Unique request in customizing home screens

[fender7217]

So I want to try out some new custom ROM's or launchers. But one thing I really like about the stock 4.1 is the Google search bar at the top of every screen.

I know there are plenty of search bars to download from the Play Store, but I want mine to function exactly how it does stock. It doesn't scroll with the wallpaper or home screens. It is fixed to the top of the screen constantly.

Is there any possible way to download an apk to have it act this way in a new ROM or even act this way with a different launcher?

 

[brunnels]

Not sure about roms, because i havent really felt the need for one on this phone, but Apex and Nova launcher have now implemented the search bar on top of every screen feature.

 

[fender7217]

Not sure about roms, because i havent really felt the need for one on this phone, but Apex and Nova launcher have now implemented the search bar on top of every screen feature.

Awesome. I'll try both of those out.

-E- Apex is close! It has the search bar up there in the 4.1 style, but it's not fixed to each home screen. It only appears on one screen, and is swiped away when flipping home screens.

That doesn't sit well with my OCD. I need it to be just like stock. Fixed to the top and doesn't move. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Pr3mier]

Awesome. I'll try both of those out.

-E- Apex is close! It has the search bar up there in the 4.1 style, but it's not fixed to each home screen. It only appears on one screen, and is swiped away when flipping home screens.

That doesn't sit well with my OCD. I need it to be just like stock. Fixed to the top and doesn't move. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Go to apex settings>home screen settings>hide element (show persistent search bar)>choose "always"

 

[GutterIsATool]

You also might just try a different ROM. I'm running Jelly Belly. It sticks pretty close to the stock UI, including leaving the Google Search Bar. I like it there as well.

 

[ilhe1s]

I really suggest Nova Launcher. Apex and Nova are very similar but it's the minor tweaks that make Nova a winner in my book. If you really like it get the Prime version for additional features.

 

[grieshmp]

I really like nova especially the many gestures you can use if you get prime. With nova you can close if you wish to use the regular nova or the beta version. Beta already has JB features implemented like fling to remove and such. I have mine set up that if I double tap the screen it brings up search.

 

[sting7k]

The primary reason I installed nova launcher was to move that search bar from the top to the bottom above the dock; like it appeared you could do at the I/O demos. It's too far to reach for quick one handed access with the thumb if it's at the top on this big screen.

With nova launcher you can set it to be static on all home screens or just one. It also have a bunch of other neat features I've been messing with. I'd say nova.

 

[fender7217]

Just found the feature this morning to keep it static! Awesome.

Might give Nova a try too, because you guys say it's good.

Apex is exactly what I was looking for though. Thanks for the suggestion!

-E- Wow, both of these launchers are great. Can't believe I've never heard of either. The fact you can keep that persistant Google search bar is just awesome. Makes customizing icons possible, but keeps the pure stock feel for everything else. EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thanks everyone.