Custom Launcher/SMS/Contacts/Dialer for LG Optimus S

**biggjoe** · 07-17-2012, 02:48 PM

Gents,

Not that I want to open a can of worms from a while back, but I have to ask the question;

Can anyone share their experiences with Custom Launchers/SMS Apps/Contacts/Dialers for the LG Optimus S, especially if they are running it with HydroROM?

I ask because up until now, I've always been a fan of the Go Dev team; Go Launcher EX, Go Contacts, Go Dialer, Go SMS, etc.

However, there are times (many) where I experience the lag or the *bloated-feeling* (LOL) from the Go apps.

It looks like (and I'm not positive) that HydroROM including previous similar ROMs (RebornROM and Your-MOM-ROM) were using/are using the Zeam Launcher.

That launcher is fast and clean and rocks. It just lacks a few of the options that I get from Go Launcher EX;

1. - Sorting (multiple options to sort) as it relates to the App Drawer

2. - Themes

3. - Ability to backup and restore Launcher settings.

I like the fact that I can customize the hell out of the launcher and then backup the settings. Then I can be on ANY phone and install Go Launcher EX and restore my custom settings and BAMMM my stuff looks awesome!

This also goes for GoSMS, being able to backup/restore settings is huge.

As for Go Dialer/Contacts, ANYTHING is better than the standard Dialer/Contacts.

I was also a big fan of having the Launcher, Contacts, Dialer, SMS App all being a part of the same family.

It's just that I KNOW that there are faster apps out there and less bloated. So I'm looking for a change. Please let me know your recommendations and experiences.

Thank you!!!

BJ

**stevek216** · 07-17-2012, 03:11 PM

Launcher pro runs very smoothly for me and you can back up and restore with the plus key. I really like it.

Sent from my LG-LS670 using Android Central Forums

**Zhara** · 07-17-2012, 04:19 PM

I used to use all the Go products as well, but like you said it just felt so bloated. The only one I still use is Go sms. I tried Handcent and Chomp and neither of them impressed me much. One of them had an ugly widget and other minor gripes, and the other kept sending duplicate messages (can't remember which was which lol).

As for launchers, I use LauncherPro when I'm on a Gingerbread rom and Apex when I'm on an ics rom. They both feel lighter than Go Launcher but have customization as well, and their settings can be backed up.

For dialer/contacts I just use the stock ones, but I don't mind them because I have them themed. I've seen a lot of people use exDialer though, so you might check that one out.

**the_maplebar** · 07-17-2012, 05:08 PM

I've tried several launchers and right now I'm using ADW Launcher. I would also try Zeam if you haven't already. What is included with RebornRom and HydroRom is the LG Launcher NOT Zeam. What I have found is:

Go Launcher and Launcher Pro seemed kind of bloated and slower (but I have not used either in at least a year.
Zeam - is lightweight and fast. but a little too minimalistic. It does have more features than the LG launcher so give it a look.
ADW Launcher - is lightweight and fast and has most of the customizations I want. The free version has not been updated since 2010 so I pulled the latest APK off of a CM7 rom. This is what I use with Hydro Rom.

For SMS I use Go SMS and set the "running mode" to Normal or Light (the default is Pro). This helps it be a little more responsive.

I have used Dialer One in the past. I liked the T9 contacts search. I've been using the CyanogenMod dialer for the last 9+ months so I'm not sure how it is now.

**biggjoe** · 07-17-2012, 05:11 PM

Zhara,

Which version of Launcher Pro are you using? The free one or the paid version?

Also, what do you recommend for Honeycomb ROMs and Tablets?

I'm going to play with Launcher Pro and exDialer right now...

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

**Zhara** · 07-17-2012, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by biggjoe

Zhara,

Which version of Launcher Pro are you using? The free one or the paid version?

Also, what do you recommend for Honeycomb ROMs and Tablets?

I'm going to play with Launcher Pro and exDialer right now...

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

I've only used the free version of LauncherPro. The dev doesn't seem to be updating it anymore so I have been wary of buying it. The free version works great, and I just don't like paying for something that won't be supported if an issue does arise, ya know?

To be honest, I've never tried a honeycomb rom. There aren't any for the Optimus S that I know of. The only tablet-like rom I know of for our phones is a port of Paranoid Android, and I believe it has some issues and the dev seems to have abandoned it. There's a port of it for the Optimus V that is much further along. It will work on our phones, but the home and menu keys will probably be switched unless they made a keypad fix for it.

Here's the link if you wanna check it out: [ROM-CM9]Paranoid Android Tablet UI~August 15th,2012 MIC FIXED

Btw idk much about tablets as I don't have one, so I'm sorry but I can't be of much help there

**epidenimus** · 07-17-2012, 06:25 PM

Here's a link to a thread I did on launchers a few months ago. To sum it up: Zeam and ADW FTW on the Optimus S. The Xperia stuff is also a nice clean option; perhaps there have been updates since i last played with it.

I used the Go Dev line for quite a while; prior to v4, GoSMS was the heat. And then it started growing into resource and network-hungry bloatware, including its own in-app upsell theme browsers.I started implementing firewalls and permissions apps just to contain it. When I got down to about 17MB internal available and realized how much of it was going to my homescreen and system apps, I found Zeam. Lacks a couple of features, but such a better value than Go and so much nicer than the LG Launcher. I ran and promoted it the rest of the time I was on Reborn.

CM7.2 brought ADW and the customization and features that i had given up were returned to me. It's not as light or fast as Zeam, but it seems to be a well-featured, light-enough app for the Opti S.

**ThatGuyLurkin** · 07-17-2012, 08:44 PM

I REALLY recommend Adw EX. It towers all Launchers.

Sent from my LG-VM670 using Tapatalk 2

**jasonevil** · 07-17-2012, 09:49 PM

adw was too bare bones for me.

adw ex is a good choice as well as launcher pro....

go stuff used to be good, but became way too bloated.....

the xperia launcher is a also a decent one

check this out

**prowlingfox** · 07-18-2012, 12:06 PM

When i'm on CM7.2, I use LauncherPro. it feels clean, and there's basically zero lag while scrolling through it. So it feels pretty speedy. When i'm on CM9 I use Nova. It's got a lot of features and I've found that it's smoother than Trebuchet or Apex.

**biggjoe** · 07-18-2012, 01:50 PM

Everyone,

Thank you so much for all of your help. I have like tons of Launcher's installed right now that I'm playing with. I like Launcher Pro, but what I'm missing is the ability to create 'folders' for my apps, like one for 'System Tools' another for 'Biz Apps', etc. So far none of the Launchers do this except for Go Launcher EX.

ADW seems really cool, but it doesn't have this feature either...unless the PAID app has this.

So I'm still trying them out. I'm going to check out the XPERIA stuff next.

Please keep the recommendations coming...they are awesome!!

BJ

**biggjoe** · 07-18-2012, 02:11 PM

epidenimus/jasonevil,

I'm going to check out the Xperia Launcher. Now Jason, you provided a link tot he XDA webpage for Xperia...hower epidenimus...in his other thread...mentioned two different types of Xperia Launcher; Xperia Active Launcher and Xperia Arc Launcher.

Is there a difference between those 2 launchers and what is included here:

Also, what is the recommended Resolution .apk to download for this Xperia Launcher...or should I use the 'Multi-resolution' .apk?

Thanks!

BJ

**epidenimus** · 07-18-2012, 03:11 PM

@biggjoe:

ADW does have this feature in the drawer, it calls them catalogs. Default is All; you have to create the ones you want and assign apps. I've got it where I can swipe up to switch between them.

Both Zeam and the Xperia launchers allow you to set up folders on the homescreen(s) where you can place any apps you like in them. I used to have one just for navigation, one for games, etc.

**jasonevil** · 07-18-2012, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by biggjoe

epidenimus/jasonevil,

I'm going to check out the Xperia Launcher. Now Jason, you provided a link tot he XDA webpage for Xperia...hower epidenimus...in his other thread...mentioned two different types of Xperia Launcher; Xperia Active Launcher and Xperia Arc Launcher.

Is there a difference between those 2 launchers and what is included here:

Also, what is the recommended Resolution .apk to download for this Xperia Launcher...or should I use the 'Multi-resolution' .apk?

Thanks!

BJ

Use the multi resolution version.

The arc launcher doesn't have a dock. It has 4 corners. Google it

Sent from my LG-LS670 using Tapatalk 2

**biggjoe** · 07-18-2012, 04:37 PM

epidenimus,

Can I create folders for my apps...but instead of the folders being on the home screen...I want them organized where the applications are normally listed. Like when we press the 'Menu' button...it shows all of the apps. Is there a way to do this in ADW?

**epidenimus** · 07-18-2012, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by biggjoe

epidenimus,

Can I create folders for my apps...but instead of the folders being on the home screen...I want them organized where the applications are normally listed. Like when we press the 'Menu' button...it shows all of the apps. Is there a way to do this in ADW?

I am familiar with what you are talking about and some launchers (e.g. Go Launcher) handle them in such manner.

With ADW, you get catalogs. You have the All catalog which is all the apps you have installed. From there, you can add custom catalogs (folders) of apps to which you can switch. For example you can set up a Games catalog, a Network catalog, a Main Apps catalog.... add whatever apps you want to each by check list... then switch between catalogs with the flick of a finger. The All catalog can be the only one you look at or the least seen catalog. You can also add homescreen shortcuts directly to specific catalogs. You can create folders for apps on the homescreens, but there are no folders in Catalogs.

**biggjoe** · 07-18-2012, 09:17 PM

epidenimus,

Yes, so far...that is probably one of my 3 biggest favorite features in Launcher's:

1. - Being able to create 'Folders' or 'Categories' in the main app menu

2. - Being able to sort apps by multiple options (alpha, most recent installed, etc.) including, sorting options within the Folders.

3. - Ability to back-up and restore Launcher settings.

So far my two favorite are ADW and Xperia. The 'catalog' option is 'just ok' as far as ADW is concerned...it may or may not be enough to sway me. I like the options to increase transition speed within ADW. Xperia is awesome...but so far the apps can only scroll horizontally...there is no vertical option that I have found...which is horrid...even the regular LG Launcher has that option. Plus it lacks the Folder creation option that I want...within the app menu...not the home screens.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks again!!

BJ

**epidenimus** · 07-18-2012, 11:51 PM

It seems like more and more, you are leaning toward ADW, and possibly CM7 (Not just saying that because that's where I am; I love Zeam and may flash the new version of Xperia just to see.).
Regarding your three points:

1. Check plus.

2. Check. ADW doesn't automatically sort your most recently installed, but you could create a catalog for "Testing" apps. It does allow you the option to automatically install app shortcuts to newly installed apps directly to your homescreen though.

3. Check. Built right into the ADW Settings menu in CM7. Would you like fries with that?

Did I mention it does theming well?

Also, I am coming to believe that folders in the App Drawer are kind of sloppy interface. It's cool on the homescreen and all. I do prefer the Catalogs, which is just a slicker implementation of listing style of LG Home, except that it allows an app to be in multiple catalogs instead of one contiguous grouped vertical list.

**biggjoe** · 07-19-2012, 12:35 AM

epidenimus,

I'm curious; Is there a difference between the ADW (Free version) available through the Google Play store vs. the ADW version included within CM7?

If so, I would like to try that out. Would it be possible for you to pull it off your CM7 Rom and post it on this thread so that I can check it out?

You are right...right now I'm leaning towards ADW and Xperia.

By any chance, have you tried the paid version of ADW? Is it much better?

Thanks,

Bee Jay

**biggjoe** · 07-24-2012, 04:27 PM

epidenimus,

I'm curious; Is there a difference between the ADW (Free version) available through the Google Play store vs. the ADW version included within CM7?

If so, I would like to try that out. Would it be possible for you to pull it off your CM7 Rom and post it on this thread so that I can check it out?

You are right...right now I'm leaning towards ADW and Xperia.

By any chance, have you tried the paid version of ADW? Is it much better?

Thanks,

Bee Jay

**thattypicalnerd** · 07-25-2012, 07:13 PM

Btw, I noticed nobody has mentioned the stock Gingerbread Launcher. That's the one I use, but that's because I just like the minimal look, the low memory footprint, and I don't need to customize much. One thing I would've liked from the GB Launcher is a 3D drawer for MDPI, which sadly does not exist.

**epidenimus** · 07-25-2012, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by biggjoe

epidenimus,

I'm curious; Is there a difference between the ADW (Free version) available through the Google Play store vs. the ADW version included within CM7?

If so, I would like to try that out. Would it be possible for you to pull it off your CM7 Rom and post it on this thread so that I can check it out?

You are right...right now I'm leaning towards ADW and Xperia.

By any chance, have you tried the paid version of ADW? Is it much better?

Thanks,

Bee Jay

Apologies for the delay in my response.

I have not played with the paid version of ADW, ADWLauncher EX, so I am not the best person to provide a comparison. I can tell you that CM7 includes some of the features touted on the Play Store page for EX.

CM7 is not all about ADW, but it does nicely integrate it. I could upload my APK, but I doubt it would demonstrate the completeness of how it and CM7 work together and add some features. Besides, what kind of a helping hand would I be if I deprived you of the experience of trying CM7 for yourself? Nandroid backup your Reborn install, wipe and install CM7 when you are ready--it's really easy, once you get the order of things down. Use the version of Gapps with the VVM fix.

Try out some of the Xperia launchers and Zeam on Reborn, too. Trying new things is fun!