Jason8

Can someone explain to me why a home replacement is the way to go? Currently only using 3 screen, starting to get full, but so far so good. So what other features do replacement homes have that you guys find to be a distinct advantage over the regular home? I kind of like some of the themes out there, but isn't that essentially just a different background with custom icons? In theory can't I just download a custom icon packet (I'm guessing these exist??), and find a background I like and I am good to go? And what's with the docking bar?

thetomlin2

I dont use a home replacement, but I do use BetterCut to create custom icons for my shortcuts.

vonfeldt7

Well themes can change more than just icons/wallpapers, and some people like that level of customization. I would recommend PandaHome or GDE for the Moto Droid. I tried PandaHome and wasn't that impressed, but I really like GDE (mostly the cube transition). Just try a few out and see what you like.

Viconi

home++ is the best free one for me. IMO you just need to start downloading home replacements and searching the forums because this is a pretty popular subject with alot of different opinions.

punyweakling

I'll be back here to sell you on Sweeter Home once Preview 2 is out. Check the link in my sig for some advanced screens - some vid on there too. Effectively you will be able to custom build your own homescreen - almost to the level of creating your own UI...

Preview 1 is on the market now but it's seriously outdated and unstable. P2 (I have a private beta) is stable with a bunch of new features...

__________________
Sweeter Home UPDATE to the latest version

http://sweeterskins.net
@punyweakling

jwmacdon1231

It basically comes down to personal preference.

If you're fine with having 3 screens but want to be able to customize icons, then Better Cut is definitely the way to go.

You could also try out UltimateFaves. UltimateFaves v2.1.1 Application for Android | Productivity

They also have a pro version that you need to download from the dev's website via PayPal. It's definitely secure.

Since I downloaded UltimateFaves Pro I don't have any real use for my screens (5). Now the empty screens are filled with what I'm most addicted to...widgets.

If you are looking to try out a new home app, though, I would go with PandaHome (free), dxTop (paid; has been a little unstable lately), Home++ (free), and GDE (paid; my personal fav).

Open Home and aHome, IMO, have been losing steam, and are not as stable or smooth as the other I mentioned.

ddukatz

I definitely agree!!! Sweeter Home will be what I will use when preview 2 comes out!

I really like the way DxTop switches between screens, but Sweeter Home is WAY more customizable.

Last edited by ddukatz; December 9th, 2009 at 03:23 PM.

jwmacdon1231

+1 for that. I had preview 2 for a bit, and I was amazed at what it could do. Especially being such an early version

Jonnyflash

I personally like GDE, it is a paid app, but once installed, constantly updates, and lots of free themes available once installed.

Wobble

I don't know if you can help but I'm having a problem with Ultimatefaves. I've just discovered it and downloaded it but it seem to be too 'big' for my Hero. It almsot takes the whole phone down while it loads etc.

Any ideas otherwise I'll zap it

Wobble

I don't know if you can help but I'm having a problem with Ultimatefaves. I've just discovered it and downloaded it but it seem to be too 'big' for my Hero. It almsot takes the whole phone down while it loads etc.

Any ideas otherwise I'll zap it.

Thanks, in anticipation...

gizbug

So GDE has the most themes out there out of the major contenders?

Jonnyflash

Not sure about the number of themes available, but I have seen quite a bit. I haven't really looked at the others since I paid for GDE.

punyweakling

Well a bunch of themes work on several different home apps so you can't really tell.

BottledHate

Home++ and Better Cut

same default feel with more home screens(up to 7) and more options....

latest version can take home screen shots without root.

Better icons with Better Cut.

NOMster

The problem I have with gde is that the themes don't have built in icons. Or at least none of the ones I have found do. And since there aren't any icon packs...you still have to have better cut to change icons.

AndroidConservative

I am just a huge fan of PandaHome, mostly because I can use themes from the others, and I like the dockbars, the multi-screen options, and a lot of the other great features it has. GDE is cool too.

__________________
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dsglenn82

I don't understand that as open as android is themes and theme building isn't an integrated part of the OS like it is on the blackberrys. Ok I know you can learn the code and root the phone but really most people will not do that. I think integration of themes into the OS will arrive but when and will creaters be able to sell themes?

scaz

Have been looking for home++ in market place used a bar code scanner and even went on a web site via my hero and still could not find it.

any ideas lads have looked before asking!


Thanks

Scaz

AndroidConservative

Okay, well, I have been playing around with OpenHome quite a bit. I tried DxTop and GDE, and I really didn't enjoy either of those. Panda is just way too unstable for me nowadays, which is sad, because I really liked Panda. So I am gonna stick with OpenHome for the time being, until I have the chance to really see the power that GDE has. OpenHome does everything I need, and honestly, some of the perks of the others don't interest me, as I am simply looking to have a nice, clean, cool theme to be able to rest my eyes upon when I look to my phone. So honestly, I don't think a person can be sold on a home replacement app, as each will do different things. So it really is about what you want, not what we tell you you want.

reznorfan0

I tried and liked open home quite a lot, then discovered GDE. GDE has been pushing updates like mad the past few weeks and has become very stable and fast. I wish it had some icon and font packs, but the thing that makes it hard for me to leave is the application dock widget. Cutting down on the number of screens is always nice for organizing icons, and those docks let you have as many iconsas you want within it. All my games sit in one dock that only takes up one row, awsome. The cube effect is also very cool. If only openhome and gde would merge functionality.

knarf

I use home++ after switching from panda home. I really like it.

What version of android are you using? it's 1.6 and above only.

AndroidConservative

What is the general consensus on home++ these days? still fc'ing a lot?

knarf

I don't find their is a problem with FC's.

Biggame

I've been using home++ for about a month now and have been having FC problems as of late on my Droid. I love it's added functionality over the stock home set up, but hate how unstable it's become. Anyone else having similar problems??? I'm not sure I want to experiment with other homes if they don't offer some significant advantage. They all seem to have there own advantages and disadvantages.

skottiesgerl

Do I have to Root my phone to use either of the replacement Homes? I think Messenger 13 has sold me on SweeterHome but I need to figure out how to use it. I have read where some download it to their computer and create it then upload to the phone. Others prefer to do it all in the phone. Any thoughts on either of these procedures... I have windows vista.

mylinuxbox

Question - I have a hero so already have 7 screens and some great widgets. So what would I need a home replacement for?

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El Blacksheep

Nice thing about SH is that it can be as unique as you want it to be, given the proper amount of time invested.

See mine for an example.

jfe

OK, I tried these

dxtop
Home++
GDE
Launcher (2.1)
SweeterHome2
Panda

dxtop: Very stable, it has 5 screens, center, left, right, top, bottom. The cool thing about it, is that you can switch to any screen regardless of where you are. For example, if you are in the center screen, and swipe to the bottom, you can get to the right screen by sweeping to the right, and don't have to visit the center screen, all of the screens are always available regardless of the quadrant you are in.

GDE. Has the coolest transition with the cube effect, you can swipe left or right and go to all the screens pretty quickly. Has the most limited number of themes out there, but then again, I am not big on that

Home++. Again, a left to right navigation, but the bottom toolbar is very elegant, and the fact that the top status bar is hidden makes your screen look so much bigger, and it is one of my favorite looks.

Launcher: Left to right navigation, it has 5 screens, and the application launcher has a nice effect, but it made it FC way too often for me

SweeterHome2: If you have a few hours or maybe even days, to waste, and customize the heck out of it, this is the most customizable app out there. There is nothing stock, you can always get a theme online, but the customization level is incredible. It also makes it a pain in the a$$, but very challenging. It also has a center, right, left , bottom screens, but you can only get to those screens through the center screen, unlike dxtop.

Panda: My least favorite, gave me a headache. Looks like it was designed for teenage girls that like to put glitter on their phones

So, which one I am using now, of course, SweeterHome2, as I am determined to make the blasted thing work. I am almost done with my theme, just have to do a few adjustments, but I have everything where I like.

Last edited by jfe; February 2nd, 2010 at 02:23 PM.

MYandroidUSERNAME

sweeterhome...

everything i would've put on probably 5 screens when i first got the phone only needs 1 screen...just wish i could get rid of the extra screens.

this is old now. changed a couple things but its still the same setup...

http://androidforums.com/341820-post235.html

Last edited by MYandroidUSERNAME; February 12th, 2010 at 06:28 PM.

yournamepenor

Gde is the best for sure, its the most customizable. That or ihome.