3rf Party Launchers - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

Just wondering if anyone has tried using Nova, Action, Apex or any other 3rd party launcher and what your results have been.
I'm particularly interested in knowing which, if any, Pixel Launcher features are lost if using Nova (for example), and the workarounds to gain back those features.
Thanks!

djkeller3 said:
Just wondering if anyone has tried using Nova, Action, Apex or any other 3rd party launcher and what your results have been.
I'm particularly interested in knowing which, if any, Pixel Launcher features are lost if using Nova (for example), and the workarounds to gain back those features.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use nova launcher. The new Beta enables the icon shortcut and swipe up to get to your applications.

I use beta for nova as well and no problems to report. It features every feature I need from pixel with great customization.

Nova beta here too... Even has the same weather widget as the pixel launcher
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

Try LGs UX 5 its very nice

I know Nova launcher doesn't have swipe left for Google Now. Most people don't care, but I actually like it
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

Rippley05 said:
I know Nova launcher doesn't have swipe left for Google Now. Most people don't care, but I actually like it
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quite like it too! It's a shame Nova doesn't have it!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

DaveHTC200 said:
I quite like it too! It's a shame Nova doesn't have it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree..i use double tap for google now i instead
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs

used nova and action. action better in my opinion right now. pixel experience with all the customization. nova missing left swipe gesture which is good to set to get to google now. Once we have root and can place action in system app, will have better google experience.

sassmk2 said:
Nova beta here too... Even has the same weather widget as the pixel launcher
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running Nova beta too. Where the heck is the pixel weather widget? I must be having a brain freeze... thanks

r1ndr3w said:
Running Nova beta too. Where the heck is the pixel weather widget? I must be having a brain freeze... thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings-->desktop-->search bar style and it's at the bottom
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

sassmk2 said:
Settings-->desktop-->search bar style and it's at the bottom
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That adds the temp into the search bar. I misunderstood. Thought it put the pixel weather widget on the home screen.

r1ndr3w said:
Thanks. That adds the temp into the search bar. I misunderstood. Thought it put the pixel weather widget on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you can make the search bar look like the pixel launcher. Correct. I shouldn't have said widget... Sorry
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app

I have been using the stock pixel launcher but after rooting I decided to go back to nova beta. The latest update was from October 27th. I set up everything yesterday with nova but experienced very high battery drain. I was also using teslaunread with nova which I never used before. Does teslaunread cause severe battery drain or could have it been nova beta? Was wondering if anyone else experienced quick battery drain and/or wakelock that wouldn't let the phone sleep. I have switched back to stock pixel launcher for the time being.

I believe the swipe left for Google now is an API restriction from Google. Not that the feature want included.
Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

Related

Launchers

What Launcher are you guys using? I personally use Nova, paired with the G3 stock ui is a pretty sweet combination and improves performance.
Apex, pretty much the same
Nova all the way.
But I'm wondering how Nokia's zLauncher is. And/Or will the 18k plus laying off of jobs by Microsoft will affect zLauncher?
I use Nova too but original LG widgets are unable to load on Nova. Anyway workarounds?
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app
I'm using LG Home for the LG widgets. I really like their calendar widget. I wish the left panel was a bit more useful, though. I'll probably eventually switch back to Nova.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
Tsf
Stock atm
LGG3 and beyond
Action Launcher Pro
Tried both LG launcher and Nova Prime. Nova is significantly snappier than the LG launcher so I went that route.
Blinkfeed ☺ just seems right on a LG screen
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I usually always use Nova, but since day one I've used LG. Sure I'll end up using Nova but once you go there....your there! I'm trying to hold out and give stock a chance. Makes my phone still feel new instead of the same themes I've used on my S5, on my Note3 on my Nexus, Etc etc etc.......
I'm still optimistic about getting my LG Smart World themes to work.
I wonder if I can port Touchwiz Themes from my S5?????
Has anyone had success getting knock off to work on nova launcher?
petrocity said:
Has anyone had success getting knock off to work on nova launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I have it now is;
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.katecca.screenofflock
Then set double tap in Gestures (Nova Settings) to launch Screen Off. Works perfect, however I would love to find a solution without the use of a third party screen off app.
Thanks, that works great!
jmart518 said:
The way I have it now is;
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.katecca.screenofflock
Then set double tap in Gestures (Nova Settings) to launch Screen Off. Works perfect, however I would love to find a solution without the use of a third party screen off app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the G3 TweaksBox exposed module and there is an option for a double tap of the notification bar to turn the screen off. It doesn't work on the whole screen, but just the notification bar, so you have to have good aim. Lol. But it does work well.
Nova is working flawless for me
sic0048 said:
I'm using the G3 TweaksBox exposed module and there is an option for a double tap of the notification bar to turn the screen off. It doesn't work on the whole screen, but just the notification bar, so you have to have good aim. Lol. But it does work well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double tapping the status bar works by default on stock to turn the screen off.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 PM ----------
joshuadjohnson22 said:
Blinkfeed ☺ just seems right on a LG screen
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to side load? Couldn't find it in Play Store.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
I'm using stock modified launcher
LG HOME with 5x7 grid and smaller icon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/themes-apps/app-lg-home-5x7-grid-smaller-icon-t2822955
Launcher
Nova launcher all the time (HTC One X, LG G2 etc) with zooper widget for counter of notification
joshuadjohnson22 said:
Blinkfeed ☺ just seems right on a LG screen
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way of getting blinkfeed on the G3 ? That would be awesome.

[Q] Stock launcher Vs Nova Launcher

Greetings,
I have both, but I want to know which launcher gives the best battery life for the device? Anyone knows about it?
Thanks.
Good Q, I like to know that too and how to stop Stock.
Sent from my LG G3 using Tapatalk
I like more nova y feel more fluidly
Enviado desde mi LG-D802 mediante Tapatalk
-Zork- said:
I like more nova y feel more fluidly
Enviado desde mi LG-D802 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but would like to know the real impact in battery life
ExoidX said:
Yes, but would like to know the real impact in battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the H update i switched backt to stock. But when i used it for a few days i missed nova launcher. It feels more smooth. I don't notice any difference in battery life.
willemhouterman said:
After the H update i switched backt to stock. But when i used it for a few days i missed nova launcher. It feels more smooth. I don't notice any difference in battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does switching to nova launcher still makes me have that part of the steps and smart tips of the stock launcher?
Stock = always best battery but the difference is very minimal so I would go with nova any day
Sent from my Xperia Z2
Unless someone has a concrete objective assessment of the difference my subjective experience in terms of battery consumption is that both launchers, stock and Nova, are pretty similar with frankly no noticeable difference (for my usage)
Personally been using Nova prime for the past 2 weeks and don't think I'll leave it any time soon. Advantages; more functional than stock, most important for me is flexibility of grid size in both home and app drawer in addition to ability to resize icons. More fluid as well
ExoidX said:
Does switching to nova launcher still makes me have that part of the steps and smart tips of the stock launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i have no idea. I don 't use it. I don't think so. But try it. Its free
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app
Does Knock Code unlock work with Nova launcher?
rfarrah said:
Does Knock Code unlock work with Nova launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If stock lock screen is maintained yes it works, however tap to lock does work only when tapping on status bar in Nova home, not any where else on screen though!
rfarrah said:
Does Knock Code unlock work with Nova launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does, you can use knock code or double tap to wake with Nova, but you can only lock it with double tap on the status bar.
ExoidX said:
Does switching to nova launcher still makes me have that part of the steps and smart tips of the stock launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for shortcut maker (or similar) on google play. hidden in app drawer but with shortcut maker, you can see it and make a shortcut. Worked for me
ere1nion said:
Look for shortcut maker (or similar) on google play. hidden in app drawer but with shortcut maker, you can see it and make a shortcut. Worked for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right, double tap on any empty part of the screen. You can also set the home button to lock if on the home screen.
If you buy the prime version, download some screen off APP and you can set a double-tap gesture to load that APP and lock tour device.
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app
Warning about Nova:
I used it on my previous GS3 and I installed it on my LG G3. But I saw that there is a delay before I see a call (= ringing + screen on).
I made a test with a friends and sometimes it rings 3-4 times for the caller before my G3 "wake up".
I came back to the stock launcher and saw that the problem came from Nova.
So now I switched to Apex who is for me nearly the same than Nova.
Maybe It is only me who has this kind of problem, but it worth a test...
So I know this isn't the place to ask but since everyone here is using either stock or Nova. What's the difference between Apex and Nova? I use Apex :/
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app
Apex is sweet too. Not much difference. I own both.
ExoidX said:
Does switching to nova launcher still makes me have that part of the steps and smart tips of the stock launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can make a shortcut to LG Health by going to Shortcuts - activities - LG Health
Hi!
For me, stock launcher is very smooth and battery friendly. At the moment I don't plan to switch to another launcher. Also, in my opinion, the best custom launcher is KK Launcher.
Regards.

Post Your Home/Lock Screens Here

Be the very first to post your home and lock screens!
:laugh:
Really? Why is this always the first thing anyone does when they get a new phone?
"Must post my screen for the internet to not care !"
Really? Why is this always the first thing anyone does when they get a new phone?
"Must post my screen for the internet to not care !"
Blah blah blah blah blah!
:laugh:
LOL!
Nova, black, Android news, boring I know sorry. Quiet black Pixel 128gb.

			
				
...
loving N to be honest at the moment...
Just waiting until Nova releases Pixel-style search and app drawer options. Stock until then.
This is me so far.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
xX5UN5H1N3Xx said:
Just waiting until Nova releases Pixel-style search and app drawer options. Stock until then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current beta of Nova (5.0.0b6) can do this now. I swipe up from the dock to reveal the app drawer, which I've configured to be a box with the most recently used apps on top.
Lockscreen is boring. Nearly pure black besides notifications.
My Home Screen helps me be a productive phone user.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs
What lock screen are you using? Since Ambient Display doesn't ever turn back on after the notification comes in, I'm looking for an alternative. I miss moto display already.
Google pixel launcher
xX5UN5H1N3Xx said:
Just waiting until Nova releases Pixel-style search and app drawer options. Stock until then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you change the date to weather on the home screen?
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Pretty basic, calculator is top priority when your a Service Advisor
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Hemotherapy said:
How did you change the date to weather on the home screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you update the launcher? I don't remember ever having just the date there
Hemotherapy said:
How did you change the date to weather on the home screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This came for me in an update from Google
Here's mine!
I tried sticking with stock launcher as long as I could but went back to smart launcher 3.
ourjim said:
This came for me in an update from Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh. Weird. I just updated it and it's still only showing me the month, day, and year :/
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

Anyone running Nova Primeyet?

How is it running on ze Pixel?
On mine is running great. I had no problems since day 1.
really good. i set it up to behave and look like pixel launcher.
Works like a champ.
Do you guys get the option for the Pixel Google Time/Weather Widget under Nova?
geovass said:
Do you guys get the option for the Pixel Google Time/Weather Widget under Nova?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the pixel shortcuts work on long-pressing the icons while using Nova?
biggiestuff said:
Do the pixel shortcuts work on long-pressing the icons while using Nova?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
Works with action launcher 3
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
So far so good with me. I tried the Pixel launcher for a bit, but reverted back to Nova.
MontAlbert said:
really good. i set it up to behave and look like pixel launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you still lose the home screen icon long-press shortcuts right? I'd also imagine you lose the weather widget.
Nitemare3219 said:
But you still lose the home screen icon long-press shortcuts right? I'd also imagine you lose the weather widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's like that with any launcher specific features. I personally use Beautiful Widgets with Nova Prime.
Nitemare3219 said:
But you still lose the home screen icon long-press shortcuts right? I'd also imagine you lose the weather widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova still have a google widget although it doesn't have the weather... Not a huge issue tbh. Long press shortcuts are missing which is a pity but I reckon they'll implement them soon anyway.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
MontAlbert said:
Nova still have a google widget although it doesn't have the weather... Not a huge issue tbh. Long press shortcuts are missing which is a pity but I reckon they'll implement them soon anyway.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova latest Beta includes weather widget and long press shortcuts!

Xl foggy cloudy screen near the bottom search bar

Why are some bright wallpapers foggy and cloudy near the search bar at the bottom, it looks washed out and horrible, is this because of Google's launcher?
Yes
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Prattham said:
Yes
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than using dark wallpapers is there anyway to get rid of it?
Other than that use different launcher
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Prattham said:
Other than that use different launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, just use a different launcher like Nova. That issue is annoying. If you want like the at a glance widget, just use the Chronus app or Another Widget app
Cheers, just seems a bit weird Google would leave it like that in their own launcher.
Yup, with Nova you can make it look exactly like the Pixel Launcher, here's what mine looks like.
I don't like nova
Triscuit said:
Yup, with Nova you can make it look exactly like the Pixel Launcher, here's what mine looks like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's what the Google launcher should look like, what the hell where they thinking!?
Triscuit said:
Yup, with Nova you can make it look exactly like the Pixel Launcher, here's what mine looks like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please make s backup of your setup and share?
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Prattham said:
Can you please make s backup of your setup and share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure! Not sure how well it will restore for you though, I usually have to re set up "Another Widget" to look like at a glance. If you need help just let me know I'll help you get it looking like you want. Here you go: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1odB-3Sle4zWiabrS-3HBlCWtXo99BSXJ/view?usp=drivesdk
oh.. thank lord for this thread... I was getting upset that I am on receiving end of a new screen issue. Thanks guys.. diff launcher or black wallpapers.. Thanks a lot for bringing my spirit back up.
Triscuit said:
Yup, with Nova you can make it look exactly like the Pixel Launcher, here's what mine looks like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What at a glance widget is that?
grokus said:
What at a glance widget is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's called "Another Widget"
BTW there was a bug with that but if you do change wallpapers a couple times itll work fine. I personally dont like nova because it looks different than pixel. the icons look weird or small or something
I was able to match the look of my pixel launcher with action launcher actually. It has a built-in at a glance widget and if you scale the icons to about 85 percent on action it matches it nearly exact.

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