Download a convenient launcher. So, the best launchers for Android tablets
The launcher for Android comes to the rescue when the proprietary shell installed by the smartphone manufacturer may become boring at some point. Launcher programs for Android often offer a completely new interface, which can still be changed to your taste. In short, in this article we will look at the 10 best applications of this type in 2018.
What is a launcher for Android
If iOS is a completely closed operating system (programs have access to only a small part of it), then this cannot be said. Talented and smart developers can change the interface of a “green robot” almost radically. That is why it is easy to find dozens of different launchers on Google Play. What can such applications do?
The launcher's task is to change the interface of the operating system. These are something like those that were used by almost all owners of Nokia push-button phones. 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 to more than one interface - they offer hundreds or even thousands of additional themes, sometimes even created by the users themselves!
How to install and change the launcher for Android?
Once 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 you select a new launcher. You only need to activate it. But what if you want to return to your previous shell? Option one: remove 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 default launcher”, in which you must select your previous branded shell.
You can also change the launcher for Android through the operating system settings. To do this, go to the “Home Screen” subsection - all installed shells and launchers are located there.
Nova Launcher is 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 love experiments. The fact is that it is Nova Launcher that has the greatest means of customization. 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 can be customized. You can even choose the scrolling speed of the application menu!
You will also be able to configure specific 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. Full functionality is provided only by the Prime version, and for it they ask for about 300 rubles. However, such a rich set of possibilities 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. Many other launchers sort application shortcuts alphabetically. But you probably don’t remember the names of some programs - searching for them regularly takes some time.
Well, in the Yahoo launcher, programs and games are divided into their own categories. This launcher can also predict user actions. Let's say night is approaching - in this case, the Alarm Clock application is displayed on the desktop. On weekends, social network shortcuts will constantly hang on your desktop. The launcher also relies on GPS chip readings. And all this is easily customizable using a special panel with widgets!
Of course, artificial intelligence is capable of making mistakes here. But the longer you use the launcher, the less often it will do this. But it’s difficult to forgive another shortcoming of 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, it offers a greater number of interface settings than the bare Android operating system. In total, the user is offered thousands of different themes and wallpapers.
The lock screen can also be changed using Solo Launcher - this is done with 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 some disadvantages. The most important of them is the presence of a so-called accelerator. It clears the cache and permanent memory. Allegedly.
In fact, all this 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 advertising can sometimes be annoying, but the application is free.
C Launcher
Many launchers significantly load the system, which is why the user experiences regular slowdowns. Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule. These include C Launcher. It's fast, free and convenient. The application contains a wide variety of topics.
It also has a built-in DIY feature. It consists of 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. This program can also clear the cache, save battery power and perform other useful actions. At least according to the developers.
In fact, all these functions are required only on very low-power smartphones, of which there are fewer and fewer lately. Overall, this has to be the best Android launcher of 2018. But don’t think that there isn’t even advertising here - the creators make money with its help.
Hola Launcher
Another fairly recent project. It's hard to say whether this is the best launcher for Android in 2018 or not. We'll just note that it's surprisingly similar to a couple of other apps we've reviewed. There is also a function to clear the cache, increase battery life and manage applications.
But the list of available topics here is completely different. The interface settings are also slightly different. But they cannot be called 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 a long way to go.
With this launcher you can experiment. The fact is that a convenient theme designer is available here. The application has been installed by more than 100 million people. Its distinctive feature is its adequate performance even on very old versions of the Android operating system. The only thing that can be annoying here is advertising, even though 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 using a gesture. It also significantly changes the system interface.
This includes replacing shortcuts for most pre-installed programs. The user is provided with numerous widgets that display the weather, time, favorite contacts, and also provide the ability to clear RAM.
The launcher's features include smart folders and a dock bar. The latter is a small panel containing up to 20 favorite applications, which the user has access to at any time. It is very comfortable!
As in some other launchers, here you can hide any applications so that friends and other people who get their hands on your smartphone won’t see them. Atom Launcher can run on the Android 4.0.4 operating system and its newer version. The launcher itself is free, but not all the content inside it is offered to download and run for free.
EverythingMe Launcher
Some launchers for some reason disappear from , and then return there a few years later. EverythingMe Launcher is a good example of this.
The developers of this application have worked out 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 within which are automatically sorted.
The main feature of the launcher is the multifunctional notification panel. It displays all the main events in an understandable form. 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 sorts of tips.
For example, in the morning, shortcuts to news programs appear in it. A missed call or train schedule may also be displayed there. 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 should definitely be on the list! It is distributed free of charge, but some content inside can only be unlocked for money. But there are no advertisements 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. Do you want to achieve the same result on another device, but don’t want to experiment and reinstall the firmware? Then download Google Start.
This is the simplest launcher, distributed free of charge and without advertising. It makes the interface similar to how it appears in “nexuses” and “pixels”. Also built in is a full-fledged Google Now - a service with tips, which is accessed by swiping your finger from left to right on the main screen.
Overall, the launcher doesn't provide anything unusual. On the contrary, it significantly simplifies the interface. After installing it, you will receive a standard application menu (which you may not even be aware of).
They are sorted in alphabetical order, but the most recently launched programs are in a separate line, at the 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 may seem complicated, which is why you quickly abandon this idea. And in Cobo Launcher everything is very simplified. Here the topics change once, twice, three times, and their number exceeds all reasonable limits!
What's the catch? The only problem is that this application cannot change the interface beyond recognition. It changes 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 themes in the corresponding 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 like this launcher for Android the most? Perhaps for those people who don’t want to delve into numerous settings. Here the themes change literally in a couple of finger movements, which will delight many. The launcher is distributed free of charge, but inside you may encounter advertisements.
It's scary to think 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 was the best launcher for Android 6.0. However, the application does not do anything special. In fact, it is engaged in 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 flipping through desktops. There is also support for third-party themes, thanks to which you can change wallpaper, icons and other elements of the familiar interface.
What is the main advantage of Apex Launcher? Perhaps the least load on the system. Many experts note that compared to other launchers, this application consumes a minimal amount of RAM. It turns out that you can use this program even on weak smartphones.
And one cannot help but note the complete absence of advertising. Moreover, 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 much more animations and various effects.
Summarizing
Now you are familiar with the TOP 10 best launchers for Android in 2018. To be clear, this is just our opinion! And this is not a hit parade - you shouldn’t assume that the coolest launchers come 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.
In this article we will talk about the best launchers for Android, and also give some tips on choosing a particular launcher for Android.
Probably the coolest thing about Android is that it can be customized to suit your needs and goals. And it starts with what is commonly called the Launcher. Well, the Launcher includes the ability to change the Android interface, icons, icons, and much more.
Thus, a smartphone can have "stock" Android, if one of the launchers is not installed on it, either adapted or "modified" Android, if the owner decided to make the phone for himself. Surely few people like it "stock" and boring Android, the design of which has already become boring after such a long time since the system itself.
The best launchers for Android in 2017
Google Now Launcher
If you want to get a clean and unique interface design for your Android smartphone, then you need to download Google Now Launcher. This program is pre-installed on all Nexus models manufactured by Google. At the same time, users of Google Nexus smartphones note the high performance of their smartphones, quick access to widgets and applications, as well as the ability to flexibly customize the interface and design using the Google Now Launcher program.
Worth noting, that if you download this application, you will not receive advanced features, additional options and modified themes, since most of the functionality of the program is paid, although some people prefer a simpler layout, and thus they are quite satisfied with the Free version of this application.
Result: You need to use Google Launcher if you need high stability for your Android smartphone. Using Google services, you can synchronize your smartphone with a Bluetooth keyboard.
But still remember that the free version does not have such wide options for setting up an Android smartphone. Therefore, to expand them, you will have to pay accordingly.
How to download Google Launcher?
Google Play Market.
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is a very popular program that offers many options for desktop animation, folder appearance, and changing the Android interface.
This launcher allows you to set custom icons and custom wallpapers in one click, and with Nova Launcher you can upload your settings to Google Drive. Thus, you can create a backup copy of the new layout and theme, and then upload it to a cloud service, and if necessary, restore the backup copy directly from the cloud, which will allow you to simplify your work with installing themes and customizing your smartphone.
Result: If you want to tweak part of the interface, then the Nova launcher will help you deal with it.
One more moment Note: Please note that you will have to pay $4.99 to unlock more advanced features of this app.
How to download Nova Launcher?
You can download this launcher from Google Play Market.
Action Launcher 3
Action Launcher is a launcher app that comes with a ton of thoughtful features, as well as many advanced settings that you can set and customize. Thus, you can replace icons and icons of traditional applications, change quick buttons on the main menu, change the appearance of the interface and make customization. What’s even more attractive about this program is that it contains a database of a huge number of icons, settings, themes, and features that will suit you one way or another.
Of course, the advanced features of Action Launcher 3 require a paid upgrade to the version "Plus" but at the same time the price is quite reasonable.
Result: If you are bored with the usual design of your Android smartphone, then you need to download Action Launcher 3 and start customizing your smartphone.
Another: You won't have to pay for the features of Action Launcher 3 every time if you update it to version "Plus", but keep in mind that if you change your smartphone, you will need to buy the Plus version again.
How to download Action Launcher 3
You can download this launcher from Google Play Market.
Video: The best launchers for Android
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 material and I sat down to actively write another cool article. Since we are actively updating the tops of the best applications of various categories for the Android operating system, why not touch on the topic of third-party shells 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 editors.
Once again, I will note that I will not put numbers next to the names and thereby 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 no enthusiasts, with the help of which you can every day transform the desktop of your smartphone or tablet beyond recognition. By the way, the user interface of the Android operating system has gone through a difficult path over several years, but still continuing to go, it has turned from, frankly speaking, an ugly duckling into a completely usable bird.
Of course, many users, including beginners or those 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 a variety of developers. I can say with confidence that most of these shells repeat the tech giant Google's vision of the desktop, offering only individual improvements and some additional functions. But there are, on the contrary, others who are trying to capture a person’s attention with a completely new, different approach to organizing the workspace.
Thus, with such a good start, I announce the seven best and most popular launchers for Android. Let's get started, I guess.
Nova Launcher deservedly heads today's top of the best launchers for Android. The developers of this shell simply took the stock launcher of the now Android 4.4 KitKat version and tried to bring the functionality to incredible levels, and this is really so. The shell boasts many things that you may not find in other launchers: an unlimited number of desktops, complete customization of the appearance of icons and folders, vertical and horizontal organization of the desktop and application directory, a variety of transition animations, the ability to change the font and icon size and much more. First things first.
Externally, the launcher is no different from that in the Android operating system 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 reminiscent of 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”. For some, this may seem even more convenient, but for those who do not like such excesses, they can simply remove this panel.
The launcher settings are simply pleasing to the eye - various fans of tinkering with different things will be to their taste, because the settings of this particular shell are incredibly rich and there really is room to roam around. There you can customize the desktop, the application menu, the dock bar (by the way, you can make not 5 icons in a row, but 3 or more than five), and the appearance of the folders, and the full design of the launcher, where functions like color scheme, icon theme, icon size, font style or scroll speed, and overall animation.
I'm glad that you can install gestures. Thanks to them, you can simply swipe your finger to open a menu, application, status bar, or much more that you can choose yourself in the settings. It’s also nice to see that there are extensions for the shell, only they already work in the Prime version and this time I didn’t download the pirated version in order to demonstrate all the delights of this creation of the developers. All I can say is that the 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 unviewed messages on any social network.
Overall, Nova Launcher is truly multifunctional and it rightfully starts today's top. I believe that even for the free version, the number of functions in it is only pleasing and simply cannot disappoint, but we should 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 are unlikely to notice any difference. In any case, discussions can begin on this topic, but I don’t want that, so let’s move on.
Previously, it is worth noting that Google did not have a separate launcher application as such, but after some time it decided to freely distribute proprietary software, offering users applications from services such as Hangouts, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Quickoffice and many others, including The list now also includes a branded launcher, which will be discussed further - or rather, already now.
Speaking from the point of view of a user who uses this launcher every day, I will say: its functionality is enough for me 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’ll say right away, is never an option at all. The stock Google shell contains only settings for wallpaper, 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’s worth mentioning such an interesting thing as the multifunctional assistant service Google Now, which is built into this launcher as a standard. Again, I will say from my point of view: such a separate desktop, showing the user daily only the information he needs, is necessary and useful. Not all shells can boast of this. HTC BlinkFeed has similar functionality, but there is a separate desktop used 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 grid of application icons measuring 4x5 (on the LG Nexus 5 smartphone) and nothing else. As 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 simply needs to separate application icons and widgets - they just need them to be separate and that’s it. Others may create their own separate "Downloads" tabs to make navigating the menu environment more intuitive.
Google Start, on the one hand, will seem like a kind of golden mean to many, but others will sorely miss such a small functionality. The launcher is visually beautiful, and its performance is absolutely fabulous - everything runs like clockwork. Let's continue and move on to the next hero of the occasion.
It is no coincidence that Aviate is here today. This shell has an interesting and long history, which I will briefly tell you.
So, this launcher was originally released by people from Google - this happened in mid-October last year. The main ideology of the new shell is an intelligent desktop. Its intelligence lies in the automatic categorization of all your applications and further restructuring of the desktop throughout the day, making information and applications dynamic at 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 the necessary applications and needs - this is really convenient. The launcher is based on your location and the apps you frequently use.
It is worth noting that the shell is based on the Google Now service, the functionality of which, as you know, is wide and incredibly broad. In the morning, for example, when you just wake up, the launcher will provide you with information about the weather, activities planned for today, and applications that you would open only when you get 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. The Aviate has a card-style design similar to Google Now, but it's not ugly or inconvenient by any stretch of the imagination.
Now, on the one hand, about the sad, but on the other hand, about the good (depending on whom): in January 2014, Yahoo, a company probably known to you, officially announced the purchase of the Aviate launcher, which has become popular, as part of the International Consumer Electronics Show. The head of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, named the reason - tracking mobile trends. As she noted, Yahoo services are used by more than 400 million people a month, and the most popular is its proprietary weather application. So, following mobile trends, the most popular of which at that time was the Aviate launcher, that’s why the company acquired it. And here it’s up to you to decide whether it’s bad or not. I will only say that the shell confidently showed its best side.
This user interface for the Android operating system made it to my top today for a reason. 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 interesting functions at first glance, which I will discuss in more detail below. To be honest, 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 detailed consideration.
Having launched the Action Launcher, we see the following before our eyes: at the bottom of the screen there are ordinary application icons, the number of which does not exceed 4, and at the top there is a very convenient location of such important functions as search, Google Play (for example, I view it almost every day due to the fact that Google applications are constantly updated), settings and application menu. At first glance, nothing special, but that's only at first glance. By clicking on the “Menu” button, you will see a sliding panel, which includes both applications and widgets - you will agree, a convenient solution. The same is done with widgets, which can be placed in a separate pull-out menu on the right. This way, you don’t have to place anything on the desktop - you simply don’t have to do it.
Of course, if you want to organize your desktop space as usual, you can place your main and favorite widgets on the desktop. I would also like to draw attention to the search and Google Play application store buttons at the top of the screen - I find this arrangement more convenient for everyday use than if the icon is located on the desktop. Here you will save space and convenience to a higher level. At least, this is my opinion and it may not coincide with yours - this is what happens. The performance of the shell is at a high level: icons are sent to the desktop without delay, desktops are scrolled through perfectly and you will not see animation in “frames”.
In terms of settings, I won’t tell you anything special, but there is still a piece worth telling about. So, by clicking on the button called “Settings” (the launcher interface language is mostly English), we get to the settings. There you can find tabs such as “Display”, “Quickdrawer and Quickpage”, “1-Swipe (Pro)”, “Shortcuts”, “Backup and import” and “Labs”. In the first you can find the options for selecting icons (in the Pro version), displaying the 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 number of desktops.
In the second tab, basically the functions will become available for use only in the Pro version. There you will find features such as choosing the style of backgrounds (Tinted, Black, Holo Dark and Holo Light in beta). Let me remind you that the functions will only be available 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 for opening 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 toggle and notifications. The tab called “Backup and import”, I think you know what it does, and if not, then I’ll say - for backup (backup) and import (restore) of data from any other launcher you used previously.
To summarize, I can say that Action Launcher is praised by users for good reason - it is fast, convenient, has quite 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, that can open widgets without going to the corresponding menu, are displayed with a special symbol (judging by the Android operating system, we can say that this is a settings symbol (three stripes, dots, or something else). So, icons with such symbols will show you widgets in a pop-up window as soon as you click on them. I consider this a plus and you will not find such functionality anywhere except Action Launcher. I think that’s enough about it, so let’s move on.
To the huge community of users of the Android operating system, this shell may seem somewhat heavy and even overloaded. This opinion stems from the fact that the project developers intend to create their own entire ecosystem based on Android. If you don’t know, the GO Dev Team has in its arsenal a proprietary 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 as its natural foundation. By the way, it is 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 thanks to its proprietary shell.
The 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 ease of use. It’s 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 things, so I’ll tell you about the main features.
So, the launcher has an excellent catalog of installed applications (there you will also find a search bar if necessary and several display methods (by alphabet, novelty and frequency of use)). There is also a tab of open programs, which allows you to switch to what you want, close it, or all at once, which, by the way, is very convenient. Now the second thing: 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 scroll through desktops again and again - it is very smooth, it is possible to combine application icons into folders (if you put a folder in a folder, they will merge and all nested applications will be located in one folder, and not in a folder that is in a folder) and widgets, many of which are personalized specifically for this launcher. As I explained earlier, flipping through desktops is very smooth, plus you can install one of the many different transition effects - I won’t name the exact number.
The latest 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 menu and much more. If you like to get wild 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 simply a paradise for a lover of customization. To everything else, I’ll add optimization that helps the launcher work quickly even on old devices (devices based on the Android 2.0 Eclair operating system and higher are supported). Bottom line: if you want to freshen up your smartphone, start with GO Launcher EX. It is possible, by the way, that your experiments may end there.
Surely you know such a popular site called MyColorScreen. There, users mainly of the Android operating system, but not only it, publish their created user interfaces, which they use via a smartphone or tablet. Very, very often you can find interfaces there that are incredibly beautiful, and sometimes you’re simply amazed that Google’s brainchild is capable of this. Naturally, making a beautiful, minimalistic or vice versa interface with your own hands is not so easy. Considering that the authors of unique desktops publish not only screenshots, but also the means by which they achieved this, setup can sometimes take even several hours for an untrained user. As you know, few people will spend so much time setting up a desktop that you are unlikely to use every day, because they are simply too lazy to do it. That's why the developers of MyColorScreen released the Themer application - with it you can create incredible desktops every minute.
It’s 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 number of different user interfaces - from the design of iOS 7 to the Terminator operating system. To change your desktop beyond recognition, the user needs to do just a few steps 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 will have to establish a correspondence between icons and applications. Thus, you will choose standard applications to use certain functions.
As for the application menu, here you will not see the “garbage dump” that is in the Android operating system in its naked form. Themer breaks your apps into categories (similar to the Aviate launcher), which many will find much more convenient than the standard solution out of the box. Unfortunately, this is where all the advantages of this launcher end and the critical disadvantages begin, which I will discuss further.
With Themer, the interface works noticeably slower, especially when it comes to opening and closing a variety of applications, from lightweight to simple ones. As I understand it, this disadvantage is due to the fact that the theme works from under the application and after minimizing other applications, Themer is launched first, and then the installed theme is loaded. Anyway, I could be wrong, but the interface does run significantly slower.
Also, from time to time Themer crashes and you are faced with the standard user interface of the Android operating system - the way Google sees it. Departures occur with noticeable frequency and in the first half hour of operation this happened 2 times. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the Themer shell is capable of working with icon packs from various developers, which is good, but you cannot completely remove the pre-installed ones, which is bad. Of course, for some this may not be a minus at all, so this is a moot point.
Well, the results are as follows: 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 it, by the way, 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 you will probably be able to find what you may have been looking for for so long.
Buzz Launcher in its functionality 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 in vain. With this launcher you can view the coolest and most beautiful desktops and immediately install them on your mobile device in literally 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.
When you launch it for the first time, the launcher prompts you to restore data from another launcher set as standard. Of course, if you don’t want to, you can create an original desktop yourself, or even more than one. For example, you can make separate interfaces for games, morning reading with a cup of aromatic coffee, a car, a 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. A total of up to 9 desktops can coexist.
The launcher application menu looks exactly the same as the stock version in the Android operating system starting with version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. You won't see anything new, but the features are the same: viewing frequently used and recently installed applications. In addition to a myriad of different settings, the developers have added support for gestures. Among the advantages of the application, I can note an extensive library of themes, independent desktop settings and a custom application for creating unique widgets. On the downside: the launcher interface can cause some difficulties for inexperienced users; to access downloaded design options, you need to be connected to the World Wide Web, and the application menu does not look original in any way. I think that by looking at the pros and cons of this creation, you will be able to 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 developers were presented to you, but, as you can see from the title, we selected the best. 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.
The Android tablet market is growing at an unprecedented pace. 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 falls 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 present an overview of the best Android launchers designed to work on tablets.
For those who are encountering the concept of “Launcher” (or Launcher) for the first time, 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 necessary for everyday work with the device.
Some tablets already have alternative launchers installed on them by the manufacturer. This is, for example, Touchwiz - which Samsung installs on its devices.
But today we will talk about launchers from third-party manufacturers, which can be found in the Google Play app store.
So, the best launchers for Android tablets.
The main goal of the creators of Action Launcher Pro was to get easy and quick access to applications installed on the tablet. Therefore, the main feature of this launcher is the application tray, which slides out from the left side of the screen.
The panel can be pulled out using a sliding gesture with your finger from left to right across the screen, or using a special button located in the upper left corner of the desktop. If you create multiple desktops on your tablet, the application drawer can only be accessed using this button.
In the application drawer, programs are arranged in alphabetical order, and you can quickly navigate to the desired application using the alphabetical panel located on the right side of the program list. Once you find the application you want, simply tap on it to launch it. The application panel will disappear into place.
Interestingly, Action Launcher Pro doesn't use the app drawer to add apps to your desktop. Instead, a more familiar dialog menu is used.
There is a special "Covers" function to access frequently used applications, recently visited web pages or contacts, but I have not found a way to configure them.
In addition, Action Launcher lacks the dock for shortcuts and applications that is familiar to all of us since early versions of Android. Application shortcuts can be grouped. To do this, simply drag one icon onto another, after which you will be able to set a name for this group of applications.
Apex Launcher is somewhat reminiscent of the previous ADW.Launcher in appearance. The program does not provide step-by-step instructions on its functions and settings when first launched. As in ADW.Launcher, after a long tap on the shortcut, a pop-up menu of options appears in Apex Launcher.
Application groups in this launcher can be renamed after long pressing on it. In addition, when a group is open, you can rename it by clicking on the name.
When you move app shortcuts and widgets around on your desktop, existing icons will move to the sides to make room. The buttons for launching Google search and voice search on this launcher are the most inconspicuous - and I especially liked this.
Like ADW.Launcher, this launcher has a dock panel at the bottom of the screen, on which you can also place groups of applications.
To get full access to all the features and animation modes, you'll have to purchase the paid version of the app, Apex Launcher Pro, which costs $3.99.
Chameleon Launcher for Tablets
The only launcher that was created exclusively for tablets, Chameleon Launcher, lives up to its name. The main idea of this application is that its appearance can change depending on the environment.
The desktop in this launcher is completely at your disposal for widgets. Applications are nestled in the dock at the bottom of the screen. When you launch Chameleon Launcher for the first time, you will be given step-by-step instructions for setting up widgets.
The application dock is scrollable and flanked by a desktop selection button and an application tray 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, home or work), the program is currently a little damp. Applications sometimes spontaneously disappear from the dock, and widgets take quite a long time to update when changing desktops.
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 a new launcher, an application that will change the interface of your phone and allow you to customize it to your taste.
Plus, such apps allow you to have the same interface you're used to even if you bought a new phone - just restore your 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 that will suit everyone. You use your phone differently than I do, and I use my phone differently than my colleagues or friends. Everyone has their ideal launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, here are the best ones that I think will satisfy almost 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 application list, just swipe up and double-tap the screen to turn it off. In short, the app works with gestures and folders better than anyone else!
The set includes packages of icons and themes, of which there are about a thousand (look for it 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 of backing up settings to the cloud with their subsequent restoration on a new phone or when resetting to factory settings.
Microsoft
Microsoft Launcher is an updated version of the Garage Arrow project and we've covered the key changes that came with this update. The app currently supports integration with many Microsoft services, including calendar and email.
If your computer is updated to the latest version of Windows 10, you can pair your phone and computer, and then you can quickly and easily “Continue on PC.” This means you can take a photo and immediately see it on your computer, or edit a document in Office and then continue editing it on your computer.
There are packages of gestures, icons, and advanced settings. For example, swiping up won't open the app list, but will only show your favorite apps, as well as quick settings like Wi-Fi, airplane mode, Bluetooth, etc.
Daily wallpaper change - Receive new wallpapers automatically from Bing, or specify 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 won't find square "tiles" here; if you're looking for something like that, check out the following app.
It’s a little strange, but with this launcher you get the impression that you are using an iPhone on an Android smartphone, everything is so convenient and beautiful.
Apex
Apex Launcher has been around for a long time and remains one of the most popular launchers. Similar to the Action Launcher app, it's designed to be highly customizable with a few extra features, like hiding the Google search form, status bar, and even the dock, which can display up to seven icons instead of four! If you have a child, you will benefit from the desktop lock feature to prevent accidental changes.
You can choose transition animations, change the design, and custom 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 icons. And this is not all the features that Apex Launcher offers.
One
An excellent replacement for the standard Android interface is One Launcher. When creating it, the developer (one BJ) was inspired by the latest versions of iOS - the mobile operating system from Apple. Thanks to this, the launcher turned out to be aesthetically beautiful and very convenient.
As with Apple devices, application icons are located on the home display rather than hidden in a separate menu. You can combine several applications in folders or leave everything as is. The latter option is ideal for those who use only a small number of programs.
The developers paid special attention to ensuring that their brainchild consumes little RAM while maintaining maximum performance. Their work immediately becomes noticeable when you switch from this launcher to another. Or check the amount of free RAM. In addition, One Launcher is completely free and supports all versions of Android starting from 2.3.3.
Smart
Smart Launcher is not just an add-on to the stock launcher, and this is immediately noticeable. The home display is presented as a circle with six icons, providing quick access to the most important applications. You also have access to the widget area or can go to a unique menu. What makes it so unique? Intelligent sorting system. When you install a new utility, the launcher automatically places it in the correct category, making it much easier to access.
A convenient 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 device interface, download special themes for Smart Launcher 3 on Google Play. In addition, do not forget about the option to hide any utilities or set a password to launch them.
Hola
The Hola Launcher developers began their project with one single question: “What features do people need most?” After thinking about it carefully, they got to work and created Hola Launcher - an easy and simple alternative for those who want to achieve the best results with the least amount of effort.
Take a few minutes to explore what this launcher has to offer and you will be truly amazed. After all, it only takes up 4 MB. And the extremely low RAM consumption makes it very fast and responsive. The application is built around one concept - simplicity. The interface is minimalistic, easy to navigate and allows you to get to the most frequently used functions in a few taps.
Besides the usual set of features like custom themes, wallpapers, folders, etc., Hola offers users access to several very useful programs. Hola Shina is a special menu that opens by swiping from the bottom edge of the monitor. In it you will find frequently used applications and settings. Hola Boost is a small, movable circle that frees up your smartphone's RAM immediately after you click on it. There's also Hola Box, which can 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 feel like an Android app. In fact, the only purpose of this application is to make the interface of your device look like Windows Phone. And he copes with this task perfectly. It 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 through 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's not much point in installing this app.
Action
Action Launcher has long been a favorite program of many users. In addition to standard functions, there are also some original ones that make the program unique. For example, Quick Theme allows you to customize the colors of your interface.
The Shutters feature gives you access to widgets without actually installing them on your home screen. There is also a set of elements in the style of Android Oreo. There are icon settings, quick updating of small elements and much more.
GO
An excellent choice for those who want to try a custom home screen design. In addition, GO Launcher is one of the most downloaded utilities on Google Play. The program combines functionality with excellent user design.
The launcher is created on an innovative 3D engine developed from scratch. It is this that 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 number of options for customizing the interface, it would be easy to get confused if it were not for DIY Themer.
GO Launcher also has an excellent tool that allows you to hide or block a specific program to further protect you from prying eyes. Well, built-in widgets for optimizing your smartphone increase the device’s performance, making multi-window mode faster and more enjoyable to use.
Next 3D Shell
The developers of the Next Launcher 3D Shell program are the same people who worked on the creation of GO Launcher. 3D animation is supported, there are many transition effects and unique settings. Using 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. True, you can try all the features of the program for free.
ADW 2
The biggest plus of ADW Launcher 2.0 is the customization: you can customize themes, gestures, folder styles, home screens, app list and even create your own custom widgets. I 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 just an insane amount of settings!
You can create an unlimited number of your own widgets and place them anywhere, even on the top bar (where the search bar is) or on the bottom bar (where you currently have 4 icons).
As always, there is the ability to edit every single icon of any application you have. The latest update introduced a new set of effects when switching to another screen, as well as the ability to change the system color palette to any color (black, red, orange, etc.). In general, 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, and add unique shortcuts with your own signatures to the home screen. You can create your own wallpaper and change the size of the icons.
The program is fast, easy to use, and has some original features. Uses a Pixel Launcher-style app menu that can be moved from the bottom of the screen. The application is distributed free of charge.
Lightning Launcher is small in size and has very flexible settings. With this tool, you can change almost all elements of the home screen. Perhaps the most unique feature is its scripting support, such as the ability to use JavaScript.
You may be intimidated by the abundance of settings and options, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Yes, there are a lot of settings, but they are easy to understand. But what opportunities! Almost all functions and elements can be customized, be it the way applications are placed, folders, widgets, home screens, icon sets, fonts, alignment, and even renaming standard elements (not all).
If you don’t want to understand, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of more classic skins at your service, which offer a couple of basic settings.
Lawnchair Launcher is an open source project that basically mimics Pixel Launcher. Many of their functions are the same, although there are some original features. It is constantly updated and improved. Notifications and context menu are made in the style of Android Oreo.
You can choose different panel and window styles, icon sizes, and much more. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Lawnchair has absorbed all the best that is in the Pixel and Nova Launcher shells. All this is complemented by the high performance and aesthetics of the Pixel shell and seasoned with customization elements from other launchers well known in the Android world.
One of the most attractive design styles is the dark theme. It applies to the appearance of the tray, home screen widget, and context menu. The possibilities for changing the design style here are not as deep as, for example, in Substratum, but still not bad.
There is integration with Google Now (if you install an additional free plugin). Even in beta it works better than many older launchers. If you're looking for the best Google Pixel alternative, you've already found it.
EverythingMe
The main highlight of EverythingMe is the so-called Prediction Bar, which is a series of icons located at the bottom of the screen (there are four in total), dynamically changing depending on the user’s location, time of day and the results of analysis of previous application launches.
Based on the results of this analysis, Prediction Bar will first 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 what you have planned for today. And on a weekday, the launcher will offer applications that you most often deal with at work.
When you first launch the launcher, it will try to automatically organize 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 apps as you see fit.
Most launchers deal with what you are doing at a given time: what you are viewing, what you are listening to. EverythingMe takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on current actions, it tries to predict what you will do.
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