Which Android launchers are worth your time?
‘Launcher’ is the name given to the part of the Android user interface that lets users customize the home screen (e.g. the phone’s desktop), launch mobile apps, make phone calls, and perform other tasks on Android devices.
Developed by some external developer, the launcher can change the look of smartphone without changing or harming the system files. The launchers also allow users to customize their smartphone entirely by changing dock style, icons, icon size, animations, desktop grid, transitions and much more. With these numerous customization options, the users can give a unique and different look to their Smartphone from the look provided by your mobile company.
There are 1000+ launchers available in Play Store, so we’ve gathered the top 10 most popular Android launchers.
Nova and Apex (below) are the two standout Android launchers, as both provide an excellent balance between having enough features to customize things, without bogging you down with 17 levels of sub-menu hell and unbelievably long options lists.
Of the two, Nova is definitely better with a few more options available in the free version (there is also a Prime version), and somewhat better performance.
Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.2 or above
Just like Nova, Apex Launcher combines smooth performance and ease-of-use with a good level of customization to create genuinely a appealing interface. Standout features on Apex include a superb tablet mode and the fantastic Apex Notifier service in the Pro version, which pushes notifications to a widget on your home screen.
Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above
3. Launcher Lab
Launcher Lab offers tons of customization options. You can design your home screens with various editing elements using Launcher Lab: text, image, wallpaper, widgets, music, time, weather, etc. It also contains a theme store, in which you can browse and download user-created content.
Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above
5. Google Now
Google’s own Android launcher allows you to get easy access to Google Now, button-free voice controls, and transparent window-bars. It is compatible with all Nexus and Google Play Edition devices, and it gets running on all Android 4.x handsets when connected to a computer for two minutes.
Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above
Arrow, the first ever android launcher launched by Microsoft is one of the simplest launchers. It is exclusively designed and quite fast but it is not available on the play store. Swiping up from any screen will give you access to your folders and apps, which acts as main home-screen page.
Price: Free
Requires: Android 4.0.3+ or above
6. Go Launcher
All advanced users are recommended to use this launcher. Go launcher has an amazing user interface and many awesome themes along with other features. In comparison to other launchers, Go Launcher has many customization options in its free version. It is also packed with some important plugins and widgets.
Price: Free/Paid
Requires: Android v.2.0 or above
7. Mini Launcher (KitKat UI)
Mini Launcher is a simple, fast, smooth and stylish launcher. By installing this small-sized app, you can convert your Android 4.0 Jelly Bean device into latest Android 4.4 KitKat. This app allows you to use customization options such as variable interface, different transition effects for desktop and app drawer, gestures, and much more. For easy navigation between recent calls & messages, frequently used apps, weather info, and other settings, the app offers a ‘Mini Sidebar’.
Price: Free
Requires: Android v.4.0 or above
8. Launcher 8
This launcher is for those people who like the look of the Windows Phone interface or would like to try it out. Compared to other Windows Phone 8 launchers on android market, this app has more features.
Price: Free
Requires: Android v.2.1 or above
This is one of the fastest launchers that allows you to access various functions through the list menu easily. This launcher has thousands of downloads and a rating of 4.1 on Google Play store.
Price: Free with in app purchases
Requires: Android v.4.1 or above
10. LINE Launcher
Line launcher lets you to do many customizations easily. There are many new wallpapers, ringtones, icon packages etc. As compared to other launchers, this launcher consumes less memory. It has a rating of 4.4 on the Play store.
Price: Free
Requires: Android v.4.0.3 or above
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
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