Looking for launcher.

[cdysthe]

Hi,

I am looking for a simple fast launcher. I am almost happy with Launcher 3 (the AOSP launcher) but want one feature: Be able to use icon packs. I have looked at many launcher but they all have lots of features I do not want like custom search, fancy built in widgets or other connected "services" that calls home. I just want simplicity with icon pack support. Could someone point me in the right direction?

 

[Dannydet]

Nova launcher works well for different icon packs

 

[Thom]

I have used Nova Launcher Prime for years and highly recommend it. Many icon packs available. Hide search bar if you prefer. Save/restore settings.

... Thom

 

[leeanne172]

Tried them all but always go back to Nova Prime

 

[cdysthe]

I have used Nova Launcher Prime for years and highly recommend it. Many icon packs available. Hide search bar if you prefer. Save/restore settings.

... Thom

Thanks. It doesn't have things like "Nova Search" and "Recommended Apps" etc? If it can be turned off it's okay, but if not I do not like it.

 

[MLSS]

Thanks. It doesn't have things like "Nova Search" and "Recommended Apps" etc? If it can be turned off it's okay, but if not I do not like it.

No it doesn't have any of those

 

[Thom]

Thanks. It doesn't have things like "Nova Search" and "Recommended Apps" etc? If it can be turned off it's okay, but if not I do not like it.

Nova Launcher Prime does not have this bilge as found in some other products.

I am of the opinion that Nova Launcher Prime is one of the apps that "saved Android". The only way you are going to know if it is to your liking is to install it and try it.

... Thom

 

[zuben el genub]

It has the ability to use widgets, but if you don't want - don't bother. If you don't want gestures and inputs, ignore them. Nova will ignore them along with you

You can do icons separately. Nova leaves my wallpaper alone but makes the changes I want - not like some launchers with "themes"

 

[badcatz]

Yup. Nova Prime is the way to go.

 

[cdysthe]

Thank you for the suggestion. My solution was closer than I thought. I have used Holo Launcher a lot in the past and it was my favorite. Turns out the developer now has a launcher out called Lollipop Launcher. It's basically Google Now/Launcher 3 with a couple of extra features like icon pack support and gestures. Exactly what I was looking for. It's also incredibly fast. I am keeping Nova also to see which one ends up being the chosen one, but Lollipop Launcher has the edge right now.

 

[Jfalls63]

Feature I like the most with Nova Prime is Backup. Use it to restore home screen layout fast .

 

[cdysthe]

Feature I like the most with Nova Prime is Backup. Use it to restore home screen layout fast .

Good point. And you do not understand how good it is to have a backup until you don't

 

[Jfalls63]

I try to do FDR after big update or changing Roms. After Google Play downloads all my apps, restoring the backup of my layout is fast and painless

 

[Thom]

I do the same. It is one of the strongest contributions from Nova Launcher Prime.

... Thom

 

[Mikestony]

Hmmm, this isn't the first time I've seen Nova Launcher recommended. Almost makes me want to try it

 

[Jfalls63]

Night Mode dark theme is nice too.

In beta.

 

[Mikestony]

I don't really want to derail the thread much from the OP, and my apologies to @cdysthe (I can start another thread discussion about this if you desire).
I was going to recommend Next Launcher (I use it), but it is part of the GoDev group which has been questionable in its dealings with privacy no?

 

[frosthax1]

novas decent,course i prefer go launcher moreso.buy the prime lock for a few bucks if its your cup of tea to get rid of ads and such.its always getting updates and working on performance.im pretty sure it also allws you to change the icons/icon packs and such.i use it as my base launcher for my custom backup for the htc one sv and people love how i have it set up,course i added some extra performance flashes and such but still works flawless.

 

[Stuntman]

I don't use icon packs, so I cannot comment on that. I use Nova Prime to simplify my home screens. I even got rid of the dock at the bottom of the screen and added extra rows and columns of icons.