Help Using 3rd Party Launchers with the EVO 4G LTE

[drexappeal]

I created a thread when the Photon was released to introduce Newb Android users, as well as seasoned Android users, to 3rd Party launchers. Since all the reviews somehow always seem to integrate their reviews with how the Manufacturer's OEM launcher is, I figured it'd be a good thing for people to know that there are other alternatives that don't require rooting, but may serve their needs even better than the stock launcher. Anyhow, I've copy and pasted all the details of that thread below. I've taken Launcher Pro Plus out, since as of right now there's no indication that fede will be making adjustments for it to work properly with ICS (and some have reported that it kinda works w/ exception to some widgets).

-EDIT- Pre-warning, to those new to Android, but considering using a 3rd party launcher. Not all of the launcher below are guaranteed to be Ice Cream Sandwich compatible, so be sure to read through reviews and comments, prior to installing on your LTEvo.

Since there seems to be an abundance of "NEWB" Android users getting the Photon, and there hasn't been a "full" explanation I've seen that really breaks down the use of Android UI's and all the possibilities, I thought that I would start a new thread explaining exactly what the deal is with Launcher/User Interface talk. And for many that have never ventured into the Android World, they have no clue that the way to judge an Android Phone should absolutely NOT be due to the Stock (e.g. OEM - Original Equipment Manufactured) launcher. That said, I put together a helpful "guide" about launchers.

What is a Launcher or User Interface (e.g. UI)?
- A Launcher/UI is commonly known as the "skin" that you'll see on the phone which includes the view of your homescreens (Originally 5 for Android and now seems to be 7), dock (bottom portion of the phone that usually includes phone, apps drawer, and others-depending on launcher manufacturer).

What are the OEM Launchers?
- Android's "Vanilla" launcher is a term you'll see referred to that has a plain user interface that allows you to navigate through different homescreens, without "added" bells and whistles from the manufacturer. It's heavily preferred by Android owners that "Root" their phones and customize their phones significantly and also by some that don't like the fact that the Manufacturer's launchers tend to slow their Android phone down.
- HTC Android Phones = Sense UI. Sense is highly rated by many of the "reviewers" because of it's integration of looks and usability. The customization of the latest version of Sense UI, especially has been given rave reviews.
- Samsung Android Phones = TouchWiz. TouchWiz has had mixed reviews, but the looks are more similar to "vanilla," with touches of Samsung's customizations.
- Motorola Android Phones = Formerly known as MotoBlur. On the Photon and Droid 3, Motorola did away with what was formerly their OEM UI called "MotoBlur." There are still hints of it, on the Droid 3 and Photon, but it does not have the same "lag" issues that MotoBlur was once known for. The more current UI of Motorola has a few bells and whistles integrated (especially with the Photon) that I'm sure you've all seen (e.g. Active Kickstand).

What is the purpose of using an "aftermarket" UI?
Aftermarket Launchers do not require a user to "root" their phone. The only purpose that Aftermarket Launchers have is to work as a "replacement" UI for the one that came standard on your Android phone. In our case, it's the Motorola Photon. If you want to "customize" your phone UI even further than from the capabilities provided by the manufacturer, aftermarket launchers are GREAT options that'll allow you to get the look/feel you want and also potentially provide more "practicality" for use.

What choices of "aftermarket" Launchers/UI's are there?
Here's a great thread that was started in the EVO forums that some of you can read through, if you've never experienced using an aftermarket launcher or are new to Android:
- http://androidforums.com/android-applications/404459-big-list-home-launchers.html
What Launcher Do You Prefer
List of Aftermarket Launchers w/ links to market page (READ Description of Launcher, prior to downloading)
- NOVA Launcher (Only compatible with ICS)
- APEX Launcher (Only compatible with ICS)
- Go Launcher Ex
- ADW Launcher
ADW Ex Paid Launcher
- ZEAM Launcher
- Gingerbread Launcher Free
- SPB Shell Launcher
SPB Shell Launcher Discussion Thread
- WAVE Launcher
- My Launcher
- JoltaTech Android 7 Launcher
- MIUI.ADW Launcher
- MIUI Launcher
- MX Home Launcher
- Original Android Launcher Non-Root
- Gesture Launcher
- Honeycomb Launcher
- Sense 3.0 Ginger Thyparancy (It says it's compatible with the Photon, according to the market page, but the actual page for the app says it's only for Sense 3.0. Added this for those that want to see if it works).
- ICS Launcher (e.g. Ice Cream Sandwich Launcher

Lastly, if you're not completely set on using an aftermarket launcher, download this app that allows you to switch back and forth from your OEM launcher to the aftermarket launcher and vice versa:
- Homesmack Launcher Switcher

ADDED 8/24/11
For those of you that also want to try some aftermarket Lockscreen apps, here are some that others are using and have recommended:

- Widgetlocker (PAID)
- Ripple Lock (FREE)
- Agile Lock (FREE)
- Agile Lock (PAID)
- Magiclocker (FREE)
- Goto Lockscreen (PAID)
- Screen Suite Locker (PAID)
- LockMenu (FREE)

ADDED 8/26/11
Themes used by Streptovsky for ADW
- ADW Launcher
- ADW Theme Glow Legacy Red Pro - Mariux
- Glow Legacy Live Wallpaper Red - Mariux
- Smart Keyboard Pro
- Glow Legacy Red Keyboard Skin - Mariux

 

[NaterTots]

Apex launcher is the only one I use when trying out ICS roms. It is ICS only. Free in market. Very smooth for me with alot of options.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

 

[EarlyMon]

FAQ-tastic!

 

[Tommydaniel]

Nova or Apex because they are ICS specific.

 

[drexappeal]

Apex launcher is the only one I use when trying out ICS roms. It is ICS only. Free in market. Very smooth for me with alot of options.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

Nova or Apex because they are ICS specific.

Adding to 1st post. Thanks guys!

 

[windsorclarenc]

Nova launcher is definitely my favorite ICS launcher. I even considered buying the prime version. And I usually don't buy paid apps.

 

[novox77]

i'm planning to give the sense launcher a try before deciding. Currently I use GO Launcher on my Evo 3D.

 

[broadrun96]

I didn't see a thread so I thought I'd get some opinions about alternate launchers for the LTEvo. Having had a Transform before and finding few that worked well without rooting I hadn't played with any before but have been playing around with Nova Launcher. Not too sure about it yet but am giving it a go for a while to be fair. Adjustable grid and spacing for home screen icons is nice, hated the wasted space between icons and widgets. Hidden apps are now available ie Mirror, Tune-In (any idea why not in sense?) It also seems faster and smoother both loading and animations, and like the smooth scrolling rather than pagination of the app drawer in Sense. However, I am confused about one thing, I have changed the dock to different things in Nova over Sense but in the lock screen it's the same 4 icons from Sense. Any ideas from the ICS/Android experts out there? And I can't run the Weather widget (sense only widget?), no big loss but just an FYI if you really like it.

 

[NeoteriX]

1) Yes, Lockscreen is tied to Sense, so if you want to change those, go back to Sense (App: Home Switcher) and change there.

2) Yes, the clock widget is Sense only.

3) In addition to Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher is a decent one with similar features to Nova

 

[drexappeal]

Glad the organiztion of the Photon threads is likely to help for a lot of the future phones. That said, just wanted to point out that of all the launchers, i'ts not likely that Launcher Pro Plus will be completely compatible with ICS.

Not sure if anybody has tried it, but as far as I know, Launcher Pro Plus hasn't gotten any updates if it will ever be updated to the "new" version that fede (the developer) had said he was working on.

 

[suprmallet]

I'm giving Nova a try. Pretty cool so far.

 

[NYCHitman1]

Apex Pro or Nova Prime - that's it. Forget about the rest.

 

[Orion]

I need this phone already...so I can have some fun with these launchers.

 

[NeoteriX]

Apex Pro or Nova Prime - that's it. Forget about the rest.

This.

I've bought both, and prefer Apex for the way the icons are spaced, but Nova is nice for its speed adjustment options.

 

[spdkilz02]

I'm trying Apex currently.

 

[Lowbird]

Not sure if anybody has tried it, but as far as I know, Launcher Pro Plus hasn't gotten any updates if it will ever be updated to the "new" version that fede (the developer) had said he was working on.

I am holding out hope for LPP. Fede will respond if you have an issue on Twitter. But his forum is hit or miss for info regarding the future.

LPP started to become a memory hog in the last 8 months. Had to clear data monthly on the OG EVO. So until an update is given I wont transfer it over.

 

[ZepTepi]

I hope Circle Launcher comes out with an ICS version before I move to the LTEvo.

 

[drexappeal]

I am holding out hope for LPP. Fede will respond if you have an issue on Twitter. But his forum is hit or miss for info regarding the future.

LPP started to become a memory hog in the last 8 months. Had to clear data monthly on the OG EVO. So until an update is given I wont transfer it over.

Yeah, part of me kinda is also, but I after the most recent Photon update, I decided to make the transition to Go Launcher Ex again and I've been happy. Should fede decide to move forward with his "re-vamped" LPP, I'll still take it into consideration, but I have a feeling that he doesn't have the time to devote to it as much anymore. I was having issues with memory lag on LPP also and I cleared out data and cache regularly on my Photon. Definitely had the issue on my OG EVO as well.

 

[foxII]

My OG Evo was great!!!!! I could load and run launcher pro with no problems. The LTE is causing crashes on launcher pro and ICS seems to have lost the ability to get apps closer together and larger. Can you change the array/column spacing on this phone?

 

[NeoteriX]

If you want a new homescreen/launcher you'll want to look at Apex Launcher or Nova Launcher; that should do it.

 

[drexappeal]

My OG Evo was great!!!!! I could load and run launcher pro with no problems. The LTE is causing crashes on launcher pro and ICS seems to have lost the ability to get apps closer together and larger. Can you change the array/column spacing on this phone?

Unfortunately, fede has been working on a "revamped" version of Launcher Pro for almost 2 years now, but still hasn't released that (lots of rumors about why it has taken such a long time).

Nontheless, it was a known factor that Launcher Pro would have issues with ICS compatibility.

Nova, Apex, and Holo Launcher have all seemed to take the place, of other launchers, as the "go to" launchers for ICS and above.

 

[CyreneK]

Nova Launcher recently updated and now the grid size can also be changed in the app drawer. Nova runs smoother on my phone compared to Apex, which would lag and reload.

 

[Drew]

First, a belated Merry Christmas to ALL! I'm in need of a widget; here's the scoop:

Obviously I've got the Evo 4G LTE with the Jelly Bean uprade (which is working flawlessly for me) - but instead of running HTC Sense, I'm running Go! Launcher...which I LOVE! Problem is, I like the scrollable People Widget that comes with Sense which doesn't work with Launcher - unless there's a work-around that I don't know about.

So...I need to either (a) find a way to locate, download, and run HTC's People Widget with Go! Launcher, or (b) find another app/widget like the People Widget that'll work with Launcher and give me the same desired effect: A scrollable single column of my most frequently called and texted Contacts.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Work-Arounds? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[CyreneK]

First, a belated Merry Christmas to ALL! I'm in need of a widget; here's the scoop:

Obviously I've got the Evo 4G LTE with the Jelly Bean uprade (which is working flawlessly for me) - but instead of running HTC Sense, I'm running Go! Launcher...which I LOVE! Problem is, I like the scrollable People Widget that comes with Sense which doesn't work with Launcher - unless there's a work-around that I don't know about.

So...I need to either (a) find a way to locate, download, and run HTC's People Widget with Go! Launcher, or (b) find another app/widget like the People Widget that'll work with Launcher and give me the same desired effect: A scrollable single column of my most frequently called and texted Contacts.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Work-Arounds? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

I don't know of a widget, but what I do is set up a shortcut folder for direct dial, and put it in my dock.

 

[EarlyMon]

HTC widgets only run with their launcher, you'll need to look for alternatives.