5 great Android home screen launchers you should check out (and why)

Among the primary factors I began utilizing Android (variation 1.5 with an HTC Hero phone) was since it ran a variation of the Linux kernelI understood that truth would result in a thing I worth: versatility.

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The actions towards versatility weren’t precisely elegant, the platform came into its own within a couple of releases. As Android developed, so too did its versatility– and one location where that ability is completely highlighted is the home screen launcher.

What is a home screen launcher?

Basically, a home screen launcher belongs to a desktop on a computer system. It’s an interface that enables you to gain access to and run applications, view alerts, and keep whatever arranged.

I like to consider Android home screen launchers as the equivalent of the Linux desktop environmentWhich’s a relatively apt contrast, because, similar to Linux, if you do not like the home launcher that ships with your phone, you can set up a various one from the Google Play Store

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Without a home screen launcher, your Android phone would be relatively ineffective. There would be no other way to release or see apps, individualize your home screen, gain access to the app drawer, take down the alert shade, or do anything on your handset. Simply put, the Android home screen launcher is necessary.

Which home screen launcher do Android phones ship with? This is where things get complicated due to the fact that not every Android phone utilizes the exact same home screen launcher. Pixel phones utilize the Pixel Launcher, One UI is Samsung’s default home screen launcher, OnePlus phones utilize the One Plus Launcher, and Nothing Phones ship with the Nothing Launcher.

Simply since your phone ships with a particular home screen launcher does not indicate you’re stuck with it. Every Android phone can utilize various launchers. The one catch is you can’t set up the similarity One UI on a Pixel Phone. Why is that? Some launchers are device-specific and they will not operate on other phones. Absolutely nothing Launcher is just offered to Nothing OS (which is Nothing’s take on Android).

That does not suggest, nevertheless, that you’re stuck to the home screen launcher that delivered with your phone. Numerous home screen launchers can be set up from the Google Play Store, and every one provides various functions, looks, and habits.

A lot of home screen launchers discovered on the Google Play Store are gadget agnostic, which indicates they can be set up on practically any Android phone. You can set up and get rid of as numerous home screen launchers as you like.

The only restriction is that you do not wish to get rid of the home screen launcher that delivered with your gadget (so you’ll constantly have one to draw on). Naturally, the variety of home screen launchers you can set up will be determined by the internal storage readily available on your phone.

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My method is to set up a home screen launcher, test it, and instantly eliminate it if I do not like it.

As I discussed, numerous home screen launchers can be set up from the Google Play Store. A few of the much better choices are:

• Nova Launcher/Nova Launcher Prime – This has actually been among my preferred launchers throughout the years since it’s not just adjustable, it’s light-weight and really easy to use. Nova Launcher is totally free to utilize, however you get more functions– gestures, alert badges, and drawer folders– with the paid variation, Nova Launcher PrimeNova Launcher Prime needs a one-time cost of $4.99 and transfers from gadget to gadget.
• Niagara Launcher/Niagara Pro – This is a contemporary, minimalist home screen launcher for Android. Rather of engaging with your applications through the App Drawer, you get a personalized and adaptive list positioned front and center to release apps rapidly. Niagara likewise consists of visits at a glimpse and ingrained notices. With Niagara Proyou can include integrated calendars and weather condition widgets, more icon packs, widget stacks, home screen popups, Niagara Dots (a minimalist icon pack), Icon Assistant, customized typefaces, and more. The Pro variation expenses $9.99/ year or a life time purchase is $29.99.
• Microsoft Launcher – This is another extremely personalized launcher that consists of functions such as pinned contacts, customized feed (that includes details like news, calendar occasions, docs, contacts, and more), Continue on PC (snap an image on your phone and it is instantly synced with your Windows PC), worldwide search, and gesture modification. Microsoft Launcher is totally free.
• Square Home – This launcher turns your home screen into interactive tiles. Square Home is among the more special home screen launchers on the marketplace and it does spend some time to get utilized to. As soon as you get the hang of Square Launcher, it’s enjoyable. Square Home provides a totally free trial, once the trial is up, the launcher will cost you $1.99/ year or $5.00/ life time.
• Lynx Launcher – This home screen launcher is motivated by the GNOME desktopWhen you utilize Lynx Launcher, you nearly feel like you’re utilizing something more similar to a desktop user interface. Lynx Launcher consists of a dock for your most utilized applications, an alphabetically organized app list (accessed through a best swipe), and a lot of modifications. You can acquire the Pro variation, which includes a number of improved functions, such as screen shifts, more desktop pages, private icons for apps and folders, innovative style and dark mode settings, brand-new icon shapes, and more, as an in-app purchase for $3.99.

You’ll discover more home screen launchers on the Google Play StoreExplore the listings and see if you can discover one that finest fits your requirements and character.

The Android home screen launcher is needed so you can communicate with your phone. If you do not like the default launcher, you can constantly set up a various one from the Google Play Store. When you make a modification, it will nearly seem like you’ve bought a new phone. If you do not like how your Android phone acts, alter it up, and delight in something fresh and brand-new.