Stock or different launcher, root or not

[chrisoldroyd]

This is my first Android phone so i am a definite newb when it comes to changing things. I hear lots of talk about different launchers and was wondering what I would lose or gain on the G3 if I tried for example the Google launcher.

Also on a slightly different note, what would I gain from rooting the phone, I am tempted to give it a go but not really sure why.

If anyone wants to give me some info I would really appreciate it.

Thanks
Chris

Sent from my LG-D855 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[xocomaox]

You can change things about the phone that you normally would not be able to, with root access. This should be more than enough reason to root.

 

[VW Maverick]

Welcome.
I have used Nova Launcher for a long time. Very easy and they update it often: http://forums.androidcentral.com/ambassador-guides-tips-how-tos/299378-guide-nova-launcher.html

In the past, I rooted to change my fonts and to get better battery life.
I have both on the stock G3, but everyone is different:

Mav.

 

[Distorted Loop]

If you don't have a reason to root in mind, you shouldn't bother. That said, the ioroot app for rooting found here is about the easiest root I've done on any phone.

You can use almost any Launcher you want from the play store, or even side load the Google Now Launcher (if it's not officially available for your phone yet) without root. I put the Google Launcher on all my phones and tablets.

Other launcher I'd recommend is Nova.

 

[brewzer]

Like someone else said, if you don't have a reason to root then don't. I have never found the stock launcher sufficient enough and use Nova Launcher Prime (paid version). The Google Launcher is out now so you might want to give that a try or there are others you can try free as well.

 

[HennersL]

I'm currently using the Google Now launcher on my G3 and have held off from rooting at the moment. The development community around the G3, apart from a few camera mods and tweaks is pretty quiet at the moment, so I have no real reason to root.

If you didn't have anything in mind to begin with about rooting, then it is probably best that you avoid doing so. I also believe on the D855 you and I have that both towelroot and ioroot do not work on the very latest V10e software, so it's not as simple as it was a couple of weeks ago. (PurpleDrake is available, but not as simple as those previous methods)

 

[Cervantesmx]

I too recommend Nova launcher. Just search for "Nova" in the Play Store, it's free. There is a premium version for like a dollar or something.

However, if you're new to Android, I'd say slow your horses. Use the stock, it's great. Really although Nova has been a necessity when I was on stock Android, it is not on my LG G3. I have not installed any 3rd party launcher and I definately wouldn't recommend any first time Android user to do it. Use Android for a few months. Then maybe give Nova a shot.

To be honest before Nova, you might want to check out "GO Launcher" first. Stock Android is awesome and great for people that understand and want it and most importantly are ABLE to appreciate it.

The LG G3 is a fantastic device that stock, offers everything you need. Give it a try first.

 

[WordPainter]

Another member of Team Nova here. It's terrific. I would avoid all the "Go" products (GoLauncher, GoSMS, etc). I have always found them to be laggy as heck and they love to nag and nag and nag with in ap pop ups and notification spam whenever they've updated something. That's a real turn off for me.

 

[mmohn01]

I really like the Nova launcher. I used to use the SPB launcher back in the day until I saw people recommending the Nova launcher here. It's very customizable, easy to use, and it seems to run smoother.

 

[ffejjj]

First android, don't root.

There are so many ways you can customize your phone without root nowadays.

Once your done maybe root, maybe not. I wouldn't suggest it right off

I'd suggest zooper widget for dabbling in customisation

Posted via Android Central App

 

[pseudoware]

I look at it differently. I rooted my 1st Android device. If that interests you, research how it's done. If you think it's within your technical ability and comfort level, go for it. Just know the risks.

If you see a launcher in the Play Store that interests you, install it and play around with it. Why wait? If you don't like it, just uninstall.

That's what's great about Android. There are many ways to customize it for beginners and experienced users. Go for it, and have fun!

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

 

[RHChan84]

Nova is a popular one. I was using APEX but in back to LG's launcher.

As for root, don't bother unless you have s specific reason. Play around with your phone first then see if you want to root from there.

Sent from my VZW LG G3 (tapatalk)

 

[chrisoldroyd]

Thank you for all the responses, plenty to think about. I will download and play with Nova and hold off rooting for now.

Thanks
Chris

 

[aandrew610]

I would root to remove. Carrier iq and bloatware

 

[ngc457]

I have lots of fun rooting and all of the things that it brings. It helps you learn how your phone works. That said, I will not root my daily driver, that is under warranty, and on wireless network. It voids the warranty and generally makes the phone less reliable, especially if you install a new rom. I always root old phones only. I see no reason to root a daily driver that you depend on and would love the warranty honored if it craps out.

Try different launchers and see if you like their UI better. Most have free versions that will give you more than enough to decide if they give you a better experience. I like Nova Launcher myself. However, the G3 stock launch is great and I have not been tempted to install Nova on my G3 yet.

 

[Nreeldeep]

This is my first Android phone so i am a definite newb when it comes to changing things. I hear lots of talk about different launchers and was wondering what I would lose or gain on the G3 if I tried for example the Google launcher.

Also on a slightly different note, what would I gain from rooting the phone, I am tempted to give it a go but not really sure why.

If anyone wants to give me some info I would really appreciate it.

Thanks
Chris

Sent from my LG-D855 using AC Forums mobile app

You need to download some popular launches (Google best Android launchers then read about their strengths) and test them out on your device. Most of them are free or have a nominal fee.
As far as rooting goes, from your post, you have no idea what root is and what it's for. I recommend you learn about root first. Once again use Google. Or peruse these message boards for information.

 

[bembol]

First android, don't root.

There are so many ways you can customize your phone without root nowadays.

Once your done maybe root, maybe not. I wouldn't suggest it right off

I'd suggest zooper widget for dabbling in customisation

Posted via Android Central App

This is why I never got into Rooting...j/k I tried watching Taylor Martin's (pocketnow) YouTube guide and I was lost. LOL

I launched Nova Prime after 5 minutes of setting her up.

 

[srkmagnus]

Here a good resource for root related information: http://www.androidcentral.com/root/

Sent from my Nexus 5 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[xocomaox]

That said, I will not root my daily driver, that is under warranty, and on wireless network. It voids the warranty and generally makes the phone less reliable, especially if you install a new rom. I always root old phones only. I see no reason to root a daily driver that you depend on and would love the warranty honored if it craps out.

I kind of feel bad for you.

 

[RHChan84]

Rooting has no effect on the phone. It only gives you superuser access.

I bought my phone at 8pm, walked out of Best Buy around 8:30. Home by 8:45ish. Phone was rooted by 8:50ish.

Sent from my VZW LG G3 (tapatalk)