Why use a launcher?

[Android Central Question]

Just discovering all of this Launcher discussion between Nova and Microsoft... I am wondering if I need to be using a Launcher? What makes it worth it, or is it just one more fun app? I'm a writer/social media strategist. I use my phone to manage different social media accounts as well as edit different works all day long. Is there something in launcher that will make my life easier?

 

[Golfdriver97]

Welcome to the forums. A launcher is a necessity. Without one, the interface would be limited to a Command Line Interface.

 

[cpaight]

But more to the point of your question....third party launchers like Nova allow you to do things the stock launcher might not. Some examples include custom icon packs, gesture controls, the layout of your app drawer and removing persistent features you might not like (the app dock or Google search bar on the home screen for instance). Mostly it's about being able to tweak and customize your device to look and work exactly how you want it.

 

[Mooncatt]

And even if you don't install a third party launcher, your phone has one from the OEM. It's the "desktop" so to speak, that lets you access everything else. By installing Nova or whatever, you are not adding a launcher, but rather using a different one. In fact, when you first install a different one and press the home button, you'll get a pop-up asking if you want to use the stock or third party launcher until you set one as a default.