chameleon it is in beta but looks promising, Apex or Nova are good too.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sImNvbS5jaGFtZWxlb25sYXVuY2hlci5wcmVvcmRlciJd

If you run an alternate launcher do you lose any of the s pen functionality?
Thanks.

I am using... SPB Shell 3D
I forgot I bought this launcher a long time ago because my Galaxy phone got detroyed as i was coming off contract so i grabbed an iphone4s- :silly:
I loaded it up about 4 days ago and i can confirm it works great. No lag, no issues. The price is a little steep but i feel it was worth it. Comes with plenty of widgets and you can use any other widgets. The only issue found so far is you can not use a live wallpaper with it. But no big deal as i dont use them much.
Might not be for everyone because of cost$$ but it sure looks nice on the 10.1 note and is a head turner out in public.
Touchwiz still works with it as well ( a plus for some and neg for others) I have no issue with TW..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5zcGIuc2hlbGwzZCJd

cjones1348 said:
Nova launcher, no wallpaper issues to report, so far it's working flawlessly...been using it 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. Maybe there is something wrong in my saved config for nova. Think I will try again without a restore from titanium...otherwise I suppose I will try a wipe to defaults. BTW, for me this happened with the 4.0.4 the Note came with as well as the update from the other day. Odd

So, this wallpaper screen res problem is with any launcher than the stock and is annoying the crap out of me
To confirm, nobody else with the Note 10.1 has their wallpaper resolution reduced by Nova, Apex, whatever launcher...The wallpaper blows up to large, but can be messed with to get it to go to the right size, but doesn't last?
If not this unit is going back for an exchange. Too expensive a toy to be irritated by it
Thanks

Barsky said:
So, this wallpaper screen res problem is with any launcher than the stock and is annoying the crap out of me
To confirm, nobody else with the Note 10.1 has their wallpaper resolution reduced by Nova, Apex, whatever launcher...The wallpaper blows up to large, but can be messed with to get it to go to the right size, but doesn't last?
If not this unit is going back for an exchange. Too expensive a toy to be irritated by it
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the Picspeed HD Wallpapers app and use it to set the wallpaper. It solved the zooming of the wallpaper on all launchers.

aypanthony said:
Use the Picspeed HD Wallpapers app and use it to set the wallpaper. It solved the zooming of the wallpaper on all launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having this zooming issue as well. Gave the Picspeed app a go but it didn't seem to make much of a difference. I'm currently using Nova but Im about to give Apex a shot and see if I have the same troubles there.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

lilsalmon said:
If you run an alternate launcher do you lose any of the s pen functionality?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, everything remains intact. The S-pen is independent of the launcher. I've ever seen reports that you can use Samsungs widgets with other launchers, I have not confirmed this though.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda premium

I had bought Chameleon through Kickstarter and couldn't wait to install it, but was extremely disappointed with the result. I use ADWEX on my S3 but wanted something more optimized for ICS and tablets. Decided to try Apex and absolutely love it. From being able to have quick buttons for Google Search and Voice Search/Commands in the top right corner of every screen to the customization of the bottom launch bar and the cool look of folders, it's just about perfect. I use one of the basic live wallpapers (northern lights) and it works fine for me with no issues.

Barsky said:
So, this wallpaper screen res problem is with any launcher than the stock and is annoying the crap out of me
To confirm, nobody else with the Note 10.1 has their wallpaper resolution reduced by Nova, Apex, whatever launcher...The wallpaper blows up to large, but can be messed with to get it to go to the right size, but doesn't last?
If not this unit is going back for an exchange. Too expensive a toy to be irritated by it
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same issue you are having , I tried apex same issue
I don't know if this is related but my stock video player is not playing preview on a thumbnail view Just pictures

Go launcher ex lol. I tried the recommended tablet launchers but i like go launcher too much xD. I tried the go launcher tablet vrs but i couldnt transfer my paid themes and didnt have as much development in it ,so i just use glx and it looks nice.

aufache said:
Go launcher ex lol. I tried the recommended tablet launchers but i like go launcher too much xD. I tried the go launcher tablet vrs but i couldnt transfer my paid themes and didnt have as much development in it ,so i just use glx and it looks nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for those having wallpaper issues on home launchers can try this:
Free version does the same as paid. Paid version is just to support dev. No features are removed for free version.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tamanegi.wallpaper.multipicture&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsIm9yZy50YW1hbmVnaS53YWxscGFwZXIubXVsdGlwaWN0dXJlIl0.
Hope it helps. Sorry if it doesn't. BTW it also has some cool transition features

Show us your homescreen!

As the title says, please show us your homescreens. If you can tell which Launcher, Theme, Icon Pack or Widgets that are there in the screenshots, please do so.
Here's mine:
Launcher, Theme, Icons, Widgets: all stock. I'm the type of user who after setting my personal information on the phone the first thing I download is Nova Launcher, but boy TouchWiz has evolved into something I wouldn't mind rocking as my main launcher. Pretty indeed.
Minimalistic, I know, but that how's I roll.

here is mine..... Theme Store PixelizeD theme with a Google wallpaper
pretty simple

just switched to the Pixel Live wallpaper...otherwise, same theme/look

I also usually install Nova, LINE or Apex Launcher on a device as soon as I get it. I decided to take the stock launcher for a test run this time and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I also have a case coming that will activate a specific theme when it is on the device (EXO case, only being released in South Korea). This case is an official Samsung case, and is a collaboration between Samsung and SM Entertainment (the company EXO is signed to).
Theme is 'Keep Calm and Love Flowers'. It's really pretty and quite minimal, which I love.

javajunkie80 said:
I also usually install Nova, LINE or Apex Launcher on a device as soon as I get it. I decided to take the stock launcher for a test run this time and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I also have a case coming that will activate a specific theme when it is on the device (EXO case, only being released in South Korea). This case is an official Samsung case, and is a collaboration between Samsung and SM Entertainment (the company EXO is signed to).
Theme is 'Keep Calm and Love Flowers'. It's really pretty and quite minimal, which I love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you have a Gs8
Can I ask you to share so stock apps of the S8 that Won't be found elsewhere ?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S6 using XDA Labs

I agree, the Experience launcher is quite nice but I flipped back to ActionLauncher 3 because no dock and more grid options. Using minimal clock and weather lines, wallpaper is a photo I took last summer.

Here's my setup

Square Home Launcher 2
Square Home 2 withHD Orbicons icons,my absolute favorite launcher. It's endless of customations to do, i recomend eveyone to try it.

javajunkie80 said:
I also usually install Nova, LINE or Apex Launcher on a device as soon as I get it. I decided to take the stock launcher for a test run this time and I have to say I am pretty happy with it. I also have a case coming that will activate a specific theme when it is on the device (EXO case, only being released in South Korea). This case is an official Samsung case, and is a collaboration between Samsung and SM Entertainment (the company EXO is signed to).
Theme is 'Keep Calm and Love Flowers'. It's really pretty and quite minimal, which I love.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind is I ask how you changed individual icons (the ones in your dock) while using touchwiz?

Trying to have fun with basic themes till root.
Those glass folders look great tbh just waiting on a better icon pack while being cheap.
Really wish the theme choser had a bit more customization but it's the best phone I've had in that department that isn't rooted, doesn't have an unlocked bootloader, rom or some kind of half assed icon changing app so I can't complain.

Homescreen + Geekbench

New wallpaper

Here's mine. I keep it pretty minimal.

sahus said:
Square Home 2 withHD Orbicons icons,my absolute favorite launcher. It's endless of customations to do, i recomend eveyone to try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking for for this live wallpaper again for a looooong time. What's the name of it??

What's your set up?
regP said:
Here's mine. I keep it pretty minimal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

inteltecra1700 said:
What's your set up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova launcher 6x7 grid
Whicon Icon Pack (some of the icons are actually folders)
Glyphsy Icon pack for the G (Google now button)
Wallpaper Changer set to 3 hour intervals
Swipe down for app drawer

Shygeek said:
Do you mind is I ask how you changed individual icons (the ones in your dock) while using touchwiz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The option to theme Touchwiz comes with Android 7.0 I think. I upgraded my s7 edge a month or so ago and all of a sudden I could theme Touchwiz. The s8 came with 7.0 out of the box. The themes are purchased using Samsung Pay from the inbuilt theme store. The theme selection currently is not brilliant, but there are some *really* beautiful themes available and new ones being released all the time.
There are free and paid themes, as well as backgrounds, icons and Always On Display (AODs).
I have to admit that I am really impressed at the moment. I am eagerly awaiting my Exo NFC case that will automatically load the EXO theme when the case is snapped on.
I've added some screen caps to this post so you can see how easy it is to get to the themes.

we already have a thread for this. Please use the link below
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/post-homescreen-t3592369
thread closed

TouchWiz vs Nova

Hey there,
Haven't seen too much debate on this topic regarding the S8. I hear TouchWiz has come along quite a ways since the S6-S7 days, but am still curious-- Do you prefer Nova or TouchWiz, and why?
I'm on the Oreo Beta, and don't have too many problems with the built-in TouchWiz, but I do have Nova Prime and rather loved it back in the day! I don't have too many of the stuttering / lag / battery eating issues I've heard reporting around using the TouchWiz launcher (at least that I know of), but hear that Nova isn't as lightweight and efficient as it was in the past.
Your take?

Such dead boards on the s8 section, think the HTC M8 still sees more life haha

Anonaru said:
Such dead boards on the s8 section, think the HTC M8 still sees more life haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're just a lil freaky

nyastrology said:
You're just a lil freaky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because of 3D0 link?

Anonaru said:
Because of 3D0 link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep...

I tried using Touchwiz but there were a few things that put me off.
1. It saves your app drawer position. This annoys me a lot.
2. Novas forcing Adaptive icons is great Samsungs drawer is just full of mismatched icons which bugs me.
I could live with Touchwiz is Samsung fixed 1. but otherwise Nova is just more customisable and handy.

Well tbh touchwiz has improved a lot and it really is a good launcher atm.

Evie launcher it's the best for me. Fast and rly good looking. I'm very disappointed from tw. Why don't let people change icons? Just to buy their ugly icon pack on theme store? BTW I'm coming from nova Launcher

Yeah well Nova really seems to do it for me... I had issues with Evie

Back to Nova for me, at least for a bit. TouchWiz has gotten pretty nice, but theres some things I just miss

The only thing I really like of SE Launcher are the animations, they're so smooth and makes the phone feel even faster

After the oreo final hits, a lot of people will move to nova launcher, mainly being because in oreo touchwiz, if you swipe a notification away, then the unread badge for that app also clears, this is so annoying, I've been using nova prime and tesla unread to get around this

Is this even a legit question? Battery life +performance + features, Nova is the way to go. Why gimp your phone purposely with no real benefit?

Nova anytime.
More customisable, more flexible, able to save layout, smoother and faster.

sofir786 said:
After the oreo final hits, a lot of people will move to nova launcher, mainly being because in oreo touchwiz, if you swipe a notification away, then the unread badge for that app also clears, this is so annoying, I've been using nova prime and tesla unread to get around this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually quite useful, lol.

dandroid13 said:
That's actually quite useful, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how it's useful lol, say you hadn't opened the message or email, you swipe it away then you won't even know that you have said unread message or email. I'm on the beta test and pretty much everyone has complained about this lol.

sofir786 said:
I don't know how it's useful lol, say you hadn't opened the message or email, you swipe it away then you won't even know that you have said unread message or email. I'm on the beta test and pretty much everyone has complained about this lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I usually dismiss notifications I don't care about lol. Like any Facebook notification, so swiping them alway won't annoy me anymore with the badge.

I have never liked TouchWiz, Squircle icons look like crap IMO. I've been alternating between Nova and Action Launcher for quite many days, and love both the launchers. Though performance wise, Nova always comes out on top.

Only thing I would like to have in nova launcher is blurring the background when we open apps menu, like we have in touchwiz

Have you guys noticed that nova uses more battery than using normal he launcher? In my case it does