Which launcher do you use? Paid or free version?

**Go Ogle** · 11-30-2012, 01:32 AM

Apex? Nova? Go?

Pro version of any of these?

I downloaded Apex on the 20th when I got the phone and just downloaded pro yesterday and I'm not sure why. All I did was change the way it looks when I cycle through the screens.

What are some tips or hints you think not many people know about Apex/Nova/Go

Why does no one use Go on the internet but everyone downloads it?

**Basscase** · 11-30-2012, 01:43 AM

I use ADW EX. The new update really helped it out. Plus it integrates with JB really well. Sounds a lot like apex. Used launcher pro plus before that, but the Dev totally abandoned it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

**2defmouze** · 11-30-2012, 06:37 AM

Nova, paid version.

Uses for me: - use 3 homescreens only, I have no need for more than that.
- Gesture features: swipe down to bring notification shade down when on homescreen. Once you get used to that you never want to reach all the way up to pull it down, lol. Also swipe up for app drawer, let's me limit the number of dock icons I use.
- use custom folder and app icons, let's me set it up nicely like the screenshot i have below.
- ability to backup and restore multiple different settings and configurations.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

**greydarrah** · 11-30-2012, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by 2defmouze

Nova, paid version.

Uses for me: - use 3 homescreens only, I have no need for more than that.
- Gesture features: swipe down to bring notification shade down when on homescreen. Once you get used to that you never want to reach all the way up to pull it down, lol. Also swipe up for app drawer, let's me limit the number of dock icons I use.
- use custom folder and app icons, let's me set it up nicely like the screenshot i have below.
- ability to backup and restore multiple different settings and configurations.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Did you restore your Nova backup from your GNex onto the N4, or set up Nova from scratch?

**natehoy** · 11-30-2012, 08:03 AM

HTC Thunderbolt (Gingerbread): Go!Launcher, free. Since it's on Gingerbread, aftermarket launchers are now somewhat limited, and the old version of Sense is horrible. Go! is about the best option I've got.

Nexus 7 (Jelly Bean): Stock or Nova (Paid). Stock has gotten pretty good, but like 2defmouze I find having to reach all the way to the top of the screen to pull down the notification bars is too much like work, and I like the extra configuration options. Currently, though, I'm running stock and liking it. I'll probably switch back to Nova in a few days.

**Citizen Coyote** · 11-30-2012, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Go Ogle

Why does no one use Go on the internet but everyone downloads it?

I use Go Launcher EX right now on my MoPho and love it, but I'll probably try out stock for a while on the N4. My main reason for installing it initially was being able to customize the dock, but I've grown to like some of the other little features (such as themes and being able to customize drawer and screen shift animations). I also like that the devs constantly update it.

I also own ADW EX (bought it during Google's 10 cent sale), but don't like it as much as Go.

**kgeissler** · 11-30-2012, 09:42 AM

I use Nova Launcher, paid version

**Ptrm** · 11-30-2012, 09:59 AM

apex pro got it for 25 cents during the sale

**m3lover1** · 11-30-2012, 10:00 AM

I have paid version of apex launcher that I always used. Used Nova for a little bit before that, and Launcherpro plus in its early days

**Ziptied** · 11-30-2012, 10:16 AM

NOVA Pro, the paid version, I love it.

**Saiga** · 11-30-2012, 10:35 AM

I was wondering if there is a launcher that looks mostly stock, but works in landscape mode for the home screen. Using the Optimus G has really gotten me to like landscape home screens, I was looking to see if it's possible to extract that launcher too use, but it changes a lot of stuff when all I really want changed is orientation. Any suggestions?

**rickydavis1051** · 11-30-2012, 10:44 AM

Stock all the way.

Sent from my Nexus 4, you jelly bro?

**AussieAndroid** · 11-30-2012, 10:48 AM

Stock or Apex.

Used to use Nova, but it has more noticeable lag for me. This was across my Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4. Apex has the same features I need without the lag, and you can fit more onto a homescreen as it can have a bigger grid. It does redraw a fair bit with certain widgets which is annoying, but not anywhere near as annoying as Nova's lag.

**2defmouze** · 11-30-2012, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by greydarrah

Did you restore your Nova backup from your GNex onto the N4, or set up Nova from scratch?

Decided to set it up from scratch, wanted to limit the amount of data I restored between devices, and I liked getting a fresh canvas to play with

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

**ragnarokx** · 11-30-2012, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Saiga

I was wondering if there is a launcher that looks mostly stock, but works in landscape mode for the home screen. Using the Optimus G has really gotten me to like landscape home screens, I was looking to see if it's possible to extract that launcher too use, but it changes a lot of stuff when all I really want changed is orientation. Any suggestions?

There are a couple ways to do it if you're rooted, like a simple build.prop edit. If you aren't rooted, an app like this will enable rotation in the stock launcher:

I've been using the stock launcher as well - I love its fluid transitions. Maybe I'll give Nova another try though.

**Saiga** · 11-30-2012, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by ragnarokx

There are a couple ways to do it if you're rooted, like a simple build.prop edit. If you aren't rooted, an app like this will enable rotation in the stock launcher:

I've been using the stock launcher as well - I love its fluid transitions. Maybe I'll give Nova another try though.

Thanks, I am indeed rooted. I used that app, and I like how it works, but I'm not a fan of the price. I'm very curious about the build.prop edit method. Do you by any chance know what needs done?

EDIT

I did some Googling and the launcher.force_enable_rotation=true + reboot doesn't seem to work

**ragnarokx** · 11-30-2012, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by Saiga

Thanks, I am indeed rooted. I used that app, and I like how it works, but I'm not a fan of the price. I'm very curious about the build.prop edit method. Do you by any chance know what needs done?

EDIT

I did some Googling and the launcher.force_enable_rotation=true + reboot doesn't seem to work

Interesting - perhaps things have changed with Android 4.2.

I did find the stock launcher with rotation enabled: . Give that a try.

**jonnie_r** · 11-30-2012, 01:20 PM

Zeam has always been good to me

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

**KwietStorm** · 11-30-2012, 01:34 PM

Nova Prime

**bmolloy** · 11-30-2012, 03:02 PM

I have used ADW, Nova, and some others. I say always pay if you can. Generally these programs only cost a few dollars and we should do what we can to support the developer community on Android. Some apps they do pretty well off advertisements built into the app but launchers don't have adds so I think paying is the right thing to do.

**Go Ogle** · 12-01-2012, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by 2defmouze

Nova, paid version.

Uses for me: - use 3 homescreens only, I have no need for more than that.
- Gesture features: swipe down to bring notification shade down when on homescreen. Once you get used to that you never want to reach all the way up to pull it down, lol. Also swipe up for app drawer, let's me limit the number of dock icons I use.
- use custom folder and app icons, let's me set it up nicely like the screenshot i have below.
- ability to backup and restore multiple different settings and configurations.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I'm not gonna lie, I love your homescreen. Is that minimilistic text? I've been trying to mess around with it to replace icons but they all come out looking really ugly.

**mth785** · 12-01-2012, 09:22 PM

I've paid for adw ex, nova and apex and apex is my preferred launcher.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

**peejay1977** · 12-02-2012, 08:09 AM

Currently using Nova launcher on mine and loving it so far

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

**kobastal** · 12-02-2012, 09:40 AM

Nova paid. Between adding a column of icons and the gesture controls, I am down to one home screen doing almost everything I need.

**2defmouze** · 12-02-2012, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Go Ogle

I'm not gonna lie, I love your homescreen. Is that minimilistic text? I've been trying to mess around with it to replace icons but they all come out looking really ugly.

Lol thanks.. Used to create the icons, takes about 10 seconds each if you aren't too particular haha. On the left homescreen I have the standard calendar widget, on the right one just a toggle widget for a flashlight. I like to keep things simple