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Posts Tagged: launcher

facebook home

Yes, it’s been done. Whether that’s something to squeal in joy over or cringe in disgust about is up to you. However, that’s besides the point. Facebook’s ‘exclusive’ product reserved for the HTC One, One X, One X+, Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 and Note 2 (Don’t ask why there’s no love for other devices) debuted in the Play store on 13th of April, 2013 and has garnered a lackluster two-and-a-half stars rating with near 2 thousand votes. Want to know what’s the hype about? Read on.

After a bit of modding with the Facebook and Home APKs, XDA Senior Member theos0o has successfully ported Facebook Home to all devices running Android. Both rooted and unrooted phones may take advantage of this port and get a taste of what things are all about, requiring users to simply download and install the 2 APK files provided. A reboot may be required if the app does not run at first. However, all previous versions of Facebook installed must be uninstalled to make way for the modded version of Facebook that’s required, thus root access may be necessary if your device came preloaded with Facebook in order to complete the process and get Facebook Home up and running.

Now, does Facebook Home live up to the hype and expectations? Well, it depends. If you were expecting a simple and minimalistic launcher that conveniently displays your Facebook news feed with scrolling images and quick access to Facebook Messenger and app drawer, then you may want to check it out. If you were expecting a sophisticated and intuitive home launcher that’s comparable to Android, then it certainly does not. There’s no support for our beloved widgets, the wallpaper cannot be changed, and the amount of Internet data and memory it consumes will be unbelievable.

If you would like to try Facebook Home out on your Android device, check out the original thread for more details and download.

Buzz Launcher

Altering your home screen has been made simpler thanks to the work of XDA Forum Member Buzz Plan. Buzz Launcher, which is only available for phones with Android 4.0.1 or greater, allows users to quickly download, apply, and share home screens. The application also makes it possible to create your own home screen using features such as Multi-Wallpapers and My Icons. 

The Buzz Custom Widget add-on gives users access to clock, date, and battery widgets to include in their own personalized home screens. If the stock look of the widgets doesn’t leave you satisfied, you can modify them to look any way you want. Home screens that you create can easily be shared thanks to a one-touch upload feature.

 Buzz Launcher also has other features such as:

■ MULTI-GRID: you can designate different grids for each screen (up to 12×12)

■ MANAGE FOLDERS: you can make folders in app drawers/Homescreen, modify folder image, and resize folders

■ MANAGE APPS: features for viewing most frequently used apps, recently installed apps, and hiding apps

■ MANAGE APP DRAWERS: Screen concept is applied to app drawers so you can manage apps by screens

■ GESTURE SUPPORT: Glide up, Glide down, Double tab and more.

■ Previewing is supported for various view settings.

If creating home screens is not your thing, there are more than 300 available to choose from—and they are all provided through Homepack Buzz Service. Installing a home screen only requires you to download the one that you want. Buzz Launcher automatically sets everything up once the download is complete. Linked apps can then be downloaded at your own leisure.

There are many useful and created home screens available for use with this application. Many of the changes that Buzz Launcher users have made are reminiscent of Rainmeter. So if you’re in the market for a new launcher or simply just want to try something novel, more information can be found in the original thread.

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sidelaunchers

There are many different launchers available. There are launchers that respond to gestures, which we’ve reviewed before. There are launchers that go on your home screen, or replace them. There are even launchers that pop out of the side of your screen, à la Ubuntu Touch.

Recently, XDA Developer TV Producer TK recently reviewed Sidebar by XDA Senior Member Mohammad_Adib . In this video, TK compares Sidebar to a similar application by XDA Forum Member fmaster1 called Glovebox. TK shows off the applications and compares the two, while giving his thoughts. Be sure to check out this app review.

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