One of many primary causes I began utilizing Android (model 1.5 with an HTC Hero cellphone) was as a result of it ran a model of the Linux kernel. I knew that reality would result in a factor I worth: flexibility.
Though the steps in direction of flexibility weren’t precisely sleek, the platform got here into its personal inside just a few releases. As Android advanced, so too did its flexibility — and one space the place that functionality is completely illustrated is the house display launcher.
What’s a house display launcher?
Basically, a house display launcher is akin to a desktop on a pc. It is a person interface that permits you to entry and run functions, view notifications, and preserve every thing organized.
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And not using a residence display launcher, your Android cellphone can be pretty ineffective. You wouldn’t be capable of launch or view apps, personalize your own home display, entry the app drawer, pull down the notification shade, or do something in your handset. Briefly, the Android residence display launcher is crucial.
Which residence display launcher do Android telephones ship with? That is the place issues get complicated as a result of not each Android cellphone makes use of the identical residence display launcher. For instance, Pixel phones use the Pixel Launcher, One UI is Samsung’s default residence display launcher, OnePlus phones use the One Plus Launcher, and Nothing Telephones ship with the Nothing Launcher.
However simply because your cellphone ships with a particular residence display launcher does not imply you are caught with it. Each Android cellphone can use completely different launchers. The one catch is you may’t set up the likes of One UI on a Pixel Cellphone. Why is that? Some launchers are device-specific they usually will not run on different telephones. For instance, Nothing Launcher is barely out there to Nothing OS (which is Nothing’s tackle Android).
Most residence display launchers discovered on the Google Play Retailer are machine agnostic, which suggests they are often put in on nearly any Android cellphone. You’ll be able to set up and take away as many residence display launchers as you want.
The one limitation is that you do not need to take away the house display launcher that shipped together with your machine (so you will all the time have one to fall again on). In fact, the variety of residence display launchers you may set up will probably be dictated by the inner storage out there in your cellphone.
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My method is to put in a house display launcher, take a look at it, and instantly take away it if I do not prefer it.
As I discussed, a number of residence display launchers might be put in from the Google Play Retailer. A number of the higher choices are:
1. Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher has been one in all my favourite launchers over time as a result of it isn’t solely customizable, it is light-weight and really user-friendly. Nova Launcher is free to make use of, however you get extra options — gestures, notification badges, and drawer folders — with the paid model, Nova Launcher Prime. Nova Launcher Prime requires a one-time charge of $4.99 and transfers from machine to machine.
Sadly, everybody engaged on Nova Launcher was lately laid off. Nonetheless, the first developer, Keven Barry, has introduced that improvement will proceed. The downfall of that is that Barry would be the solely developer engaged on the undertaking, which suggests new options and updates will not come as shortly.
You’ll be able to learn Barry’s announcement here. Understand that Barry has all the time been the lead and first developer, so hopefully Nova Launcher will preserve shifting ahead.
2. Niagara Launcher
Niagara Launcher is a contemporary, minimalist residence display launcher for Android. As a substitute of interacting together with your functions by way of the App Drawer, you get a customizable and adaptive checklist positioned entrance and heart to launch apps shortly. Niagara additionally contains appointments at a look and embedded notifications.
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With Niagara Professional, you may add built-in calendars and climate widgets, extra icon packs, widget stacks, residence display popups, Niagara Dots (a minimalist icon pack), Icon Assistant, customized fonts, and extra. The Professional model prices $9.99/12 months or a lifetime buy is $29.99.
3. Microsoft Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is one other extremely customizable launcher that features options akin to pinned contacts, customized feed (which incorporates info like information, calendar occasions, docs, contacts, and extra), Proceed on PC (snap a photograph in your cellphone and it’s routinely synced together with your Home windows PC), world search, and gesture customization. Microsoft Launcher is free.
4. Sq. House
Square Home launcher turns your own home display into interactive tiles. Sq. House is among the extra distinctive residence display launchers available on the market and it does take a while to get used to. However when you get the grasp of Sq. Launcher, it is enjoyable. Sq. House presents a free trial, however as soon as the trial is up, the launcher will value you $1.99/12 months or $5.00/lifetime.
5. Lynx Launcher
Lynx Launcher is inspired by the GNOME desktop. Actually, whenever you use Lynx Launcher, you nearly really feel such as you’re utilizing one thing extra akin to a desktop interface. Lynx Launcher features a dock in your most used functions, an alphabetically grouped app checklist (accessed by way of a proper swipe), and loads of customizations.
You should purchase the Professional model, which provides a number of enhanced options, akin to display transitions, extra desktop pages, particular person icons for apps and folders, superior theme and darkish mode settings, new icon shapes, and extra, as an in-app buy for $3.99.
6. Motion Launcher: Pixel Version
Action Launcher (pictured above) is a good launcher for tablets as a result of it lays every thing out so that you’ve got fast entry to no matter you want. And since you may select whether or not the Search bar rests on the high or backside of the display, you will have simpler entry even with out shifting your palms when holding the pill.
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I’ve discovered Motion Launcher: Pixel Version to be an excellent choice for lesser-powered tablets and telephones. One other attention-grabbing function permits you to create a canopy for a folder, so you do not have to view the smaller variations of the icons for the folder. To open a Cowl, swipe up on the icon to disclose the contents inside. You should use Motion Launcher: Pixel Version without spending a dime or pay for the Adaptive Pack ($4.99) for added options (akin to adaptive icons and extra search options) or pay $6.99 for the Plus model which will get you entry to in-app purchases to additional broaden the function set.
You will discover extra residence display launchers on the Google Play Store. Search by way of the listings and see if you could find one which most accurately fits your wants and character.
The Android residence display launcher is required so you may work together together with your cellphone. However in case you do not just like the default launcher, you may all the time set up a special one from the Google Play Retailer. Whenever you make a change, it would nearly really feel such as you’ve bought a brand-new cellphone. In case you do not like how your Android phone behaves, change it up, and revel in one thing contemporary and new.
