Launcher for Android comes to the rescue when branded shell set by the smartphone manufacturer may get bored at some point. Launcher programs for Android often offer completely new interface, which can still be changed to your taste. In short, in this article we will look at 10 best apps of this type in 2018.
What is a launcher for Android
If iOS is a completely closed operating system (programs access only a small part of it), then this cannot be said. Talented and smart developers can change the interface of the "green robot" almost drastically. That is why in Google play dozens of different launchers are easy to spot. What can such applications do?
The task of the launcher is to change the interface operating system... This is something like the themes that were used by almost all owners. push-button telephones Nokia. But the theme only changes the design of the icons, and the launcher for Android changes absolutely everything - from the location of these very icons to the design of the desktops themselves.
And the best launcher for Android will definitely allow you to customize it for yourself - for this it provides numerous settings. Many applications of this kind are tailored for more than one interface - they offer hundreds or even thousands of additional themes, sometimes even the users themselves create them!
How to install and change the launcher for Android?
When you download and install the desired application, all that remains is to launch it. After that, it will automatically take you to the section where a new launcher is selected. You just need to activate it. But what if you want to go back to the old shell? Option one: uninstall the launcher in the standard way.
If you want to save it on your device, then you need to go to the settings of the launcher itself. There you will definitely find the item "Use the default launcher", in which you need to select your old proprietary shell.
You can also change the launcher for Android through the settings of the operating system. To do this, go to the "Home Screen" subsection - all installed shells and launchers are located there.
Nova Launcher - the best Android launcher in Russian
According to the editors, the site is the best free launcher for Android in Russian. It is especially suitable for those who like to experiment. The fact is that it is Nova Launcher that has the greatest customization tools. You can change and customize absolutely everything here!
This allows you to get new sensations from using your smartphone every day. It is also one of the few launchers that can import and export settings files. It turns out that you can transfer the interface you created to a new smartphone without any problems.
The settings of this launcher are made in Russian. The application allows you to separately customize the design of the operating system for vertical and horizontal display orientations. As mentioned above, all interface elements lend themselves to customization. You can even choose the scrolling speed of the application menu!
You will also be able to customize certain commands for different gestures. The problem with Nova Launcher is that by default the functionality of this application is not as wide as we would like it to be. Full functionality is provided only by the Prime version, and they ask about 300 rubles for it. However, such a rich set of features is worth it.
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
Have you installed hundreds of different applications on your smartphone? Have you already started to get confused about them? Then you need to download the best launcher for Android, which has the most convenient sorting of programs. It is Yahoo Aviate Launcher. In many other launchers, app shortcuts are sorted alphabetically. But you probably don't remember what some programs are called - searching for them regularly takes some time.
Well, in the Yahoo launcher, programs and games are divided into categories. Also, this launcher is able to predict user actions. Suppose night is approaching - in this case, the “Alarm Clock” application is displayed on the desktop. On weekends, shortcuts will constantly hang on the desktop social networks... Also, the launcher is guided by the readings of the GPS chip. And all this is easily customizable using a special panel with widgets!
Of course, artificial intelligence is capable of errors here. But the longer you use the launcher, the less often it will be produced. But another drawback is difficult to forgive the launcher. The fact is that this product refuses to work adequately on the tablet.
Solo Launcher
This program uses the Material Design style invented by Google several years ago. At the same time, she offers more interface settings than the bare Android operating system. In total, the user is offered thousands of different themes and wallpapers.
Changed with Solo Launcher and the lock screen - this is done by plugins. There is also a special panel with current news- to access it, you need to swipe to the right on the main desktop.
Of course, this launcher also has disadvantages. The most important of them is the presence of the so-called accelerator. It cleans cache and persistent memory. Allegedly.
In fact, it all works through the stump deck. However, no one forbids you to forget about this functionality - no one forces you to use it. But the presence of ads can sometimes be annoying, but the application is free.
C Launcher
Many launchers noticeably load the system, which is why the user is faced with regular slowdowns. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule. These include C Launcher. It's fast, free and convenient. The app contains a ton of different themes.
It also has a DIY function built in. It consists in a well-implemented constructor, with which you can easily create your own theme. It is also important that all the settings here are translated into the great and mighty Russian language.
An important feature of C Launcher is the ability to hide private applications from prying eyes. Also, this program can clean the cache, save battery power and perform other useful actions. At least according to the assurances of the developers.
In fact, all these functions are required only on very low-power smartphones, which in recent times remains less and less. Overall, this must be the best Android launcher of 2018. But do not think that there is not even advertising here - the creators make money with its help.
Hola launcher
Another fairly fresh project. It's hard to say if this is the best Android launcher in 2018 or not. We just note that it is surprisingly similar to a couple of other applications we've reviewed. Here, too, there is a function of clearing the cache, increasing the duration autonomous work and application management.
But the list of available topics here is completely different. The interface settings are also slightly different. But they are not particularly rich - it cannot be said that this launcher will provide you with something completely new and amazing. But the project is young, so it still has something to come.
With this launcher, you can experiment. The fact is that a convenient theme builder is available here. The app has been installed by over 100 million people. Its distinctive feature is adequate performance even on very old versions of the operating room. Android systems... Only advertising can irritate here, although it is implemented in the most unobtrusive manner.
Atom Launcher
This is one of those launchers that adds functionality to the system in the form of launching a specific application by gesture. It also significantly changes the interface of the system.
This includes replacing the shortcuts of most of the preinstalled programs. The user is provided with numerous widgets that display the weather, time, favorite contacts, and also provide the ability to clear RAM.
Among the features of the launcher, smart folders and a dock bar should be noted. The latter is a small panel containing up to 20 selected applications, which the user has access to at any time. It is very convenient!
As in some other launchers, here you can hide any applications - so they will not be seen by friends and other people who fall into the hands of your smartphone. Atom Launcher can run on Android 4.0.4 and above. The launcher itself is free, but not all content inside it is offered to download and run for free.
EverythingMe Launcher
Some launchers for some reason disappear from, and after a few years they return there. EverythingMe Launcher is a good example of this.
The developers of this application have done some work on the bugs and presented users with a high-quality product. This launcher changes the interface of the operating system beyond recognition. It also provides the user with the ability to create smart folders, all applications inside which are automatically sorted.
The main feature of the launcher is the multifunctional notification panel. It displays all the main events in an understandable way. At the same time, it, like all other elements of the launcher, can be customized in detail. The application also introduces a so-called forecast panel into the interface. It, like Google Now, focuses on your actions, showing all kinds of prompts.
For example, in the morning, shortcuts to news programs appear in it. It may also display a missed call or train schedule. Of course, the panel does not start working ideally right away, but after a few days of using EverythingMe Launcher.
In short, if you choose the best launchers for Android in Russian, then this application must be on the list! It is distributed free of charge, but some content inside can only be unlocked for money. But there are no ads here!
Launcher for Android Google Start
If you have used a smartphone from the Nexus series, then you are aware of the existence of the so-called bare operating system. Want to achieve the same result on another device, but don't want to experiment and reinstall the firmware? Then download yourself Google Start.
This is the simplest launcher that is distributed free of charge and has no ads. It makes the interface look like it appears in "nexus" and "pixels". It also has a full-fledged Google Now built in - a service with prompts, which is accessed by swiping your finger from left to right on the home screen.
In general, the launcher does not provide anything fancy. On the contrary, it greatly simplifies the interface. After installing it, you will receive a standard application menu (which you may not even suspect about).
They are sorted in alphabetical order, but the last running programs are on a separate line, the very top. This launcher works on operating systems starting from Android 4.1.
Cobo Launcher: Easy Beautify
If you are one of those people who want to change the appearance of icons and other interface elements every day, then you need to install Cobo Launcher on your smartphone.
The fact is that on other launchers this process can seem complicated, which is why you quickly give up this idea. And in Cobo Launcher, everything is very simplified. Here the topics change by one-two-three, and their number exceeds all reasonable limits!
What's the catch? Only that this application cannot change the interface beyond recognition. It changes the wallpaper, icons, lock screen, date widget and some other interface elements. But in general terms, it still remains clear that Android is installed on the smartphone.
It should also be noted that the topics in the respective store are sorted into categories. Thus, you can easily find not only a very beautiful theme, but also one that is dedicated to some holiday, game or movie.
Who will love this Android launcher the most? Perhaps for those people who do not want to delve into the numerous settings. Here, the themes change literally in a couple of finger movements, from which many will be delighted. The launcher is distributed free of charge, but inside you can find ads.
It's scary to imagine how many years Apex Launcher has been around. This application was one of the first to try to change the appearance of the Android operating system. Since the release of the first version, the program has been improved several times. At one time, some experts admitted that this is the best launcher for Android 6.0. However, the application does not do anything special. In fact, it deals with the eradication of branded shells.
That is, it provides the user with something similar to stock Android. But at the same time, the launcher has a sufficient number of settings. They help, say, change the number of icons displayed on one screen. Also here you can change the animation of swiping desktops. There is also support for third-party themes, thanks to which you can change the wallpaper, icons and other elements of the familiar interface.
What is the main advantage of Apex Launcher? Perhaps in the least load on the system. Many experts point out that compared to other launchers, this application consumes the least amount of RAM. It turns out that you can use this program even on weak smartphones.
And still it should be noted the complete absence of advertising. In this case, the application can be downloaded absolutely free. But there is also a fly in the ointment.
Only in the paid version can you find the most useful settings and functions. For example, after installing it, a notification counter will be displayed on the icons, and the system will learn to open certain applications after special gestures. Well, as you might guess, the Pro version has a lot more animations and various effects.
Summarizing
Now you are familiar with the TOP 10 of the best launchers for Android in 2018. To be clear, this is just our opinion! And this is not a hit parade - you should not assume that the coolest launchers go first. Which one is the best? Only you can answer this question. Each of the described applications is good in its own way - their functionality is often strikingly different. What launcher do you use? Share your opinion in the comments.
One of the best things about Android is that you can customize not only how it looks but also how it behaves. One way to do this is to download the new launcher, an application that will change the interface of your phone and allow you to customize it to your liking.
Plus, such applications allow you to have the same interface that you are used to, even if you bought new phone- just restore the settings backup from cloud storage... Now this is especially true, when almost every manufacturer installs its own shell, which is not always intuitive and fast.
I don't think it's possible to determine the best launcher for everyone. You use your phone differently than I do, and I use my phone differently than my colleagues or friends. Everyone has their own perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, here are the best ones that I think will satisfy just about any Android user.
Nova
Nova Launcher has been a well-known application for a long time. It has support for gesture control: if you want to open the list of applications, just swipe up, make two taps on the screen to turn it off. In short, the app works best with gestures and folders!
The set includes icon packs and themes, of which there are about a thousand (search on Google Play), application interface settings, an unread message counter, additional scrolling effects, and much more. Another feature is constant updates with the addition of new functionality and bug fixes.
It is worth noting the possibility Reserve copy settings to the cloud with their further restoration on a new phone or during a factory reset.
Microsoft
Microsoft Launcher is updated version project Garage Arrow and we have covered the key changes that have come with this update. The app now supports integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar and email.
If your computer is updated to the latest Windows versions 10, you can link your phone and computer, then you can quickly and easily "Continue to PC". This means you can take a photo and see it right away on your computer, or edit a document in Office and then continue editing it on your computer.
There are packs of gestures, icons, advanced settings. For example, swiping up will not open the list of applications, but will only show your favorite applications, as well as quick settings such as Wi-Fi, airplane mode, Bluetooth, etc.
Daily wallpaper change - get in automatic mode New wallpapers from Bing, or enter your own selection of wallpapers to change.
It's important to note that Microsoft doesn't want Android to look the same as Windows 10 Mobile. For example, you will not find square "tiles" here, if you are looking for something similar, then take a look at the following application.
It's a little strange, but with this launcher it seems that you are using an iPhone on an Android smartphone, so everything is convenient and beautiful.
Apex
Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and remains one of the most popular launchers out there. Similar to Action Launcher, it is designed for flexible interface customization with several additional features, for example, you can hide the Google search form, status bar and even a dock, which can display up to seven icons instead of four! If you have a child, the desktop lock function will be useful to you to prevent accidental changes.
You can choose animation transitions, change the design, your own icons for shortcuts and folders. Up to 9 home screens are supported, with flexible settings for each of them. Convenient gesture control, screen lock, optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. It is possible to display unread messages and missed calls on the icons. And that's not all the possibilities that Apex Launcher offers.
One
One Launcher will be an excellent replacement for the standard Android interface. When creating it, the developer (one BJ) was inspired by the latest iOS versions- mobile operating system from Apple... Thanks to this, the launcher turned out to be aesthetically beautiful and very convenient.
As with Apple devices, app icons are located on the home display, rather than hidden in a separate menu. You can combine multiple applications in folders, or you can leave it as it is. The latter option is ideal for those who use only a small number of programs.
The developers have paid special attention to ensuring that their brainchild consumes little RAM at maximum performance. Their labors immediately become noticeable when you switch from this launcher to some other. Or check the amount of free RAM. Plus, One Launcher is completely free and supports all Android versions starting from 2.3.3.
Smart
Smart Launcher is not just an add-on to the stock launcher, and it immediately catches your eye. The home display is a circle with six icons for quick access to the most important applications. Also you have access to the widget area or you can go to the unique menu. What makes it so unique? Intelligent sorting system. When you install new utility, the launcher automatically places it in the correct category, making it much easier to access.
A handy search bar is always at hand, so you can easily find the applications you need. An important part is the lock screen with support for notifications and a variety of themes. To completely change the interface of your device, download the special themes for Smart Launcher 3 from Google Play. In addition, do not forget about the option to hide any utilities or set a password to run them.
Hola
The Hola Launcher developers started their project with a single question: "What features do people need first of all?" After thinking carefully about it, they set to work and created Hola launcher- an easy and simple alternative for those wishing to achieve the best result at the lowest cost.
After taking a few minutes to explore what this launcher has to offer, you will be amazed. After all, it takes up only 4 MB. And the extremely low RAM consumption makes it very fast and responsive. The app is built around one concept - simplicity. The interface is minimalistic, easy to navigate, and allows you to access your most frequently used functions with just a few taps.
In addition to the usual set of features like custom themes, wallpapers, folders, and more, Hola offers users access to several very useful programs... Hola Shina is a special menu that opens with a swipe from the bottom of the monitor. It contains frequently used applications and settings. Hola Boost is a small movable circle that frees up the RAM of your smartphone immediately after clicking on it. Also in service is the Hola Box, which will easily hide any utility on your home display if you don't want to show it to other people.
Launcher 8
Launcher 8 is unique in that it doesn't look like an Android app. In fact, the only purpose of this app is to make your device's interface look like Windows Phone... And he copes with this task perfectly. He copies not only the appearance, but also many actions. As a result, when working with the shell, you get the feeling that you are not working under Android at all.
Supports emulation of "live tiles" and a scroll bar when navigating the application menu, which appears when you move your finger to the right or left on the screen.
There are custom themes that let you customize the look of the launcher, but most of them are very different from what we're used to seeing on Android. If you don't want your smartphone to look like a Windows Phone 8 phone, then there is little point in installing this app.
Action
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of many users. In addition to the standard functions, there are some original ones that make the program unique. For example, the Quick Theme lets you customize the colors of your interface.
The Shutters feature gives you access to widgets without having to install them on your home screen. There is also a set of elements in the style of Android Oreo. There is a customization of icons, a quick update of small elements and much more.
GO
An excellent choice for those looking to try a custom home screen design. Plus, GO Launcher is one of the most downloaded utilities on Google Play. The program combines functionality with excellent custom design.
The launcher is based on an innovative 3D engine developed from the ground up. It is he who makes the program extremely fast, responsive and versatile. In addition to the engine, you switch between 25 display animation options and get over 10,000 unique themes. With such a staggering amount of interface customization options, you can easily get confused if it weren't for DIY Themer.
GO Launcher also has an excellent tool to hide or block a specific program to further protect you from prying eyes. Well, built-in smartphone optimization widgets increase the performance of the device, making the multi-window mode faster and more enjoyable to use.
Next 3D Shell
The developers of Next Launcher 3D Shell are the same people who worked on the creation of GO Launcher. 3D animation is supported, there are many transition effects and unique settings. With the scroll bar, you can quickly change home screens and choose the one you like best at the moment. According to most users, this is one of the most expensive launchers out there. True, you can try all the features of the program for free.
ADW 2
The biggest plus of ADW Launcher 2.0 is customization: you can customize themes, gestures, folder styles, home screens, app list, and even create your own custom widgets. You can go on and on, if you are a fan of settings, then you should definitely download this launcher and test it thoroughly. It contains an insane amount of settings!
You can create an unlimited number of your own widgets and place them wherever you want, even on the top panel (where the search bar is located) or on the bottom (where you now have 4 icons).
As always, it is possible to edit every single icon of any application you have. The latest update has a new set of effects when switching to another screen, as well as the ability to change the color palette of the system to any color (black, red, orange, etc.). All in all, in this application you can do everything you can imagine.
Evie
Evie Launcher comes with icon and widget packs. It is possible to hide any applications, quickly launch programs, add to main screen unique labels with your own signatures. You can create wallpapers yourself, change the size of icons.
The program is fast, easy to use, and has some original features. Uses a Pixel Launcher-style app menu that can be slid from the bottom of the screen. The application is distributed free of charge.
Lightning Launcher is small and highly customizable. With this tool, you can modify almost all elements of the home screen. Perhaps the most unique feature is the scripting support, for example you can use JavaScript.
You may be intimidated by the abundance of settings and options, but there is nothing to be scared of. Yes, there are a lot of settings, but they are easy to figure out. But what opportunities! Almost all functions and elements are customizable, whether they are ways of placing applications, folders, widgets, home screens, icon sets, fonts, alignment, and even renaming of standard elements (not all).
If you do not want to understand, dozens (if not hundreds) of more classic skins are at your service, which offer a couple of basic settings.
Lawnchair Launcher is an open source project that basically mimics the Pixel Launcher. They have many of the same functions, although there are some original features. It is constantly being updated and improved. Notifications and context menu are made in the style of Android Oreo.
You can choose from different panel and window styles, icon sizes, and more. It's no exaggeration to say that Lawnchair has incorporated the very best of Pixel and Nova Launcher. All this is complemented by the high performance and aesthetics of the Pixel shell and spiced with customization elements from other launchers well known in the Android world.
One of the most attractive visual styles is the dark theme. It applies to the appearance of the tray, home screen widget, and context menu. The styling options are not as deep as, for example, in Substratum, but still pretty good.
There is integration with Google Now (when installing an additional free plugin). Even in beta, it works better than many older launchers. If you are looking for the most best analogue Google Pixel, think you've found it already.
EverythingMe
The main highlight of EverythingMe is the so-called Prediction Bar, which is a row of icons located at the bottom of the screen (there are four of them in total), dynamically changing depending on the user's location, time of day and the results of the analysis of previous application launches.
Based on the results of this analysis, Prediction Bar will first of all offer the user those applications that he is most likely to need in the near future. For example, in the morning EverythingMe will tell you the latest news and remind you of the things planned for today. And on weekdays, the launcher will suggest the applications you most often deal with at work.
The first time you launch the launcher, it will try to automatically decompose the already installed applications into the appropriate folders, such as Games, Music, Social Networks and News. You can create new Smart Folders at any time, grouping applications as you see fit.
Most launchers deal with what you are doing at a given time: what you are watching, what you are listening to. EverythingMe has a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on current actions, he tries to predict what you will do.
Fast, smooth and customizable, Nova Launcher is one of the best modern launchers on Android. Nova offers an advanced look and feel with feature rich customization options with minimal performance impact, allowing you to enjoy a refreshed home screen without worrying about mobile performance. There are tons of customization options, from color schemes and icon packs to customizing folders, dropdown menus, and a host of others.
Apex launcher
Apex Launcher lives up to its name and is another great Android launcher with a good balance of functionality and performance. Key features include customizable desktop grid sizes, nine screens, and a scroll box of up to five pages. Endless scrolling, animated transitions, many folder styles and several styles for app boxes, to name a few of the launcher's features. The paid version opens up even more possibilities, for example, more boxes, support for additional gestures, and others.
Buzz Launcher v.1.9.1.10
(Downloads: 2495)
Like many other Android launchers, Buzz Launcher comes packed with features, offering a unique, personalized Android experience. A distinctive feature of Buzz Launcher is the fact that the launcher not only easily creates home screens, but also offers to put them on the network, where you can see the work of other users and apply some solutions on your device. Avid personalization aficionados will be able to customize icons, wallpapers, folders, boxes and home screens, while less experienced users can find redesigned interfaces online and simply download whatever suits their tastes.
Smart Launcher
Smart Launcher provides users with a minimalist desktop with a radial menu where you can place your most used applications like mail, games, navigator and others. In addition, Smart Launcher also includes a smart app box that automatically sorts custom apps into convenient categories, for example: Games, Internet, Multimedia apps (not excluding manual settings, Certainly). The only drawback of Smart Launcher is the support for widgets, which is implemented only in the Pro version.
Launcher Pro
Version 0.8.6 RUS (Downloads: 4290)
Version 0.8.6 Plus RUS: (Downloads: 3817)
Key for PLUS (Downloads: 1761)
Once a cutting-edge launcher that has since faltered, Launcher Pro is still worth mentioning as it remains one of the launchers supporting older versions of Android Gingerbread or Eclair. Launcher Pro includes the ability to create up to seven home screens, with scrolling shortcuts and animated transitions available even on older devices. Unfortunately, while showing the age of the launcher, it's worth noting that Last update he saw in 2011. It's a holdover from the past, but if your smartphone is in the same age category then Launcher Pro is still worth a try.
ADW Launcher
ADW Launcher is an interesting case: a launcher app that works equally well whether you're using an ancient Android smartphone or one of the cutting edge devices on the market. ADW Launcher supports Android 1.6 (Donut) onwards, it offers Holo-like features even on older devices without overloading the system. ADW Launcher includes numerous skins, shortcut boxes, gesture support and many other functional features and settings. The paid version of ADW Launcher EX includes additional options, including a set of animated transitions, application box settings and many others.
GO Launcher EX
An old favorite that defies newfangled upstarts, GO Launcher EX offers a huge ecosystem of customization options, including thousands of themes, dozens of animated transitions for navigation, gesture support, and more. Users of older mobile devices will be pleasantly surprised that GO Launcher EX is compatible with numerous versions starting from 2.0, which guarantees support for devices released after 2009.
Action Launcher Pro ($ 3.99)
version: 3.7.3 Plus (Downloads: 1301)
Action Launcher Pro offers its own version of Android UI. The drop-down box with applications provides users with quick access to their library of applications and widgets (with convenient alphabetical sorting), as well as a specialized set of gestures, the execution of which at the top of the folder icon allows you to launch a variety of applications and shortcuts without having to search for them. In addition, Action Launcher Pro includes all the traditional launcher features such as the search bar and settings dock, icon scaling and hidden app box.
Launcher 8
Google play
Version 3.2.6 (Downloads: 3073)
Tired of the standard Android interface? Launcher 8 works directly with the home screen of your Adnroid device, offering a design and Windows functionality 8, with flat, colorful and uncompromising Windows Phone 8 Modern UI tiles. The launcher comes with a suite of apps and a tiled gallery, with the ability to change or add some interface elements, customize colors, backgrounds, and even simulate LiveTiles with your own widgets.
Hi Launcher
version: 1.9.1 (Downloads: 10388)
Perhaps we should call Hi Launcher "iLauncher". Hi Launcher mimics iOS on your Android device, right down to the iOS lock screen (complete with configuration features), glass dock icons, and iOS style folder icons. The launcher also offers a search box on the home screen with a variety of themes, wallpapers and other customizations. Hi Launcher supports Android 2.2, which allows users who like the look of iOS and Android devices to use the launcher with Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean.
Market Android tablets is growing at an unprecedented rate. Along with it, the number of new owners of these devices is growing. And for some of them, the tablet will be the first Android device that will fall into their hands.
Therefore, for those of them, as well as for those who are not satisfied with the proprietary Android shell, I want to provide an overview of the most best Android launchers designed to work on tablets.
For those who first come across the concept of "Launcher" (or Launcher), I advise you to read this article. In short, this is the application that is responsible for working with desktops on the tablet screen, launching applications from the list, working with shortcuts and widgets, and much more needed for everyday work with the device.
Some tablets already have alternative launchers installed on them by the manufacturer. This, for example, Touchwiz - which is installed on its devices by Samsung.
But today we will talk about the launchers from third party manufacturers that can be found in the store Google applications Play.
So, the best launchers for Android tablets.
The creators of Action Launcher Pro set their main goal to get easy and quick access to applications installed on the tablet. That's why main feature This launcher is the application bar that slides out from the left side of the screen.
The panel can be pulled out by sliding your finger from left to right across the screen, or by using the dedicated button located on the left upper corner desktop. If you create multiple desktops on your tablet, the app drawer can only be accessed using this button.
In the application bar, programs are listed alphabetically, and you can quickly navigate to the desired application using the alphabet bar located on the right side of the list of programs. When you find the application you want, just tap on it to launch it. At the same time, the application bar will hide in its place.
Interestingly, Action Launcher Pro doesn't use the app drawer to add them to the desktop. Instead, a more familiar dialog menu is used.
There is a special "Covers" function to access frequently used applications, last visited web pages or contacts, but I have not found a way to customize them.
In addition, Action Launcher lacks a dock for shortcuts and applications, which is familiar to all of us since the early versions of Android. Application shortcuts can be grouped. To do this, just drag one icon onto another, after which you will be able to set the name of this application group.
Apex Launcher is somewhat similar in appearance to the previous ADW.Launcher. The program does not provide step-by-step instructions on its functions and settings upon first launch. As in ADW.Launcher, after a long tap on the shortcut, a pop-up menu of options appears in Apex Launcher.
Groups of applications in this launcher can be renamed after a long press on it. In addition, when a group is open, you can rename it by clicking on the name.
When you move application shortcuts and widgets on the desktop, existing icons will move to the sides to free up space. The launch buttons for Google search and voice search for this launcher are the most inconspicuous - and I especially liked that.
Like ADW.Launcher, this launcher has a dock bar at the bottom of the screen, on which groups of applications can also be placed.
To get full access to all animation features and modes, you will have to purchase paid version application, Apex Launcher Pro, which costs $ 3.99.
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets
The only one of all launchers that was created exclusively for tablets - Chameleon Launcher, lives up to its name. The main idea behind this app is that its appearance can change depending on the environment.
The desktop in this launcher is completely at the disposal of widgets. Applications are huddled on the dock at the bottom of the screen. When you start Chameleon Launcher for the first time, you will be given step-by-step instruction on setting up widgets.
The application dock can be scrolled and flanked by a desktop selection button and an application bar button. Unlike other launchers, each desktop has its own application dock.
Despite its original idea - the ability to change the appearance of the application depending on your location (for example, at home or at work), the program is currently slightly damp. Applications sometimes spontaneously disappear from the dock, and widgets take a long time to update when changing desktops.
Hello to all dear and inexpensive users of the best mobile portal called Treshbox.ru. It so happened that suddenly I was given a new topic for the material and I sat down to actively write another cool article. Since we are actively replenishing the tops of the best applications in different categories for the Android operating system, why not touch on the topic of third-party skins or so-called launchers - I think this topic will be of interest to many. That is why today I will tell you about the seven best launchers according to the editorial board.
Once again, I will note that I will not put numbers next to the names and thus I will not evaluate any of the selected ones in any way. I just want to provide you with a list of creations of various eminent and there are no enthusiasts with whom you can transform the desktop of your smartphone or tablet every day beyond recognition. By the way, the user interface of the Android operating system has gone through a difficult path over the years, but until now, continuing to go, it has turned from, frankly, an ugly duckling into a completely usable bird.
Of course, many users, including beginners or switching to the green robot from completely different mobile platforms, like and have enough of what the stock Android launcher has to offer, but there are also individuals who choose third-party applications from the most different developers... I can say with confidence that most of these shells repeat the vision of the desktop by the tech giant Google, offering only a few improvements and some additional functions... But there are, on the contrary, others who are trying to grab a person's attention with a completely new, different approach to organizing the workspace.
Thus, starting off so well, I am announcing the seven best and most popular launchers for Android. Let's start, perhaps.
Nova Launcher deservedly tops today's top of the best launchers for Android. The developers of this shell just took the stock launcher of the now Android 4.4 KitKat version and tried to bring the functionality to the point of incredible, and it really is. The shell boasts a lot that you may not find in other launchers: unlimited number of desktops, full customization of the appearance of icons and folders, vertical and horizontal organization of the desktop and application catalog, a variety of transition animations, the ability to change the font, icon size and much more. Everything in order.
Outwardly, the launcher is no different from that in the operating system Android version 4.4 KitKat. The same transparent navigation and status bars, the same block of main icons in a row, the same search bar at the top of the screen, which, by the way, can be modified or completely removed from the desktop, which cannot be done in the Google Start launcher. The application menu is slightly different from the chocolate version, because here the appearance is more similar to the version of the green robot numbered 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, where the “Applications” and “Widgets” tabs were also shown, thereby making them “in different corners”. To some, this may seem even more convenient, but for those who do not like such excesses, they can simply remove this panel.
The settings of the launcher are simply pleasing to the eye - different lovers of poking around in different things will be to their taste, because the settings of this particular shell are incredibly rich and there really is where to roam. There you can customize the desktop, the application menu, and the dock bar (by the way, you can make not 5 icons in a row, but 3 or more five), and the appearance of the folders, and the complete design of the launcher, where functions like color scheme, icon theme, icon size, font style or scrolling speed, and overall animation.
I am pleased with the ability to install gestures. Thanks to them, you can simply swipe to open the menu, application, status bar or much more, which you can choose yourself in the settings. It's also nice to see that there are shell extensions, only they work already in the Prime version and this time I did not download pirated version in order to demonstrate all the delights of this creation by the developers. All I can say is that extensions will allow you to set icons for the dock bar, applications, icons, and folders. This is just convenient, as you will see the number of unread messages, missed calls or unseen messages on any social network.
Overall, Nova Launcher is truly multifunctional and it rightfully starts today's top. I believe that even for free version the number of functions in it only pleases and simply cannot disappoint, but do not forget about those for whom this will not be enough. If we talk about such functionality, you can pay attention to its competitors - Apex Launcher and Holo Launcher, but you will hardly notice any difference. In any case, discussions can be started on this topic, but I do not want this, therefore, we go further.
Earlier, it is worth noting that Google did not have a separate launcher application as such, but after a while it decided to freely distribute proprietary software, offering users applications of services such as Hangouts, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Quickoffice and many others, including the list now includes a proprietary launcher, which will be discussed further - more precisely, now.
Speaking from the point of view of a user who uses this launcher every day, I will say: I have enough of its functionality and I don't need more. But from the point of view of a wild punisher of operating systems or an ordinary person who wanted something new - Google Start, I must say right away, is never an option at all. Stock Google shell contains only settings for wallpapers, widgets and system settings, the icon of which you can find in a special menu by tapping for a long time on the free space of the desktop.
On the other hand, it is worth touching on such an interesting thing as the multifunctional Google Now assistant service, which is built into this launcher as standard. Again, I will say from my point of view: such a separate desktop that shows the user only the information he needs every day is necessary and useful. Not all shells can boast of this. HTC BlinkFeed has similar functionality, but there is a separate desktop as a personal news aggregator, showing only news and updates from social networks, but nothing more, unfortunately.
You probably know the application menu of the Google Start launcher - a simple 4x5 grid of application icons (on the LG Nexus 5 smartphone) and nothing else. As in the previous two times, I will say: I don't need more, but some others will probably not like this idea. It also happens that the user just needs to separate the icons of applications and widgets - they just need to be separate and that's it. Others may create their own separate downloads tabs for more intuitive navigation through the menu environment.
Google Start on the one hand will seem to many to be a kind of golden mean, but others will sorely lack such a small functionality. The launcher is outwardly beautiful, and its performance is so generally a fairy tale - everything is like clockwork. Let's go ahead and move on to the next hero of the occasion.
It was no coincidence that Aviate was here today. This shell has an interesting and long history, which I will briefly tell you.
So, originally this launcher was released by people from Google - it happened in the middle of October last year. The main ideology of the new shell is an intelligent desktop. Its smartness lies in automatically categorizing all your applications and further rebuilding the desktop throughout the day, making information and applications dynamic over a certain period of time. For example, you are at work and having unlocked your smartphone, the launcher will already provide you with the corresponding desktop with essential applications and needs - it's really convenient. The launcher is based on your location and the apps you use frequently.
It is worth noting that the shell is based on Google service Now, the functionality of which is known to be wide and incredibly wide. In the morning, for example, when you just wake up - the launcher will provide you with information about the weather, things planned for today and applications that you would have opened only after getting out of bed - it's just amazing, isn't it? The user practically does not need to do anything, because the shell itself knows everything in advance. Aviate's design is similar to Google Now, but it's not ugly and inconvenient anyway.
Now, on the one hand, about the sad, but on the other, about the good (as anyone): in January 2014, the Yahoo company, probably known to you, at the International Consumer Electronics Show, officially announced the purchase of the popular Aviate launcher. The head of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, named the reason - tracking mobile trends. As she noted, Yahoo services is used by over 400 million people a month, and the most popular is the proprietary weather app. So, following the mobile trends, the most popular of which at that time was the Aviate launcher, the company therefore acquired it. And here it is up to you to decide whether it is bad or not. I will only say that the shell has confidently shown itself from the best side.
This user interface for the Android operating system did not hit my top today by accident. In a fairly short period of time since its appearance in the Google Play app store, Action Launcher has established itself as an excellent, beautiful and convenient launcher with some functions that seem interesting at first glance, which I will discuss in more detail below. Honestly, I liked the design of the launcher from head to toe and, in general, it deservedly receives positive ratings to this day. Well, let's get down to a closer look.
Having launched the Action Launcher, we see the following before our eyes: at the bottom of the screen there are usual application icons, the number of which does not exceed 4 pieces, and the top is a very convenient location for such important functions as search, Google Play (I, for example, look through it practically every day due to the fact that Google applications are constantly updated), settings and application menus. At first glance, nothing special, but this is only at first glance. By clicking on the "Menu" button, you will be presented with a slide-out panel, which includes both applications and widgets - a convenient solution, you must agree. The same is done with widgets, which can be placed in a separate pull-out menu on the right. Thus, you don't have to place anything on the desktop - you just don't have to do it.
Of course, if you want to organize your desktop space in the way you are used to, you can place your main and favorite widgets on the desktop as well. I would also like to draw your attention to the Google Play search and app store buttons at the top of the screen - I find this arrangement more convenient for everyday use than if the icon is on the desktop. Here you will have both space saving and convenience to a higher level. At least, this is my opinion and it may not coincide with yours - it happens. The speed of the shell on high level: icons are sent to the desktop without delay, desktops are scrolled beautifully and you will not see the animation "frames".
In terms of settings, I won't tell you much, but there is still a piece of what to tell you about. So, by clicking on the button called "Settings" (the interface language of the launcher is mostly English), we get, respectively, into the settings. There you will find tabs such as Display, Quickdrawer and Quickpage, 1-Swipe (Pro), Shortcuts, Backup and import, and Labs. In the first, you can find options for choosing icons (in Pro version), mapping active panel(which is located at the top of the screen), showing (in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or Android 4.4 KitKat styles) or completely disabling the dock bar, setting the grid size, icon size and the number of desktops.
In the second tab, the main functions will become available for use only in the Pro version. There you will find features such as the choice of backround style (Tinted, Black, Holo Dark and Holo Light in beta). Let me remind you that the functions will be available only in the full version of the application, so let's move on. The third tab, guess three times, is available in the full version. The fourth is responsible for gestures. There you will find functions for selecting gestures to open the status bar, the manager of open applications, as well as what the search in the active panel will be responsible for (only voice search, Google Now and quick search), enabling toggles and notifications. The tab called "Backup and import", I think you know what it does, and if not, then I will say - for the backup ( backup copy) and import (restore) data from any other launcher you previously used.
Summing up, I can say that Action Launcher is praised by users for a reason - it is fast, convenient, has a lot of settings and looks quite appetizing. Last but not least, I will say about the latter: the launcher is able to open application widgets by simply clicking on their icon - +100 to usability. Icons, by the way, capable of opening widgets without going into the corresponding menu, are displayed with special character(Judging by the Android operating system, we can say that this is a setting symbol (three stripes, dots or something else). So, icons with such symbols will display widgets in a pop-up window for you as soon as you click on them. plus, and similar functionality, you will not find anywhere except Action Launcher.I think that's enough about it, and therefore move on.
Huge community of operating system users Android given the shell may seem a little heavy and even overwhelmed. This opinion is based on the fact that the developers of the project intend to create their own ecosystem based on Android. If you don't know, the GO Dev Team has in its arsenal a branded lock screen, browser, calendar, weather application, task manager, special widgets and many other various applications. And if you like at least one solution from the previously named team, if you accept this ecosystem, then GO Launcher EX will serve you only as a natural basis for it. By the way, it's worth noting that the GO Dev Team is one of the leaders in the Google Play app store both in terms of the number of downloads and the amount of money earned. Largely due to its proprietary shell.
GO Launcher EX perfectly combines the most important factors when choosing a shell for the Android operating system: smooth and stable operating speed, pleasant appearance, wide flexibility of settings and usability. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to tell about everything, even me, but I will try to focus my writing talents only on the most basic and important, so I will tell you about the main features.
So, the launcher has an excellent catalog installed applications(there you will also find a search string as needed and several display methods (alphabetically, novelty and frequency of use)). There is also a tab open programs, which allows you to switch to the desired, close it, or all at once, which is very convenient, by the way. Now the second: the dock bar, which can contain up to 15 of the most frequently used applications by scrolling. In addition, I would like to note the support for gestures. It can play a role both for system actions and for launching certain applications.
Continuing the theme of the launcher's rich functionality, I'll tell you about a few more features. The desktop is very convenient and its customization is incredibly simple, you want to flip through desktops over and over again - it is very smooth, it is possible to combine application icons into folders (if you put a folder in a folder, they will be combined and all nested applications will be located in one folder, and not in the folder that is in the folder) and widgets, many of which are personalized specifically for this launcher. As I mentioned earlier, the scrolling of desktops is very smooth, so in addition to this, you can set one of the most different transition effects - I will not name the exact number.
The latter features include excellent Russification, as well as a huge number of options, settings and themes, with which the user can change the design of all elements with one swipe of a finger. These include: dock bar, icons, wallpapers, widgets, application menus, and more. If you like to be wildly smeared with customization, then for such users in the Google Play app store there is simply an incredible number of launcher design options, most of which are free - this is just a paradise for a customization lover. To everything else I will add optimization that helps the launcher to work smartly even on old devices (devices based on the Android 2.0 Eclair operating system and higher are supported). Bottom line: if you have a desire to refresh your smartphone, start with GO Launcher EX. It is possible, by the way, that your experiments may end on it.
Surely you are familiar with such a popular site called MyColorScreen. There, users, mainly of the Android operating system, but not only of it, publish their created user interfaces, which they use through a smartphone or tablet. Very, very often you will be able to find incredibly beautiful interfaces there, that sometimes you just freak out that the brainchild of Google is capable of this. Naturally, it is not so easy to make a beautiful, minimalistic or vice versa interface with your own hands. Considering that the authors of unique desktops publish not only screenshots, but also the means with which they achieved this, setting up for an unprepared user can sometimes even take several hours. As you know, few will spend so much time setting up the desktop, which you will hardly use every day, because they are simply too lazy to do it. That is why the developers of MyColorScreen released Themer application - with it you can create incredible desktops at least every minute.
It is very easy to make your own workspace drop dead cool and beautiful using this application. In the gallery, after installing Themer, you will be provided with a huge variety of user interfaces - from the design of iOS 7 to the Terminator operating system. To change your desktop until completely unrecognizable, the user needs to do just a few actions and it will take about a minute - just select the interface you like, download and install it, and then enjoy using it. True, the settings are there for a reason, so it will still be necessary to change or change something. For example, in any case, you have to establish a correspondence between icons and applications. So you will choose standard applications to use certain functions.
As for the application menu, here you will not see the "trash", which is in the Android operating system in its bare form. Themer divides your apps into categories (like the Aviate launcher), which will seem much more convenient to many than the standard solution out of the box. On this, unfortunately, all the advantages of this launcher end and the critical disadvantages begin, which I will talk about further.
With Themer, the interface works noticeably slower, especially when it comes to opening and closing a wide variety of applications, from light to simple. As I understand it, this minus is due to the fact that the theme works from under the application and after minimizing other applications, Themer starts first, and then it is loaded installed theme... Anyway, I could be wrong, but the interface is actually much slower.
Also, from time to time, Themer flies and you are presented with the standard user interface of the Android operating system - the way Google sees it. Departures occur with a noticeable frequency and in the first half hour of operation this happened 2 times. In addition, it should be said that Themer shell is capable of working with icon packs of various developers, which is good, but you cannot remove the completely preinstalled ones, which is bad. Of course, for some, this may not be a minus at all, so this is a controversial issue.
Well, the bottom line is this: it is likely that all the disadvantages I have listed are the costs of the fact that the application currently has the status of open beta testing, in which, by the way, it has been for quite a long period of time. By the way, Themer is a free application that you can install right now through the Google Play app store and by installing you will not incur any material losses. The last thing I would like to say is that the choice of interfaces is really wide, so for sure you can find what you may have been looking for for so long.
In terms of functionality, Buzz Launcher is a direct competitor and analogue of Themer, which I talked about earlier. It is suitable for those who love customization and endless novelty, but at the same time do not want to delve into a bunch of settings and functions, spending long hours empty. With this launcher, you can view the coolest and most beautiful desktops and immediately install them on your mobile device literally in one tap. Everything you need, including widgets, utilities, icons, wallpapers and more, is downloaded and installed automatically and you don't need to do anything.
At the first launch, the launcher prompts you to restore data from another launcher installed as standard. Of course, if you don't want it, you can create an original desktop yourself and not even one. For example, you can make separate interfaces for games, morning reading over a cup of aromatic coffee, a car, at home, and much more. Again, if you don't want to do it yourself, you can install a ready-made user interface, apply it and use it without any problems. In total, up to 9 desktops can coexist.
The application menu of the launcher looks exactly the same as the stock variation of that in the Android operating system starting from version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. You will not meet anything new, but the possibilities are the same: view frequently used and recently installed applications. In addition to the myriad of different settings, the developers have added support for gestures. Of the advantages of the application, I can note an extensive library of themes, independent desktop customization and a custom application for creating unique widgets. On the downside: the launcher interface can cause some difficulties for inexperienced users, to access the downloaded design options, you need to connect to the World Wide Web and the application menu looks in no way original. I think by looking at the pros and cons of this creation, you can decide whether this solution is right for you or not. The choice is yours.
On this pleasant note, I would like to end my long story about the best launchers for the Android operating system. Today, of course, not all solutions from various popular and no developers were presented to you, but, as you can see from the title, we have selected the best ones. I hope that you were able to find for yourself what you may have been looking for for a long time. Absolutely every launcher has its own right to life and, accordingly, can boast of wider functionality and settings, or vice versa. The choice will obviously be difficult and I just told you about those that really deserve more attention than the rest. Good luck guys and don’t forget to share your opinions.
