What launcher do you use and why?

thomasv23

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I'm potentially looking for a launcher to use... I'm not really all that new to the launcher thing but I have yet to find one I really like. I was wondering whaat everyone here uses and why. I prefer something that runs REALLY well performance wise, looks really clean, and also HAS notifications on the lock and home screen. Thank you for any input.
 

tech_fan

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I used to use Nova Launcher. It helped improve TouchWiz. The primary reason was the ability to arrange everything and then export it and import it into another device therefore creating a uniform look between all devices.

I recently switched to Yahoo Aviate. The main reason why I like that, is that its a simple interface. Its also faster than TouchWiz. It also will display apps based on where you are and what time of day it is. For example, when you are Home, it will display the stuff you use more regularly when you are at home. When you are in the car, you will see Maps, Music, etc...

When you first install the launcher, it will group your apps into Home, Productivity, Utilities, etc.. You can change them as needed.
 

thomasv23

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I think I tried that but it wasn't showing badge notifications for my messaging app and what not.. also none on the lock screen. How do I get notifications on a launcher like that?
 

Dude2

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I have six to eight of the most popular launchers on my Note 3, Nova Prime, Apex Pro. I always go back to Next Launcher 3D Shell. For me as a power business user I need the productivity of ToDo List, Calendar, other widgets, etc. that come with Next 3D Shell. Nova Prime, Apex and some of the others maybe better price performers but for customizing the maximum widgets and icons Next is just over the top for efficiency and they are updating with new features every month or two. Next is also extremely fast and always stable.

For day to day productivity of a power user and business professional Next is what I really use. That is just comparing 2D vs 2D, the 3D side of Next is another step in the UI world but it uses the same menu and navigation structure. Some of the 3D aficionados would not even consider a launcher with only a 2D side. If money is tight and you can live without some of the features, widgets, not interested in a 3D User Interface then Nova will probably be good enough, but............

Next 3D Shell is the Cadillac of Launchers right now and as you can see it comes with a Cadillac price but as a power user it is worth the extra money because I depend on the Calendar, ToDo List and other PIM widgets so much.
 

thomasv23

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I'm curious as to how people get unread badge notifications on their apps while using third party launchers? Is it possible without rooting? I've even used the paid versions of most of the third party launchers but that **** don't even work.
 

tsells

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I'm curious as to how people get unread badge notifications on their apps while using third party launchers? Is it possible without rooting? I've even used the paid versions of most of the third party launchers but that **** don't even work.

Get Nova Prime, TeslaUnread, and Missed It. Then read this thread:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=199709

.....and you can use the same method to get badge notifications on your lockscreen icons using WidgetLocker:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...teslacoilsw.widgetlocker&hl=en&token=bZ-g_zZM

Posted via the Android Central App
 
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thomasv23

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Thanks for the reply. That seems like quite the hassle though just to get notification badges on your icons. I would almost rather just use the default launcher for my phone.
 

tsells

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It's actually not that hard. It seems overwhelming, but it's real easy if you just read the parts that pertain to Nova Launcher.
Or you can use the "trial and error" method by downloading the apps that I've listed above, and then go to Nova settings and then "Unread Counts".
 

thomasv23

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I will be sure to try it out once I get sick of my default launcher. I have tried Nova and it is okay but I'm not that huge a fan of it. Once again thanks a lot for all of your help!

Posted via the Android Central App
 

thomasv23

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Yeah Nova is insanely popular and is the most purchased launcher but sometimes I get lag while transitioning between home screens that I rarely get with Apex.

Posted via the Android Central App
 

Haalcyon

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Yeah Nova is insanely popular and is the most purchased launcher but sometimes I get lag while transitioning between home screens that I rarely get with Apex.

Posted via the Android Central App
I think I just don't notice lag much in general. Many folks speak of lag but I think I must be numb to it as I'm sure at least one if my devices has some lag.

G3 📱
 

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