[Q] How do I remove the google bar from my home screen? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

First, I'm not a developer (any more), just a novice user of a Nexus 10.
I've been playing with various widgets, putting them on the home screen & building groups of apps to keep the screen simple,
so I can actually see my wallpaper. (Nothing special, just pics I like.)
Problem is that huge Google bar at the top. Is there an simple way to get rid of it, like the select-drag-drop for other home screen stuff.?
Also, there seems to be some limits on where I can actually put apps or widgets. Is there a way to adjust this too?
I'd really like to put a dashboard widget in place of that Google bar.
Finally, is there a way to disable Google when I select or swipe nearby the bottom of the screen?
This is a real pain-in-the-patootie when playing solitaire & the cards get near the bottom of the screen.
Thanks in advance. I could not find this anywhere in the Q&A forum for Android.

Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.

Ok, what' a "launcher"?
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds helpful, if I knew what a launcher is.
I am soooooo out of date re: computers of any kind anymore...

Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.

Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I'll go see whats I can find, & come back here to make sure its a good one.

Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium

... and how do I...?
aandkharris said:
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, a real engineering solution instead of a workaround (not that there is anything wrong with a workaround).
How to I get to the root file system to modify filenames?
I'm on a Nexus 10. Any idea what app/widget/setting function to use?
I've got "androzip" which let's me see the file system down to a certain point ( /.) & shows a bunch of folders,
but crashes when I try to see what's in the folder named "root"

Suggested launcher?
bodh said:
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one is best/most reliable/free-or-cheap?
If I muck this thing up, Duh Hubby will get really upset!
I know there is/was a list of recommended apps & widgets, but can't find the thread now. Don't know if it mentioned a launcher anyway.

Thanks again!
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just now realized that you suggest a launcher here... Doh!
The other suggestion about changing s filename may be good too. I suspect a launcher will be safer for me.

Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

Now using Nova launcher
sashank said:
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Much nicer than Android basic, more "toys" to play with & no Google bar at the top!
I even learned what a home screen actually is & have set up several for different uses.
Another fun time waster to play with beyond just games... would be nice to set
different wallpaper for each screen, but being able to actually see the whole
image is really nice.
I think I'll get the Pro version to get rid of other Google launch with the sweep/touch near
the bottom of screen- the answer to the second part of my original question.
Thanks to all who replied... I feel like such a noon at this point. These forums are truly the best place
to find/get answers to basics questions. The Help provided by Google is distinctly lacking in detail.
Now to search for answers to more questions....

damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.

nerys71 said:
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you

Is there any way to go into system and delete it all together?

You can't delete system apps unless you are rooted, which if you have a nexus device than this is super easy
Yes as mentioned before the simple fix is just use another launcher, there are many amazing ones to pick from often with a free version that works great
As for removing the bar from the stock launcher the easiest way would be to decompile the .apk and find the xml file for it and chances are change a simple bit of code from true to false but without ever decompiling this myself can't say how its set up. But in truth this may be more work than it is worth
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

[Q] Organising the App Drawer

On the S2, it seems when you remove an app, the app drawer doesn't re-org it just leaves a gap meaning it has to be manually sorted. Is there a way to automatically sort it other than using the list view?
I also have a similar question to this that I can't find the answer to anywhere..
Basically I have the same problem with around 9 app drawers half filled. I could sit here for an hour dragging each app icon, one at a time, to other app drawers to consolidate them into less drawers but it's very tedious and annoying to do this.
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
...so I've ended up here, on XDA Forums, to ask the people who know more than me.
light487 said:
I also have a similar question to this that I can't find the answer to anywhere..
Basically I have the same problem with around 9 app drawers half filled. I could sit here for an hour dragging each app icon, one at a time, to other app drawers to consolidate them into less drawers but it's very tedious and annoying to do this.
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
...so I've ended up here, on XDA Forums, to ask the people who know more than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have let me think 3 options or maybe two...either download appzorter application from the market..that basically will sort all your applications in alphabetical order and also the folders you create. then if you have gaps it will sort that for you as well and fill the empty spaces.
or second option use a different launcher from the market and it sorts the icons and folders for you.
one launcher that lets you organize your apps into categories i think its either nova launcher or 360 launcher..no need to be rooted or anything like that to be able to use those apps. good luck let me know how you guys get on
Thanks, I have the EX Launcher.. but I don't like it because I have to setup the home screen gain and I had trouble finding the same widgets I had on the out-of-the-box launcher.. maybe I will try again one day.. but for now I will have a look at appzorter to solve my immediate annoyances
+1 for Appzorter
Why Samsung didn't include this function is beyond me.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Samsung does. But on Epic 4G which has an auto organized TW4 launcher. I only fine one custo which ported it to our model. But i am not able to make it run on another rom. So bad...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
light487 said:
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add a folder just go to Applications -> Context menu (hardware button) -> Edit -> Add Folder
light487 said:
Thanks, I have the EX Launcher.. but I don't like it because I have to setup the home screen gain and I had trouble finding the same widgets I had on the out-of-the-box launcher.. maybe I will try again one day.. but for now I will have a look at appzorter to solve my immediate annoyances
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have a look in themes and apps. there is a thread there that has modified touchwiz launchers and implemented in the touchwiz there is a modified version of appzorter. have a look there

[Q] Any way to change the app drawer?

Has anybody found a way to replace the app drawer for a rooted user? I dislike the screen based grid and would rather have a scrolling grid.
Ceiltsei said:
Has anybody found a way to replace the app drawer for a rooted user? I dislike the screen based grid and would rather have a scrolling grid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Go launcher EX from Market it is free it have 5-7 types ( you can change theme also I use Honeycomb theme with it)
In the Market, type in 'launcher', there are loads of replacements which have loads of settings etc.
I recommend launcher pro, or launcher7.
Launcher7 is really sexy
Thanks for the suggestions, but these change the GUI more than I want. I only want an app drawer replacement.
Ceiltsei said:
Thanks for the suggestions, but these change the GUI more than I want. I only want an app drawer replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case I'd go with 'ravitejas' suggestion of Go Launcher. It looks similar to touchwiz and you can change the app draw to scrolling type. It just takes a bit of messing about with lots of settings...
Or if you'd like an actual list of apps you can press menu when you're in the app drawer and select list view...
666fff said:
In that case I'd go with 'ravitejas' suggestion of Go Launcher. It looks similar to touchwiz and you can change the app draw to scrolling type. It just takes a bit of messing about with lots of settings...
Or if you'd like an actual list of apps you can press menu when you're in the app drawer and select list view...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, my Galaxy S II does not have the list view for some reason. That would have been a decent solution. Oh well.. can't make the phone the same in every market it seems.
What about solutions that work with rooting? I did root the phone awhile back, hoping that I could use this to my advantage. So far, no real use.
Weird that yours doesn't have a list view option...
Can't help you beyond stock rom I'm afraid, haven't rooted...haven't seen any real need to...
Ceiltsei said:
Unfortunately, my Galaxy S II does not have the list view for some reason. That would have been a decent solution. Oh well.. can't make the phone the same in every market it seems.
What about solutions that work with rooting? I did root the phone awhile back, hoping that I could use this to my advantage. So far, no real use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is you want to replace part of the launcher program but not the whole thing. Root or not it's hard to replace "half a program". Someone could probably, theoretically at least, hack the program apart and replace it that way but that's a lot of effort.
Are you sure you don't have list view? Open the app menu and hit menu
Pick a launcher, i recommend launcher pro or ADW EX (far better than standard ADW launcher)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Any way to auto-close home folders?

Are there any mods/Market apps that will automatically close home folders either after the app is launched or after a set amount of time? I always forget to close the folders and its a little pet peeve of mine to have them left open lol.
I am running stock UCKH7 (rooted).
BTW, I'm not interested in 3rd party launchers. If that is anyone's answer then I appreciate the help, but no thank you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I'm annoyed by this as well. It'd be great if the home button went to the home screen and closed any folder that is opened. It'd be even better if folders automatically closed when launching an app from it, or after a set time.
The only rom I am aware of that does this is MIUI.
It annoys the heck out of me as well.
I dont think you can do this with a different launcher. I know you dont want to use it but I'm not aware of an app that will close the folders.
Just a question, but why are you against 3rd party launchers? they're easy enough to swap back and forth between.
Some, like Launcher360, support custom folders that more closely resemble iOS's folder structure. Those folders also close automatically once you open an app.
Ditto with ADW EX. That one has additional folder options as well.
Also, with ADW EX, you can make your home screen function just like TW. ADW EX also supports scrolling widgets and resizing widgets on the fly.
Just a thought.
I used Folder Organizer to do it. From within FO, I created the folders ("labels" in FO) and added all the apps/shortcuts to each one. Then, from the home screen, I added the folders through the normal "add shortcut" option. Works great. Also, I think Apps Organizer will do the same thing, and is free.
Brent212 said:
I used Folder Organizer to do it. From within FO, I created the folders ("labels" in FO) and added all the apps/shortcuts to each one. Then, from the home screen, I added the folders through the normal "add shortcut" option. Works great. Also, I think Apps Organizer will do the same thing, and is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much! I kept seeing those apps actually, but never tried them. I just tried both and really like the Folder Organizer app. The free version is limited, but I am about to get the full one since it seems to have everything I need. I will also be able to easilg reorganize apps within folders without having to unpack the folders and repack them! (Why can't we easily do this to start with?)
Thanks for your help
Dmm5157:
I never said that I had anything against launchers. I didnt say i hated them or something like that. I just didn't want a launcher as my solution. You are either misreading my post or reading too mucb into it. :-\
I actually like the stock launcher very much, except for the folders not closing and how you can't put folders in the bottom launch row.
Launchers are nice and I used them in the past, but they can be so complicated to set up sometimes. For a solution to this issue, I just wanted a fix for the folders only, without having to go through tons of settings and having to basically redo my homescreen completely. That is all.
EVERYONE:
Thanks for your replies. I was starting to think that this thread would always be ignored.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
@spexwood:
I was just asking a question, not trying to insinuate anything at all.
Glad you found a solution that works for your needs.
dmm5157 said:
@spexwood:
I was just asking a question, not trying to insinuate anything at all.
Glad you found a solution that works for your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mean to start a fight or anything, so please understand that what I am about to say is spoken in a friendly manner:
It just sounded to me like you were accusing me of something or like you were getting angry at me for not liking launchers (which isn't true as I said before).
That is a major weakness of forums and such. It is different from talking with someone face-to-face, where we can hear voice tones and read facial/body language.
Im sorry that I misunderstood the intention of your post.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

Found Running Services Shortcut on ICS!

In GB, you could add a shortcut for Running Services by going to Shortcuts and then Settings>Running Services. Ever since I upgraded to ICS (AOKP by TasK; I can't remember if the samsung roms that I tried had it), I didn't see that option. There was only Settings>Apps, and then you'd have to switch to the Running Services tab. But there's also a one-click/press method I found.
I don't know if anyone else is interested; google search wasn't helpful, and I found the solution so I thought I'd share.
So this will probably be slightly different depending on the launcher you use, but with Nova and Apex it's basically this:
long press>shorcuts>Activities>Settings>Running services.
There's two entries for running services. They both do the same thing so I don't know why that is. If someone could shed light on that I'd be interested to know.
Hit the thanks button if this was useful to you!
johny_i said:
In GB, you could add a shortcut for Running Services by going to Shortcuts and then Settings>Running Services. Ever since I upgraded to ICS (AOKP by TasK; I can't remember if the samsung roms that I tried had it), I didn't see that option. There was only Settings>Apps, and then you'd have to switch to the Running Services tab. But there's also a one-click/press method I found.
I don't know if anyone else is interested; google search wasn't helpful, and I found the solution so I thought I'd share.
So this will probably be slightly different depending on the launcher you use, but with Nova and Apex it's basically this:
long press>shorcuts>Activities>Settings>Running services.
There's two entries for running services. They both do the same thing so I don't know why that is. If someone could shed light on that I'd be interested to know.
Hit the thanks button if this was useful to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have my facts straight, this only works if you have a launcher installed that supports the "Activities" shortcut menu. I know Nova supports it...
I think that's right. Like I said it's launcher specific. Trebuchet doesn't seem to even have an option to add shortcuts other than the standard app-launch shortcut.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
johny_i said:
I think that's right. Like I said it's launcher specific. Trebuchet doesn't seem to even have an option to add shortcuts other than the standard app-launch shortcut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh...I missed that in your post...sorry.
all good
Also, I think even if a launcher doesn't have an "activities" option, as long as you install nova or apex (whether u use it or not) there should be a way to get this shortcut. The LG launcher on the root-box rom is a case in point. (Trebuchet is a counter-example). I forgot how I did it tho...
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
johny_i said:
Also, I think even if a launcher doesn't have an "activities" option, as long as you install nova or apex (whether u use it or not) there should be a way to get this shortcut. The LG launcher on the root-box rom is a case in point. (Trebuchet is a counter-example). I forgot how I did it tho...
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is true. I use go launcher but I have nova installed, and the activities options shows up in the create shortcut menu.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
what would this be good for? i set it up. but there is no kill all option, so its kinda useless.
for nova users:
nova settings>long press menu>then do what he says in op.
phermey said:
what would this be good for? i set it up. but there is no kill all option, so its kinda useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always had a shortcut to Running Services on one of my homescreens. It's useful to know what's running in the background when it shouldn't...so I can track down the sources of battery drain. Then I use Autostarts to try to control those services.
What's really useless is a task manager with a kill all option. All it does is cause Android to reopen those services, wasting more battery than it's saving.
mattdm said:
What's really useless is a task manager with a kill all option. All it does is cause Android to reopen those services, wasting more battery than it's saving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree. i use android assistant. great widget. can immediately see what my running processes are and i can kill if i tap the other side. along with look to see how much memory i will be freeing up. there is also an ignore list to throw those ones that reboot in.
different strokes for different folks i guess.

Is Themer dead?

No posts by the staff in months, no updates to the app, even new themes are down to a trickle...
I'm trying out Buzz Launcher, but it isn't as user friendly as Themer.
What's up?
RED ZMAN said:
No posts by the staff in months, no updates to the app, even new themes are down to a trickle...
I'm trying out Buzz Launcher, but it isn't as user friendly as Themer.
What's up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been wondering the same thing. It's like ever since Marco quit, back in April, Themer has been dead. The only people that are making themes are making paid themes and posting on mycolorscreen.com.
Buzz Launcher sucks. Just saying.
Ok
IrradiantFlux said:
I've been wondering the same thing. It's like ever since Marco quit, back in April, Themer has been dead. The only people that are making themes are making paid themes and posting on mycolorscreen.com.
Buzz Launcher sucks. Just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some things I really like about buzz launcher, but it is not terribly user friendly. Don't understand how people drop projects like this. They could have made a ton of money on it if they just put it out for sale, and money truly motivates people.
Is there some information somewhere about what's going on? I don't know who Marco is.
I've recently updated my opinion on Buzz Launcher, but it's really not user friendly and the random widget usage of the populace is ridiculous. I like the transition effects when swiping to the next screen.
Anyway, there is information on Marco on mycolorscreen.com, as well as, YouTube. Marco was the main theme developer for Themer. He kind of kept the app going and ran the website. But it's been dead since he left for another job. He'd been with themer for 2 years.
Yeah, the widget deal is silly, and the system isn't well described. The vertical app drawer sucks, and for some reason needs a network connection to open...
And what is with the constant adding of smaller social networking programs or never heard of apps?
Themer was about perfect.
RED ZMAN said:
Yeah, the widget deal is silly, and the system isn't well described. The vertical app drawer sucks, and for some reason needs a network connection to open...
And what is with the constant adding of smaller social networking programs or never heard of apps?
Themer was about perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that they don't add new themes through the app, I am downloading themer themes from the mycolorscreen site. Their are some great themes there. There are also non-themer themes on the site. I don't understand how to get them on my phone?
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
Unless there are directions I wouldn't either. I'm checking out Go Launcher, but the theming isn't deep like Themer and no vertical app drawer that I can find.
IrradiantFlux said:
Anyway, there is information on Marco on mycolorscreen.com, as well as, YouTube. Marco was the main theme developer for Themer. He kind of kept the app going and ran the website. But it's been dead since he left for another job. He'd been with themer for 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
RED ZMAN said:
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many good Themes on their website, but the website has possibly been hacked. I don't know, and I've never had problems with it. I read on a post on xda forum, somewhere, that the site was hacked. I don't really believe it, but they've had more pop-up problems than ever since April. I upload my designs there, and have for over a year. Though, lately the most recent uploads are from the same guy that only creates paid themes on Google Play.
I'm currently using Buzz Launcher, but it's annoying. I hate looking for days, literally, for a complete set of icons. The only redeeming quality that Buzz has, is that Zooper Widget works with it very well. I've been using full screen widgets, and opening my Themer themes page by page. It's a bit slower, but it works. I really don't like the app drawer. Vertical it's hideous and clunky, but horizontal is a bunch of unwanted folders. I just want a plain app drawer with the icons in an infinite scroll list. I've tried Nova Launcher and it was even less user friendly than Buzz Launcher. There are 2 launchers made by the same company that created the Clean Master App, Cheetah Mobile I think, and both are very good if you're trying to escape the battery drain, but neither is really customizable.
Oh, and Go! Launcher will speed through your battery, or the cost of the semi okay themes will break your bank account. There aren't many themes on Go that look good and are functional without being costly. I design. I don't buy Themes, or icons. I either make my own, or I Google icons + deviantart. There's a ton of free, professionally made, icon packs that can be downloaded in a zip file.
As for the how to on getting the themer themes onto themer from mycolorscreen.com, there a tutorial at the bottom of the post. The short version is, download the theme zip file. open up file manager. move the zip file from downloads to the mycolorscreen/exported/zip folder. leave it zipped. then open up the themes menu in themer, look under categories tab, tap exported, find the name of the zip folder, tap it, tap okay. voila.
---------- Post added at 04:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 AM ----------
RED ZMAN said:
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I almost forgot. Buzz Launcher. Instead of downloading the app for the theme's widget, you can redirect the widget to another app, such as Zooper or Buzz Widget. It's much easier to replace the base app of the widget than to download some random never heard of apps.
Plus, some of those apps aren't rated, and they come with a warning from Google Play that they could contain inappropriate content or possibly viruses. -_-
IrradiantFlux said:
There are many good Themes on their website, but the website has possibly been hacked. I don't know, and I've never had problems with it. I read on a post on xda forum, somewhere, that the site was hacked. I don't really believe it, but they've had more pop-up problems than ever since April. I upload my designs there, and have for over a year. Though, lately the most recent uploads are from the same guy that only creates paid themes on Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strangely since a few weeks a handful of themer Widgets are causing security problems according to avast mobile. It has been approximately since I was downloading themer themes from their website, could it be hacked??
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the info. Seems like too much work to go through to use the damned widgets.
Right now I'm trying out Hola Launcher, and I'm kind of impressed by how nice it is. The vertical app drawer in it is the best I've seen, quick letter access like Themer had, but it groups them by letter. VERY nice. The themes are a bit more of the Go Launcher style, but not bad, unfortunately the icons aren't all themed yet. The only annoying stuff in this one so far...
1. The auto sorted app folders. Want to get rid of one? Nope. You need to "release" the folder, which pours all the apps inside that folder onto one of your homepages. Want to get rid of those icons? Sorry, you can only HIDE or Uninstall them. Once you hide them, they aren't shown in the App Drawer anymore.
2. For me, the 2 finger swipe up to get to your hidden apps doesn't work. I'm on Lollipop, my wife with the same phone on 4.4.2 has it working.
And thats about it. REALLY nice, like surprisingly so. Even some of their little custom app icons do some neat stuff.
WP Launcher is neat too, really impressed with it, but wish there were more American or English speaking users/themers for it.
Themer was almost perfect, like RIGHT there...
IrradiantFlux said:
I'm currently using Buzz Launcher, but it's annoying. I hate looking for days, literally, for a complete set of icons. The only redeeming quality that Buzz has, is that Zooper Widget works with it very well. I've been using full screen widgets, and opening my Themer themes page by page. It's a bit slower, but it works. I really don't like the app drawer. Vertical it's hideous and clunky, but horizontal is a bunch of unwanted folders. I just want a plain app drawer with the icons in an infinite scroll list. I've tried Nova Launcher and it was even less user friendly than Buzz Launcher. There are 2 launchers made by the same company that created the Clean Master App, Cheetah Mobile I think, and both are very good if you're trying to escape the battery drain, but neither is really customizable.
Oh, and Go! Launcher will speed through your battery, or the cost of the semi okay themes will break your bank account. There aren't many themes on Go that look good and are functional without being costly. I design. I don't buy Themes, or icons. I either make my own, or I Google icons + deviantart. There's a ton of free, professionally made, icon packs that can be downloaded in a zip file.
Oh! I almost forgot. Buzz Launcher. Instead of downloading the app for the theme's widget, you can redirect the widget to another app, such as Zooper or Buzz Widget. It's much easier to replace the base app of the widget than to download some random never heard of apps.
Plus, some of those apps aren't rated, and they come with a warning from Google Play that they could contain inappropriate content or possibly viruses. -_-
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Snip
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
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Click to collapse
I tried wp launcher and that would be the second one for me (after themer)... Thanks for the hint.
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themer was best launcher I've ever used, especially as a designer. I'm rather tired of Buzz Launcher.
As for the virus, well.. I'd say it's bugged. I had to reset my phone and tablet back to factory after using the site a few times about a week ago. I thought it was just a random virus from possibly downloading design photos from Google search. ha ha. It was a weird virus that infected Chrome first, I started seeing a lot of random porn pop-up ads on any webpage, and since I'm not using my devices for porn, I can only assume it's a virus. I uninstalled the updates for Chrome first then I disabled it. Unfortunately, it wasn't before the rest of my device was infected, and my phone started randomly downloading apps I've never even heard of before, without my permission I might add. the one I remember was Alibaba. Idk what that is but it's not something I would download, and I was trying to install Webroot Anti-Virus onto my phone and when I scanned, it said almost every app I had was infected and a security breach. I tried to fix that but it force closed and when it wouldn't open I tried to download another Webroot app, but a bunch of other apps started to install themselves and then I was blocked from installing Webroot Internet Security Complete. The download would not start. it said downloading but didn't start. I restarted my phone in safe mode, but couldn't find the problem, then the Play Store was continuously trying to download Webroot, even when I turned WiFi and Data off it was still trying. I finally just removed those apps as they came in to my phone, then I restarted my phone again, but when I went to Google Play it was only a blank white screen. I had to complete a hard reset to stop it from spreading further and I installed Webroot after. I'll be staying away from mycolorscreen. safer to Google "what happened to themer mycolorscreen" and read on Marcos G+ or YouTube because both show up under that search. Themer was great, but whatever is going on with that company now, I don't know and I want no part of it.
I'll look into Hola Launcher, but if I can't customize then I'll be back to finding a customizable launcher. So far, I've not had any luck on that front. Themer is still the most customizable launcher with their integrated Zooper Widget Pro inside of it.
RED ZMAN said:
Thanks for the info. Seems like too much work to go through to use the damned widgets.
Right now I'm trying out Hola Launcher, and I'm kind of impressed by how nice it is. The vertical app drawer in it is the best I've seen, quick letter access like Themer had, but it groups them by letter. VERY nice. The themes are a bit more of the Go Launcher style, but not bad, unfortunately the icons aren't all themed yet. The only annoying stuff in this one so far...
1. The auto sorted app folders. Want to get rid of one? Nope. You need to "release" the folder, which pours all the apps inside that folder onto one of your homepages. Want to get rid of those icons? Sorry, you can only HIDE or Uninstall them. Once you hide them, they aren't shown in the App Drawer anymore.
2. For me, the 2 finger swipe up to get to your hidden apps doesn't work. I'm on Lollipop, my wife with the same phone on 4.4.2 has it working.
And thats about it. REALLY nice, like surprisingly so. Even some of their little custom app icons do some neat stuff.
WP Launcher is neat too, really impressed with it, but wish there were more American or English speaking users/themers for it.
Themer was almost perfect, like RIGHT there...
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I don't really like their User Agreement, and so far I've found no information on where the company is located. I noticed the video in the Play Store app page had text in some form of Sanskrit language.
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
EMJI79 said:
Strangely since a few weeks a handful of themer Widgets are causing security problems according to avast mobile. It has been approximately since I was downloading themer themes from their website, could it be hacked??
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
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Thanks for sharing that. It finally made my strange virus problem clear. What a mess that company is without Marco. He maintained the website and now it's been left to die. I'd recommend getting a killer anti-virus software for your devices that have been there. I tried every anti-virus software on the app store and only Webroot found any problem. Luckily, I already have Webroot Internet Security Complete on my laptops and desktops, so it didn't cost anything. (It's like $30-$70 for a year subscription for up to 5 devices. It depends on the product keys you choose. Internet Security Complete is the best you can get, and when you use it on mobile, it comes as one download from Google Play but it's 3 high security apps in one. It protects on all fronts.)
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Star Trek theme.. Sigh.
Thank you for pointing Hola Launcher out to me. I found that theme for it and fell in love. Actually, I browsed all of their themes and they're really nice. I won't be able to design with this launcher, but it's nice to take a break from it and finally delete Buzz Launcher. Hooray! Now I only have to complete design requests, instead of create themes for myself and everyone I know plus the requests. Vacation.
IrradiantFlux said:
Thanks for sharing that. It finally made my strange virus problem clear. What a mess that company is without Marco. He maintained the website and now it's been left to die. I'd recommend getting a killer anti-virus software for your devices that have been there. I tried every anti-virus software on the app store and only Webroot found any problem. Luckily, I already have Webroot Internet Security Complete on my laptops and desktops, so it didn't cost anything. (It's like $30-$70 for a year subscription for up to 5 devices. It depends on the product keys you choose. Internet Security Complete is the best you can get, and when you use it on mobile, it comes as one download from Google Play but it's 3 high security apps in one. It protects on all fronts.)
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
The Star Trek theme.. Sigh.
Thank you for pointing Hola Launcher out to me. I found that theme for it and fell in love. Actually, I browsed all of their themes and they're really nice. I won't be able to design with this launcher, but it's nice to take a break from it and finally delete Buzz Launcher. Hooray! Now I only have to complete design requests, instead of create themes for myself and everyone I know plus the requests. Vacation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm thinking that Hola Launcher is just beginning, it is SO quick and small. 2.4MB? Really?!?!?
It supports regular widgets so any you've created SHOULD work, I wonder if there's a way to package a theme back up from them and distribute it with custom widgets? Hola Shine is pretty amazing too, and the Technology theme for it is frigging gorgeous! I asked them a bunch of questions via Email yesterday and they are VERY responsive. I can post some of that here if you want. Perhaps if you contacted them they'd be open to becoming more designer friendly in the way you design.
And how about that app drawer... *sigh* Now let me go find that Star Trek theme.
I need to ask, isn't Zooper also owned by MyColorScreen? I thought it was and was also going to head down the same path to abandonment.
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RED ZMAN said:
Well, I'm thinking that Hola Launcher is just beginning, it is SO quick and small. 2.4MB? Really?!?!?
It supports regular widgets so any you've created SHOULD work, I wonder if there's a way to package a theme back up from them and distribute it with custom widgets? Hola Shine is pretty amazing too, and the Technology theme for it is frigging gorgeous! I asked them a bunch of questions via Email yesterday and they are VERY responsive. I can post some of that here if you want. Perhaps if you contacted them they'd be open to becoming more designer friendly in the way you design.
And how about that app drawer... *sigh* Now let me go find that Star Trek theme.
I need to ask, isn't Zooper also owned by MyColorScreen? I thought it was and was also going to head down the same path to abandonment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Zooper Widget is owned by mycolorscreen. Though, I believe that wasn't always the case, I'm not exactly sure.
I've contacted the Holaverse people, but so far no response. I had a technical question about a Theme. In the preview photos of the theme, it showed Play Store and Email as having themed icons, yet when I installed it(1, 2, 3, times), those apps didn't get themed icons. Though, it is a wonderful launcher, and I adore that clean memory icon, I'm already missing being able to customize in depth. Lol. There's just no pleasing a woman.

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