I guess not? Pretty annoying as I never use it.
Biggenz said:
I guess not? Pretty annoying as I never use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get/use a custom launcher like Nova launcher -So much easier to customize and so many more features.
ƒ
This is really bothering me. I dont want a 3rd party launcher, the launcher is fine except for that stupid search bar. Also I had many problems with 3rd party launchers in the past, and I'd rather keep the stock one which is tailored to the Pixel 6 series.
biTToe said:
Get/use a custom launcher like Nova launcher -So much easier to customize and so many more features.
ƒ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought perhaps Nova would take care of it. Thanks.
surprised someone finds 3rd party launchers like nova buggy
nova hits 10years old in december and its been pretty solid since forever
Likewise, I want to get rid of that screen wasting 'At a Glance' widget at the top of the screen!!
Don't fancy an alternative launcher - but may have to bite the bullet...
squee666 said:
surprised someone finds 3rd party launchers like nova buggy
nova hits 10years old in december and its been pretty solid since forever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using it for the last 6 years. It is feature-rich and less buggy and annoying than the four previous pixel launchers.
harryw66 said:
Likewise, I want to get rid of that screen wasting 'At a Glance' widget at the top of the screen!!
Don't fancy an alternative launcher - but may have to bite the bullet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The beauty of Nova is, you can run both launchers, customize each as you like and switch between the two on-the-fly.
Infinite scrolling, custom bottom bar, multiple grid layouts...
When I get my P6P (today in theory) I will load all my apps from the Play store and restore my Nova backup. BOOM! my new phone will look and function exactly like my old phone... only bigger and cooler.
ƒ
biTToe said:
I've been using it for the last 6 years. It is feature-rich and less buggy and annoying than the four previous pixel launchers.
The beauty of Nova is, you can run both launchers, customize each as you like and switch between the two on-the-fly.
Infinite scrolling, custom bottom bar, multiple grid layouts...
When I get my P6P (today in theory) I will load all my apps from the Play store and restore my Nova backup. BOOM! my new phone will look and function exactly like my old phone... only bigger and cooler.
ƒ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I went with the Microsoft one - as it was the last one I had tried on my OnePlus over a year ago.
I will see how it goes - if not I will try Nova - I have the paid version also from 1-2 years ago.
Cheers
harryw66 said:
Thanks - I went with the Microsoft one - as it was the last one I had tried on my OnePlus over a year ago.
I will see how it goes - if not I will try Nova - I have the paid version also from 1-2 years ago.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switched to Nova overnight (insomnia!) - did not like the news choices of the Microsoft Launcher left swipe page - stuff from Hello Magazine, Daily Express and Daily Mail -???
Added the Nova Companion and now got the Google Left swipe and no wasted screen space on the main page.
paysen said:
This is really bothering me. I dont want a 3rd party launcher, the launcher is fine except for that stupid search bar. Also I had many problems with 3rd party launchers in the past, and I'd rather keep the stock one which is tailored to the Pixel 6 s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
paysen said:
This is really bothering me. I dont want a 3rd party launcher, the launcher is fine except for that stupid search bar. Also I had many problems with 3rd party launchers in the past, and I'd rather keep the stock one which is tailored to the Pixel 6 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of good third party launchers.
harryw66 said:
Switched to Nova overnight (insomnia!) - did not like the news choices of the Microsoft Launcher left swipe page - stuff from Hello Magazine, Daily Express and Daily Mail -???
Added the Nova Companion and now got the Google Left swipe and no wasted screen space on the main page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had never heard of the MS launcher, or maybe never really given it any mind. I looked at it yesterday after you mentioned it and it looked awful. I really hate the tiles and the forced news that I could care less about... too much work to make it what I wanted.
paysen said:
This is really bothering me. I dont want a 3rd party launcher, the launcher is fine except for that stupid search bar. Also I had many problems with 3rd party launchers in the past, and I'd rather keep the stock one which is tailored to the Pixel 6 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you're missing out IMHO.
There is nothing "wrong" with the Pixel launcher per se, as long as you don't care that Google, like Apple, dictates how you interact with your phone; but, if you want to customize your phone to your liking, a custom launcher is the only way to go.
Nova has been rock-stable for a long time and has a myriad of great features, most of which are free.
ƒ
+1 for Nova.
Nova is my launcher of choice.
It has been for a decade or so now.
I've tried many others but always come back to it.
Sometimes I use Action Launcher or will try something new but again always come back to Nova, which I am actively using on my new Pixel 6 (received it yesterday) as I find the stock launcher extremely lacking in features - haven't suffered a single launcher related performance or stability issue for a very long time, including on my P6.
I don't like having an app drawer or icons / widgets cluttering up my home screen so I assign gestures to launch specific frequently used apps such as Chrome and YouTube and for Nova's integrated "app search", which also displays other recently used, newly installed or frequent apps in tabs separate from the search bar.
I have a single Google "At A Glance" widget
and use the Maxelus Galaxy Pack Live Wallpaper app for additional personalisation and because I'm a nerdy space cadet.
+2 Nova. Double tap to lock gesture is something I have implemented for years and the customization is endless.
harryw66 said:
Added the Nova Companion and now got the Google Left swipe and no wasted screen space on the main page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, what's Nova Companion? I just put the Google icon on my home screen so I could tap it to get to the Google interface, but a left-swipe would be way cleaner...
If you root your phone, you can get rid of the search bar in the Pixel Launcher, add rows/columns, and more.
Biggenz said:
I guess not? Pretty annoying as I never use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use adb to disable it.
I use a package disabler to do that.
For me it's called "com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox"
I'm not missing it...
rwald said:
Wait, what's Nova Companion? I just put the Google icon on my home screen so I could tap it to get to the Google interface, but a left-swipe would be way cleaner...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Launcher
The premier custom launcher for Android, loved by over 50 million.
novalauncher.com
Allows you to access Google now by left swiping
blackhawk said:
Use adb to disable it.
I use a package disabler to do that.
For me it's called "com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox"
I'm not missing it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which package disabler are you using if you don't mind?
A little late to the party. Always used Lawnchair launcher on my Pixel3. Just got my P6 a few days ago and upgraded to Lawnchair again. Seems pretty stable on Android 12. I add Lawnfeed to enable Google feed left-swipe. Lawnchair is pretty similar to Pixel launcher except you can customize much more than stock (ie, disabling the bottom search bar).
Related
Thread to discuss what apps you've disabled and any side effect. This doesn't require root.
To disable apps go to Settings > Application Manager > All, select App then select Turn off. All the disabled apps will then show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Went through and disabled these apps:
Amazon (two apps with this name)
Amazon Kindle
Amazon MP3
Amazon Appstore
Audible
Caller Name ID
IMDb
NFL Mobile
S Voice
Slacker
Verizon Mobile Security
Verizon Tones
VZ Navigator
Deciding on these:
Trip Advisor
Someone please do me a favor and note the RAM usage before and after. Forgot to note before but my after is 725MB used and 1.7GB free.
How do you disable? In application manager?
Exodus885 said:
How do you disable? In application manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
mi7chy said:
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will report back once i get home
I disabled below apps (for now):
1. Amazon
2. Amazon Kindle
3. Amazon MP3
4. Audible
5. Caller Name ID
6. Group play
7. HP Print service
8. NFL Mobile
9. Samusung Watch on (it was crashing)
10.Verizon Location agent
11. Verizon Tones
12. VZ Navigator
There is so much bloat on the phone, will disable many more apps later, cann't wait for the root to uninstall all this crap.
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
droidguy22 said:
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
I'm sticking with TW for now until I get bored with it. I have Nova Launcher Prime installed but I'm not using it yet...
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
This guy did an amazing job listing apps that can be deleted for Verizon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
lmike6453 said:
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very comprehensive list, thanks! I already used up all my thumbs for today in the Bounty thread, but I'm commenting here so I remember to come back tomorrow and give you a proper thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YankInDaSouth said:
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
mynameismolotov said:
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
dclutter1 said:
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to do something really different, I just learned of a new launcher called Buzz Launcher. You can design some really unique setups with it, but what's really cool is it automatically saves the whole setup as a package file. So you can share it through the app, and browse other people's creations, then if you find one you like, you just apply it, and it downloads the whole layout, background, theme, etc. If it involves widgets or apps you don't already have, it just puts a placeholder icon and when you touch it, it takes you to the Play Store directly to said app to install (or you can replace it with something else if you prefer). It's pretty slick and there's a ton of different ones available, with more variety than you can imagine.
Hi, anyone know how to change the grid size to more than 5x5? Thats just silly on a screen this of this size and resolution.
I am on the point of adding Nova launcher but holding off until I have exhausted the standard settings as most other thing I am like are already included.
gazzacbr said:
Hi, anyone know how to change the grid size to more than 5x5?
I am on the point of adding Nova launcher but holding off until I have exhausted the standard settings as most other thing I am like are already included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock doesn't allow that, that I can see. Nova it is.
I use Nova not only for the grid size, but also for the icon packs and for the reverse parallax wallpaper scrolling view. I also put a drop shadow under the icons to give them more of a 3D look. And I have my app drawer with black background to clearly differentiate between my desktop screens and my app drawer.
Lots of settings to customize.
Hi, yes, all of the above :good:
Have used Nova for many years and looks like there are just too many advantages to miss.
Are the stock launchers completely inactive while Nova is running?
I have removed stock launchers before or trebuchet from CyanogenMod /lineageos but never knew if there was any need.
gazzacbr said:
Hi, yes, all of the above :good:
Have used Nova for many years and looks like there are just too many advantages to miss.
Are the stock launchers completely inactive while Nova is running?
I have removed stock launchers before or trebuchet from CyanogenMod /lineageos but never knew if there was any need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the stock launcher/ROM launchers are inactive while Nova is the primary launcher, but I end up freezing them in Titanium Backup. Otherwise when there's some kind of launcher update I get asked all over again which one I want to use.
But even on non rooted phones for friends I'll install Nova. Just too many tweaks I can't pass up.
Hi, back on Nova already. Good tip about freezing the others :good:
Can't imagine life on an un-rooted phone :silly:
That I am perfectly fine using. Every Android I have ever had got Nova FIRST. This S10 has all the options and features I need to not have to do that. Anyone else skipping 3rd party?
No. I don't mind Samsung's software now days, but that is after replacing the home screen. I'm using Action Launcher on my S9+ with OneUI and probably will with the S10 as well.
My primary motivations are: Swipe left for Google, I don't like side scrolling app drawers, and replacable icons... That's really mostly it. Their launcher isn't awful, it just isn't very customizable.
I feel pretty much the same as AJerman. I never ran TouchWiz any longer than I had to and One UI is almost usable but I'll probably still stick with Nova. The #1 reason for that is no vertical scrolling in the app drawer. That was a major gripe in the One UI beta program and many of us suggested that to Samsung. It's a shame Samsung left out that one minor tweak.
I always switch to Nova to hide apps, for the 5 x 6 home and to lock down the home screen. This has all 3, so I'm gonna stick it out to see how it goes. But miss the swipe to Google Now though.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk
Nova prime a must have for me...
Trying to give the Bixby screen a fair shake, but I think I am very likely to load up Nova for the Google feed on the left. I don't hate Flipboard but it's clunky compared to Google or old-style Blinkfeed. I do wish Nova supported motion backgrounds.
galaxys said:
Nova prime a must have for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, used to get a unlocked pro veison for 1 dollar.
Hello everyone, I’m back in the Android family again and I see a lot has changed in the last 3 years. I went into the playstore and don’t see all of the apps I’ve purchased, and I’m assuming that’s because of Android OS compatibility. I was very happy to see some core apps I use were still there, but what happened to the launchers? The variety is nothing like it used to be. At one point in time, I had between 10 - 14 on my phone that were similar but also different for one reason or another. Thankfully Nova Launcher which is my number 1 pick is still available. I think Apex Launcher is also, sadly TSF Shell and Next Launcher are gone. I liked those, but I see Go Launcher is. Now I haven’t used that launcher in at least 7 or 8 years, because they began charging for things that used to be included for free. I remember when that was the top launcher and was worth using. The reviews I see are terrible to say the least. I tried to visit their website and got some message basically stating the site isn’t up as far as I’m concerned. What is going on here, and what could they possibly be selling for an in app purchase for $109? I would never spend that kind of money for an in app purchase. Are there any other good launchers available that I’m missing? I saw a couple of launchers that were based on Windows Desktop layouts, and a MAC OS layout.
Launcher choice
I didn't like how the stock launcher only gave you only a few applications to choose from on the top screen when you were in 'T' mode. I played around with Nova Launcher and changing the options to auto rotate seems to work pretty well. Let me...
forum.xda-developers.com
Omg thank you!!!
Here is what I'm using
niteowl360 said:
Here is what I'm using
View attachment 5255847
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft Launcher seems to also work well with the Wing.
You will lose the Carousel Apps though in swivel mode.
But it seems to take care of the 5 second delay that KLWP has when launching Apps from the Home Screen.
Nova also takes care of that though
Wow that looks good. Is that KLWP also? I haven't played around with a build your own widget since UCCW.
Assassyn said:
Wow that looks good. Is that KLWP also? I haven't played around with a build your own widget since UCCW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, mainly KLWP. Not really a widget but an entire theme built using KLWP.
It's a fairly steep learning curve, but works well on the Wing
niteowl360 said:
Yes, mainly KLWP. Not really a widget but an entire theme built using KLWP.
It's a fairly steep learning curve, but works well on the Wing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I'll have to read up on it. Don't want to get burnt out because I don't understand it completely.
Assassyn said:
Ok I'll have to read up on it. Don't want to get burnt out because I don't understand it completely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol Yes it's not the easiest to get to grips with. Cheers
Btw which launcher did you settle on in the end.
That looks really slick!
niteowl360 said:
Lol Yes it's not the easiest to get to grips with. Cheers
Btw which launcher did you settle on in the end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched to Nova to play around with KLWP, because I am not entirely sure if Win-X Launcher (NO ADS) is compatible. Its either that, and/or I really just don't know what I'm doing yet. I plan to learn more about to use it this weekend.
I use Total Launcher and have for years. It gives you a blank palette to place any widget, any icon, anywhere. Allows for windows with swipe actions. Use of any icon pack in the play store. Mix and match icon styles. Completely customizable. Works with KLWP and KWGT. Has Tasker plugins.
Overall, IMO its more freedom to customize than any other launcher. You be the judge. Happy Launching...
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
I take you're on a Samsung device?
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks. It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do. One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them One UI won.
blackhawk said:
I take you're on a Samsung device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But I've been using Nova free launchers since the dawn of time on Motorola, LG, and other phones - simply because Nova did what nobody else could do - which was allow me to place any icon on any grid or no grid at all.
But now that Nova went over to the dark side - it's time for a new "best launcher" that works for more than just one brand of phones.
blackhawk said:
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With batteries being five amps and more nowadays, I don't have any problem going days without a charge, but it's interesting you say that you found that one launcher uses more battery than another.
I've never tested how much battery power two different launchers use. But I've done a lot of battery power testing over the years.
The fact is that you can only use one launcher at a time - so it would be hard to test two of them side by side given only one can work at any given time frame on any one phone.
Sure you can test two launchers with two exact same phones side by side, but did you really run a test that detailed to conclude what you did?
Given that practical problem set, how could I tell if one launcher used more battery than another?
blackhawk said:
It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides putting icons on any grid (or no grid at all), what I next like best about Nova is I set up EVERY phone in the house, for years, with the same well-managed set of apps and icons.
Motorola
LG
Nexus
Samsung
They ALL have the same homescreen.
For years and years and years.
Note that what you do on a computer never changes so the organization of the homescreen never changes.
Does the Samsung OneUI launcher save a backup file to be used on any brand of phone?
Nova launcher easily saves a backup file which is imported into the new phone. It's TRIVIAL to re-install all the apps in the EXACT same place from the old phone to the new phone, even when you move from an LG phone to a Samsung phone.
There's no way any Samsung launcher could possibly do that, right?
blackhawk said:
One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only experience with One UI is that I originally saw it when I got a handful of Samsung Galaxy A32-5G phones from T-Mobile for free.
I didn't like it at all but maybe it does the two most important things that Nova free does?
1. Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
2. Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
There's a third thing I love about Nova free launcher but I don't know if it's part of the launcher or part of Android 12, which is:
3. Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen
Is THAT last feature of being able to resize a widget and then place it INSIDE a folder on the homescreen part of Android 12 or Nova launcher? (If it's part of Nova, then can One UI do that too?)
blackhawk said:
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them. One UI won.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nothing against One UI because my only experience with it was that it was the first launcher I saw when I received my free Samsung phones from T-Mobile and the last Samsung I had was about ten years or so ago (the S3) but what I asked on the Samsung groups what apps from Samsung were worth getting just about a month ago.
Is there any app in the Samsung Galaxy Store worth the login requirements?Note the screenshots show you can resize widgets and then place those resized widgets INSIDE folders on the homescreen.
That homepage is way too busy and not AMOLED friendly at all.
In 24 hours this is what One UI used...
One UI supports folders which are a lot better than burning up pixels. Over time this will happen. I rotate my icons, folders and widgets to spread out the wear. The icon packs are red for a reason, red pixels have the longest lifespan, blue the shortest. No wear if a pixel isn't light and it's easier on your eyes.
I'm not too concerned with backup. I want a clean load if I have to factory reset to avoid doing another one. The current load on this phone is over 2yo and running strong. I keep a screenshot to help with setup. SmartSwitch will preserve some homepage settings but it can also cause issues.
Apex Launcher Classic, get the PRO and Apex Notifier.
You can use ancient Launcher and Icon packs, I've kept many old Apex Themes from 2013 and on, and they all still work with the latest Apex Classic.
Offers the same features as Nova.
Its clean.
I understand you are looking for a FREE launcher, but with the launcher being so integral to your device experience, maybe thats the one app you should be prepared to pay for.
I have been using what I think is the most powerful and customizable launcher. Not only does it do the few things you mentioned:
Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen (yes thats launcher specific)
So it does ALL what you listed (i know its a quick list), but also (among many MANY other things..)
Folders inside folders, inside folders.... and widgets n deep in the folder structure
Any widget can be Resized, Scaled (Different to resize which I think is more on the widget to resize itself), Rotated, transparency, Skewed (think parallelogram), positioned to a decimal pixel position
All visible (or even hidden transparent hot-spots) have complete control of the event (eg start ab app, start a script etc) or I *thinik* even multiple actions (I dont use that feature)
All items covered by 3 above also have short AND long press events (Tap, Long Tap, Swipe Left, Swipe Right, Swipe up, Swipe down) I personally have transparent hot-spots (on top of other widgets that respond to their default tap), that I swipe uy[p on to turn on AUID and down to turn off AOD. I also have a long press on my navigation, which turns on GPS, Bluetooth (to connect and call handsfree), starts my music player, starts playing the music and finally starts the Navigation app ready to navigate.
Lots of visual effects such as shadow of the text
Control of the Font, Size, position/offset
"Reflections" on the icons, as if they are hovering above a crystal clear pool/puddle of water
You can have/add code to make your own things. There is an example out there how to add a analogue clock simply with code. Well beyond any of my needs.
and on and on and on...
My personal experience is, if you can imagine it, then there is a way to do it. I have been using it since gingerbread, and as I upgrade device and/or ROMs, I use the backup / restore to get the launcher config started. NB: The private widget data/config doesn't come across in the launcher backup, but a "fallback" image/placeholder is show, reminding you of how you previously had it set up. So although there is a steep learning curve, and with ALL the different options/function can take some time to set up how you want, a lot will transfer onto your next device or ROM. But since its a paid app, you can only run it on one device at a time.
Now, the thing to REALLY take note of, the default set-up on first install is utter TOTAL rubbish ,and so are the preview/demo images on the PlayStore. It really is a case of "if you can imagine it, you can do it"
Oh, and the launcher is called "Lightening Launcher Extreme"
The following are some screen shots I qui8ckly snapped, but the actual config is of course very personal. And because its so customizable, I can do things others will hate I just quickly flashed through the screens I personally use the most in set-up, but didn't scroll through anything or ensured I got everything that is beyond the screen and there are many more options/features I dont use; or even know about.
Part of the problems Nova is having maybe the same that ones Samsung is having dealing with scoped storage and other changes starting with Android 10. I have 2 N10+'s, one still running on Pie, the newer one on 10. The look and behave almost identically except the Android 10 has a 100 or more small Samsung system apks.
I prefer Pie because it's easier to troubleshoot and provides better functionality for trusted apps. I don't even want to see what 11, and especially 12/beta 13 look like. Maybe it's not so much Nova but rather Android that has turned to the dark Apple side...
imonxda said:
Apex Launcher Classic...
Offers the same features as Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
GalaxyA325G said:
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely correct, Apex Launcher DOES NOT have all the features your looking for, but AndroidDOES has brought back the Classic launcher (I'm assuming because of popular demand) it is called Apex Launcher Classic - this is FAR superior to the new-ish Apex Launcher. BTW, some of the best features of Apex Classic are unavailable without the paid Pro but most features work with free version.
As for privacy concerns, you can use something like My Android Tools Pro, it will tell you exactly what an app like Apex is doing behind the scenes and it gives you control over all hidden activities. https://www.myandroidtools.com/ it has been kicked out of Google play store, I don't know the reason, but I've been using this app for years, I have never seen any evidence of malware in it, and it has revealed the spying, reporting activities, and ad activities of all other apps I use and I can actually STOP these activities, I trust it.
It takes a bit of getting-used-to, but it works great once you do (get used to it). Some advice, check the About in settings for automatic detection of newly installed or updated apps feature, and check the Apps tab at the bottom, then select any app and then tap "see all component info", this is really helpful and easily overlooked feature.
@DiamondJohn That's a cool Launcher I've never heard of, I will certainly check it out
GalaxyA325G said:
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love Niagara launcher
Pear Launcher - Apps on Google Play
Download Pear launcher — a launcher designed for performance and customization.
play.google.com
Just started using this app and it's pretty good so far