From a dozen free, including top launchers for Android, it was difficult for us to select contenders for the title of the best. However, using the method of exclusions and comparisons, we left the strongest participants, who were quite trendy as of 2019.

We will pay attention to such characteristics of launchers as ease, freeness, and the presence of themes. If the Russian language is included with the launcher, we will note additionally. We will also identify other features, if any are found.

So, we present to you top launchers for Android:

Nova Launcher - launcher with flexible customization of grid and icons

A fairly original launcher for Android with a Russian-language interface, flexible personalization, intuitive gestures, colorful effects and the ability to backup settings.

Nova Launcher supports gestures on the desktop and displays counters of unread messages for most instant messengers on the dock panel. The function is implemented thanks to the TeslaUnread plugin. In addition, Nova allows you to flexibly customize the application menu “for the user.” Other space organization features include the ability to create folders to group applications and switch between horizontal and vertical scrolling on the phone.

Customizing icons in Nova Launcher

Setting up widgets and applications in Nova

After installing the Nova Launcher application, you can modify the desktop and application menu of your Android smartphone. The launcher's color scheme supports fine color customization, and the grid sizes vary from 2x2 to 12x12. The dock bar at the bottom of the phone screen easily scrolls, the number of panels changes, and you can drag and drop popular shortcuts and widgets there.

Apex Launcher: speed and convenience

Fast, smooth and easily customizable launcher for Android devices. Apex Launcher has multiple settings for customization. The owner has the opportunity to choose the number of desktops and customize the grid sizes. Home screens and application menus support circular or elastic scrolling.

The launcher allows you to launch some functions using gestures, change background transparency in applications, and turn wallpaper scrolling on and off. Using the desktop lock feature, you can prevent adding new objects and changing the position of old ones.

The appearance of icons and the size of all widgets can be changed, applications on the device can be grouped into folders, adding icons in unlimited quantities.

The dock is controlled using gestures, and scrolling is implemented for quick access to important applications. Apex Launcher supports Russian interface.

GO Launcher EX is the best launcher for Android with many themes

One of the most popular Android launchers on Google Play. GO Launcher EX is an enhanced version of the classic GO Launcher. It is distinguished by high speed and smooth interface, plenty of settings and stylish themes.

In Display Settings, you can set the scroll speed to adjust how smoothly you move between displays. By holding the application icon, you can bring up the context menu. On the screen and on the dock, control is carried out using gestures.

In the application menu you can create folders for grouping - a long tap on the application icon allows you to switch to settings mode. Using the application manager, the user can hide and block programs to protect their own confidential information.

GO Launcher EX allows you to resize all widgets and supports desktop scrolling settings and application menus. The launcher has its own widgets for the most comfortable organization of work with the device. For the most convenient placement of elements, various grids are used.

GO Launcher EX has Russian language support.

Holo Launcher is a lightweight and simple launcher

A simple launcher for Android with the ability to fine-tune, the appearance of which is taken from the design of Android Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat, which can be run on earlier or later versions of Android.

Holo Launcher completely replicates the appearance of Android 4.0.4: the appearance of icons, tabs, folders, outlines, etc. The maximum available number of desktops for the user is 9, the grid for installing widgets has the largest size of 10x10. Custom grid settings are available for portrait and landscape mode.

The dock and widgets are easy to scroll, you can enable infinite scrolling on the desktop and in the application menu). You can install up to 7 icons in the dock and create up to 3 pages for quick access to frequently used applications.

Holo Launcher supports gesture control, as well as backing up settings and desktop shortcuts for later data recovery.

Holo Launcher has a Russian-language interface.

Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite

Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has the status of the world's first 3D launcher with a flexible interface and vibrant effects. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the best 3D launchers for the Android OS in general.

The program supports working with gestures: the settings of Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite include 9 basic gestures, and it is also possible to create your own.

When switching between screens, users can observe original 3D effects (fabric, crystal, etc.). Also, beautiful effects are observed when changing desktops, screens in the application menu, or opening folders. Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has built-in 3D widgets created specifically for this application.

The launcher has flexible customization options: the user can edit icons: change the angle, size, style, fonts and color design. Quick screen setup allows you to add folders, shortcuts, widgets, and change themes.

A powerful built-in application manager allows you to quickly sort icons in the menu, as well as batch add and remove programs. The proprietary multifunctional Next button is responsible for turning on the floating mode, switching effects, as well as the function of scrolling desktops.

During stereographic viewing of screens, the user can observe original animation and beautiful effects.

Next Launcher 3D Shell Lite has a Russian interface.

APUS Launcher - thoughtful and understandable

A lightweight and thoughtful launcher for Android with an intuitive interface. APUS Launcher supports the phone acceleration function, clearing memory with just one click, so that switching between applications and running the device becomes even faster.

The program can identify applications that are important and frequently used by the user in order to perform “smart” sorting into folders. You can search the Internet for information right on your home screen. APUS Launcher allows you to link your own desktop with the desktop of your significant other, colleague or relative in order to jointly change the wallpaper and share the mood with each other.

Every month, the APUS community provides free themes for its launcher that allow you to customize your device's home screen. APUS Launcher has a Russian-language interface.

CM Launcher 3D 5.0 ​​is an innovative and flexible launcher

A beautiful, fast and optimized launcher from the creators of the popular Clean Master application.

CM Launcher 3D helps to decorate your desktop and smartphone menu, enhance the privacy of data on the device and make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible.

Users have access to more than 10,000 free design themes, including 3D, custom lock screens, icon packs for applications, themes for contact modules and live wallpapers, which allow flexible individual settings for the appearance of the launcher. If none of the suggested themes are to your liking, it’s easy to create your own theme.

The launcher has a smart lock screen, the function of hiding applications, as well as taking a photo of an intruder, which allows you to maximally protect the confidentiality of data on the device.

Smart app sorting, quick search and smart cards make using your mobile phone easier.

Yandex Launcher with "Alice"

Yandex Launcher is rightfully considered one of the most promising applications for Android smartphones. With its help, you can personalize almost any smartphone, adding brightness and individuality to it. The launcher not only provides access to a huge number of new features, but also provides quick access to the main functions - calls, messages and settings.

Yandex developers have made the new launcher as comfortable as possible. There are no unnecessary advertising banners or familiar services; standard browsers - Bing or Google - are used to access the Internet. In general, the design of the new launcher is quite simple, the set of basic functions is standard, so even a child can understand how the application works.

Yandex Launcher for Android offers users a wide range of features designed to simplify the process of using a smartphone. The most commonly used functions are:

• Desktop. Allows you to personalize the device screen - change the design theme, conveniently place application widgets and buttons. The appearance of the desktop grid can be changed in the visual editor. There is also a special quick access panel (opened by swiping down) that allows you to access contacts and the search bar in the browser;
• Folders. For each folder, you can set a different color scheme, this allows you to arrange the information at your discretion. Recommended applications are also displayed in folders; each folder has a set of editable widgets;
• Application menu. After installing the launcher, all available applications will be formed into groups using thematic tabs. You can change the composition and location of folders at your discretion. You can also configure filtering programs by color.

Among other things, Yandex Launcher has voice search installed - a favorite of many users. With its help, you can quickly get any relevant information, send a message or call your loved ones.

You can install the launcher via Google Play, the program is free. The required Android version is 5.0 and higher. The number of downloads has already exceeded 5 million (the application is among the top launchers on Google Play), updates are regularly released and new features appear.

Smart Launcher - great design and flexible functionality

To make working with their phone more comfortable and efficient, many users install third-party launchers that allow them to optimize the operation of the device as efficiently as possible for specific needs.

Among the wide variety of options, Smart Launcher deserves special mention, for several reasons:

1. Design. The icons are drawn in a relaxed manner, so it will take a minimum amount of time to get used to the new application system. At the same time, the overall design is extremely simple and does not require the consumption of a large amount of system resources.
2. Functionality. All applications are extremely adequately and conveniently sorted by area of ​​application, which makes the process of working with the launcher even more convenient. Moreover, frequently used applications are initially installed on the main desktop, which is also extremely convenient.
3. Optimization. Due to its extreme simplicity, the launcher allows you to use your device as efficiently as possible, while ensuring smooth animations and the fastest possible launch of applications even on fairly old devices.

Initially, the application is provided completely free of charge, and you can use it this way for an unlimited amount of time. There is also a paid version, in which advertising is completely removed and additional options are available. These include adaptive application icons, the ability to fine-tune sorting and a host of other features. However, it is especially worth highlighting the ability to create an extended desktop, which allows you to hide the on-screen navigation buttons, thereby increasing the usable screen area.

The application itself is available to everyone on the Google Play service, which allows you to install it on absolutely any device running on the Android operating system, be it a phone or a tablet.

It should be understood that the official application store is replete with a lot of similar programs, but it is Smart Launcher that combines extreme simplicity, functionality and an extensive list of features that allow you to fine-tune the system to your own needs.

Rootless Launcher

Rootless Launcher is a modified Pixel launcher that, unlike the basic one, gives users access to more settings. Inferior to other similar applications due to the small number of “decorations”, while consuming a minimum of RAM, and ultimately suitable for weak devices. Judging by the reviews, on some smartphones it works faster than the standard launcher.

The capabilities and features of the program include:

• Enable/disable date;
• Enabling or disabling the news feed;
• Selecting a desktop theme and wallpaper;
• Changing the size and appearance of icons;
• Drag and drop search bar from Google.

The advantages of the launcher include:

• Distributed free of charge;
• Consumes a minimum of RAM, freezes are excluded even on weak devices;
• Automatic search for new updates;
• Access to a pack of themes, wallpapers and icons.

The disadvantage is the lack of support for Google Feed; for normal operation, you need to download an additional utility to your smartphone from the developer’s website.

Microsoft Launcher

Microsoft Launcher allows you to quickly pair your smartphone with a laptop running the latest version of the Windows 10 operating system. The user can take photos on the phone and immediately edit them on the PC, quickly edit files in the office and send them back to the smartphone, etc.

The launcher offers packages of gestures, desktop icons, the ability to access frequently used applications using a swipe, etc. The program is distributed free of charge.

The benefits of the application include:

• Quickly continue working on your PC;
• Simultaneously search the Internet on a smartphone and laptop;
• Setting up smartphone gesture control;
• Personal news channel for quick viewing of important news, events and notifications;
• Customize the theme, wallpaper and icons to your taste;
• Icon for quick access to contacts.

The disadvantage is that it consumes quite a lot of RAM, it is advisable to install it on devices with 2 GB or more of RAM.

Modern operating systems have a kernel, a set of software components and a graphical shell, also called an interface. In some operating systems, special attention is paid to the graphical interface, also called GUI; for example, several dozen such shells have been created for the popular Android mobile system, which can be changed as easily as themes in Windows.

What is a launcher on an Android phone and what is it for?

In the Android system, the graphical shell is called a launcher. In other words, a launcher for Android is a collection of graphic elements used to launch applications and inform the user. This includes a desktop with icons, quick enable/disable buttons for basic functions, and a clock. And launcher is an Android program that is part of the firmware. By the way, several launchers can be installed on one smartphone, and you can switch between them by pressing one button.

Unlike Windows themes, Android launchers are not just for decoration. In addition to changing the boring interface, these programs can expand the functionality of the operating system by adding widgets, reorganize the desktop, and provide faster and more convenient access to the most frequently used applications. There are also lightweight launchers that reduce the device's consumption of RAM resources and thereby speed up its operation.

How to find and install Launcher

Where and how to download Launcher? Like other applications, such programs are distributed through . You can find them by searching for “launcher” or “launcher”. They are installed in the classic way, the only difference is that when you first launch you will need to make basic settings, for example, the popular Nova launcher offers you to choose a theme, application menu style and how to open this menu.

There are free launchers, there are paid ones, everyone chooses for themselves what they need. You can also find and download launchers from numerous websites dedicated to Android topics. On third-party resources, applications are available mainly in the form of APK files installed through standard Explorer.

Popular launchers for Android

Do you know what a launcher is and where you can download it. There are more than enough third-party shells for Android, but not all of them are good. We recommend installing only proven and well-proven applications, for example, these ones.

One of the most functional and popular launchers developed by Microsoft. Includes an acceleration widget, a package of wallpapers, icons and themes, allows you to configure personalization settings, search, gesture control, and supports creating backup copies of application settings. An important advantage of this launcher is the synchronization of data with all devices that use a Microsoft account, as well as quick access to Microsoft Office applications and documents.

A simple, lightweight and convenient launcher from the developer TeslaCoil Software, somewhat inferior in terms of functionality to Microsoft Launcher. The application supports customization and backup of desktop settings, application menu and favorites bar, you can customize the appearance of folders and icons, animation settings, transparency, colors and gesture controls. The program includes a Google search bar and an application organizer. It is also worth noting the ability to randomly place icons on the desktop using a screen grid. Features high performance.

An original shell using the 3D concept. TSF Launcher 3D Shell cannot boast of any special functionality; the developers decided to place the main emphasis in this application on visualization. All user actions are accompanied by amazingly beautiful animation effects that can be customized according to your own preferences. The application supports switching between 10 screen layouts, using the dock bar, branded widgets, customizing gestures, and editing icons.

Removing a launcher from Android

Now a few words about how to remove the launcher from Android. There is nothing complicated about this - the graphical shell is removed like a regular program from the “All applications” menu. Before uninstalling, it is advisable to clear the cache and delete application data, just in case some of its folders suddenly remain in the device’s file system. Sometimes you may need to restart your smartphone, but usually after removing a third-party launcher, the default interface used in the firmware is restored automatically.

How to change Launcher

As already mentioned, several graphical shells can be installed on one device. If one has become boring, it can be easily replaced with another without removing it. To change the launcher on Android, you need to go to application management, select (open properties) the launcher that is no longer needed and click the “Delete default settings” button. If the button suddenly becomes inactive, click “Erase data” and launch another launcher from your desktop.

Launcher 3 on Android and common errors encountered with it

Every time you switch to another shell, the system prompts you to select a launcher that will be used by default, and Launcher 3 will probably be on the list. What kind of program is this on Android and where does it even come from? Launcher 3 is a pre-installed graphical shell used as the main one in many Chinese-made smartphones. Launcher 3 can also be installed separately from Google Play. It is simple, convenient and undemanding of system resources, however, like all applications, it is not immune to failures and errors.

In particular, a very typical error for this version of the standard launcher is that part of the shell functionality becomes unavailable, and a corresponding notification is displayed on the desktop. So, an error occurred in the launcher 3 application, what should I do in this case? Since the failure is most often temporary, you can restore normal operation of the desktop by forcefully rebooting the device. If the error appears regularly, we take the following measures.

Clearing cache

First, try clearing your cache. You can find the launcher in the application management section by going to the “All” category. Please note that the program may appear under the names Launcher, Trebuchet or Desktop. Clear the cache and observe the application's performance. If this works as expected, as an additional measure, remove the default settings and perform a data wipe.

Removing conflicting software or replacing Launcher 3

If the error begins to appear after installing third-party applications, uninstall them and clear the device’s file system of their remnants. You can also uninstall and reinstall the launcher itself. If the error persists, install Launcher 3 from developer Jason Kung, run it, and then disable the problematic built-in launcher. Alternatively, you can choose any other third-party shell.

Factory reset

Just like flashing the firmware, a hard reset is the last resort on how to fix the launcher 3 error on Android. It helps in almost all cases, but it makes sense to resort to it only in cases where other methods do not help, and replacing the built-in shell with a third-party one is unacceptable. Since all installed applications, contacts and settings will be lost during the reset, be sure to back up all your data.

Having purchased a new device, the user begins to customize it “for himself,” and at the very beginning the question of installing a new theme arises. The theme is an integral part of the design of an Android mobile device; by replacing it, you can completely change the interface.

Nowadays the use of widgets is very popular - these are special programs that provide acceleration and ease of use of the device. For example, you can display a clock, weather forecast, shortcuts to files and applications on the main screen; this makes the desktop more functional and greatly saves the user’s time.

On the Android operating system, you can install and change a new theme in three ways:

1. Download from Google Play. This can be done directly from the device or from a computer. For this:

• Go to Google Play.
• Enter “theme” in the search bar.
• Choose your favorite topic.
• Click “Install”.

The advantage of this method is that it is very simple, but the disadvantage is that most of the themes on Goggle Play are paid.

1. Install the theme through a computer synchronization program. Themes are installed the same way as applications, for this you can use any program to synchronize with the application installation function.

In MyPhoneExplorer, to do this, click on the “Applications” button in the “Files” menu, then click on the “Install” button. Select the theme file (with the extension .apk), and then confirm installation on the device.

Disadvantages of this method:

• need a computer at hand
• installation of a synchronizer program is required

1. Use the AppsInstaller application. This is a program with which you can install applications on Android devices directly from its memory.

• Download and install the AppsInstaller program to your device.
• Copy the .apk file to the device memory (it doesn’t matter to the internal memory or SD card).
• Launch AppsInstaller, the program will search the device memory for files with the required extension and display a list of them.
• Select the desired topic.

All these methods are available to the average user.

For more advanced users, it is possible to create your own themes

• Take any ready-made theme for Android.
• Decompile it, for example, using the APKTool application.
• Open the folder and find the pictures in it. Edit them in a graphic editor or completely replace them with your own.
• Colors can be changed in XML.
• Compile (with the same program for APKTool themes).
• Give the application a name (ZipSinger program or similar).
• Install the created theme in one of 3 ways.

For example, Launcher 8 free for Android allows you to design your device in the style of Windows 8, while you can customize the colors yourself, as well as create desktop layouts using various shortcuts and widgets.

More than a hundred color designs, animation, simulated LED lighting and a live gallery are available. The launcher is available for free download on Google Play.

You can download iOS 8 Launcher for free - this is an iPhone theme for Android, i.e. The application will help you externally turn your Android smartphone into an iPhone or iPad with the iOS 8 operating system.

The launcher allows you to set up a nice home screen with convenient widgets and spectacular transformation, which will also immediately display system messages, install an iOS-style lockscreen, choose the best from thousands of thematic icons and hundreds of desktop wallpapers. Moreover, the application weighs only 8 megabytes.

From the article you will learn

The launcher is the main screen of the smartphone. It is from here that all basic user actions take place, such as launching applications, deleting them, and sorting them. Thanks to a well-chosen launcher, you can not only quickly launch the necessary programs, but also conveniently delete them, clear the cache, find out the weather, account status, SMS and other information directly from the main screen without the need to open a third-party application.

List of considered applications

In this article we will look at the best launchers and figure out which one to choose for your Android smartphone.

Here is the list:

• ADW 2;
• N Launcher – Nougat 7.0, Google Start;
• Additional launchers (Computer Launcher, Win 10, Smart Launcher 3).

What can launchers do?

First of all, the launcher must launch applications. But this is the most primitive ability. It is worth downloading third-party software for the additional functions of convenience and decoration of the device screen.

Through almost every launcher mentioned in our article, you can long-press on the application icon to delete it, hide it from the desktop, view detailed information in the settings, change the name and icon. There is also the ability to conveniently sort everything on your smartphone, change the location of shortcuts, resize and hide unnecessary ones.

For many users, the appearance of the screen is important. At this point, third-party launchers often win, since their functionality is more advanced. They allow you to change the animations of flipping, opening folders and the list of all applications, launching, and so on.

Also in the settings, the color scheme of the entire interface is set and other beautiful goodies are made. This is an individual matter, because launchers are very different, both in functionality and appearance.

What is the installation procedure like?

Before choosing a launcher, let's figure out how to install it. Any of the listed launchers can be easily downloaded from the official Play Market (or Google Play) application store completely free of charge. And some of the programs have a paid version without advertising or with extended functionality (this will be clarified during the review).

1. Download the launcher and open it.
2. It will ask you to set it as your default desktop. To do this, in the menu that appears, select the launcher, then the “Always” button (the button may have a different name depending on the firmware and version).
3. Now, when you open the main screen, this application will appear, and not the usual standard one.

But what if the user did not like the design or functionality of such an application or some difficulties arose? To do this you can do the following:

• Install another launcher and assign it as the default desktop in the same way as you installed this one;
• Delete the program in the settings (“Settings” - “Applications” - “Launcher itself” - “Delete”);
• Open the launcher in the official store and delete it through the Market;
• Reassign the default desktop in the settings (“Settings” - “Home screen” (may be called differently depending on the version of the Android system) - select another launcher or delete this one by clicking on the “trash” icon).

Each action will not harm the device in any way, even with root access, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You can open the settings at any time through the status bar (curtain on top) and delete the launcher.

In general, all the launchers we selected are stable and there should be no problems with them.

Which to choose?

Choosing is a difficult task. You should take this seriously, because everything in a smartphone begins with the start screen, and if it is not as perfect as we would like, using it will spoil the experience a little.

When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the performance and autonomy of the smartphone. If you think that you have enough memory and performance, then you can install heavy launchers with a lot of animations and functions. They consume a lot of memory, both RAM and permanent memory, and can also affect the battery (not much, but they can). Therefore, think about what is more important to you: saving resources or a beautiful view?

If you want to shoot two birds with one stone, then take Nova, N, Google or Evie - these are relatively economical, attractive and multifunctional launchers. ADW and TSF are more demanding, but that is why they have their own features.

Try downloading all the launchers you like and test them one by one for speed and convenience.

For maximum savings, try Apex Launcher, LauncherPro, Mini Launcher or Nano Launcher, they're feature-sparse compared to the competition but very cost-effective.

One of the most interesting launchers at the moment. There is both a free version and a paid one. The free version lacks some features, but overall, the version is very interesting, and it’s also ad-free, so there’s no need to buy the full version.

Nova is the progenitor of standard launchers from Google. This is actually a copy of the interface from pure Android devices.

The main screen is presented in the form of folders and icons; at the bottom there is a menu of all applications launched through a shortcut or by swiping from bottom to top. Folders do not open completely, but only to the area necessary to display the contents.

By long pressing on the application icon, you can quickly delete it, open it in settings, change the name and icon in the launcher.

Nova also supports gestures, which can be assigned to anything. There are many gestures, ranging from a simple swipe up or down to twirls and two-finger gestures (only available in the paid version).

Nova Launcher is interesting for its capabilities, appearance and autonomy. It looks very beautiful, is highly customizable and does not require a huge amount of smartphone resources.

In the launcher you can configure almost everything, or rather:

• Number of dots on the desktop and application menu;
• Icon size;
• Font, font size, color of application names on the desktop, in folders and the application menu separately;
• Size and position of widgets;
• Color and transparency of application menus, folders and dock bar background;
• Disabling and deeply customizing the dock bar (pages, number of icons, background, signatures, color, transparency);
• The way all applications are displayed: all together, by folders or departments;
• Completely hide the application from the launcher;
• Quick access to the application by swiping on the shortcut of another application or folder.

The launcher has the ability to deeply customize icons and activate icon packs. For each application, you can substitute any icon from any icon pack or, if you wish, create your own and take it from Explorer. In the personalization settings there is a function that activates one pack for all icons in the launcher and, when a new application appears, immediately adjusts its icon to the general standard.

3D launcher with many effects and wide functionality. One of the most demanding not only from our list, but in general. All resources go into developing each 3D animation.

For the owner of a fairly powerful smartphone, TSF will be an excellent replacement for the standard shell. There is nothing special in terms of functionality. In it you can change the page layout, icons, label names, number of rows and columns, this will not surprise you.

Folders open in an interesting fan-shaped fashion. When pressed, a smooth animation occurs, in which the folder background moves down, and all applications fly out of it. When scrolling, the icons either return to the backing or pop out of it. The folder itself opens full screen with the background blurred, this takes longer than usual and sometimes you have to wait about a second before opening the application.

The same situation is with the menu of all applications, which, by the way, is there, but is not particularly customizable. The menu has a filter, a grid, and that's enough. It opens under various animations, which can be viewed in the settings by long tapping on an empty space on the desktop.

Interesting features in the launcher are widgets. They are perfectly animated and very comfortable. For example, a calendar widget looks like a ball, with date and time information on each side. Through these widgets you can control gestures and taps, which makes them multi-functional. Even when not using widgets, they play nicely, move and change colors. Everything looks nice.

A long press on the icon brings up a straight or round menu with background blur. It has all the standard features: deleting, hiding, renaming, and so on. In the settings you can change the animation of the icon when you click on it and hold it. There is either simple zooming out, zooming in or highlighting, or distortion, blurring, and so on.

A nice launcher as an alternative to Nova. Go, unlike others like it, has a unique style. It is not copied from the Android system, but made in its own way, with its own icons, colors and animations.

At first glance, it may seem like it's no worse than others in terms of the amount of customizability, but in reality, Go is not as customizable as others. The developers added the necessary items to the settings for grid type, icon size, and the like. But, alas, in this launcher you cannot customize the icon pack and the location of icons and widgets on such a large scale. But this does not mean that the launcher is completely bad; it’s just that for the most inveterate perfectionists, some nuances that cannot be changed may become a problem.

The launcher is adapted for most users. Initially, it is already configured normally and you can use it without problems, and if necessary, correct some points.

All icons adapt to the overall style. They receive an oval-shaped substrate with rounded edges and protruding walls. These unique icons are very cute and quirky without being rude. Animations and blur effects are done well, there are not many of them. Folders, application menus and settings fly out smoothly with different rotation effects.

Folders open full screen with a strong background blur. The animation is smooth but fast and doesn't force you to wait long before launching the application. By long tapping or pressing the menu button, a retractable panel at the bottom opens, through which you can open the smartphone settings or launcher, and launch all sorts of built-in services, which you can read about below.

In the settings, everything is divided into items such as desktop, folder, all applications, notifications, gestures, and so on. There are enough gestures in the launcher, there are the usual up, down, double tap and unusual ones like rotation or a two-finger gesture.

The launcher has various services that are indirectly related to the launcher itself. It is not necessary to install them. They are available in the menu by long tap on the desktop. Among them there are such functions as clearing memory through a floating button, locking applications with a password, automatic wallpaper change and an online wallpaper catalog.

Multifunctional launcher, very similar to Nova. These are brothers that originated from standard launchers in Android systems from version 4.4 and higher.

ADW 2 has a few new additions to Nova, but it loses a few things. For example, you cannot sort the list of all applications into separate folders. This is done using lists that open by swiping from the left edge. A panel appears in which you can select a list containing all the applications placed in it. It's not as convenient as folders in Nova.

On the other hand, ADW 2 has more animation settings and a more thoughtful system for customizing the desktop, which is done directly in the menu with a long tap. Before you start using it, the launcher will ask you to choose a style for everything, where you can give preference to a certain version of Android. Choosing a version won't change much, but it's still important. In total there are the following Android styles: 4.4 KitKat, 5.0 Lollipop, 6.0 Marshmallow and 7.0 Nougat. In the future, there will definitely be versions from more modern Android launchers. The animations haven't increased much, but everything is still nice.

You can also control widgets in ADV; they are all collected in a convenient menu, from which they are sorted by application and size. Each application on the desktop can be assigned not only a swipe up, but also a downward one, which is very convenient for fans of minimalist launchers with just a couple of icons on the main screen.

In general, they do not differ much; ADW is interesting with animations, widgets and gestures, while Nova is convenient in sorting and resource-efficient. Yes, ADW definitely has problems with this, since in this situation it requires a little more resources than is usually needed for a launcher.

A simple, uncomplicated, but interesting launcher that completely copies the start screen from iOS versions 7-8. It is very similar to the original, but still has a couple of differences for more convenient use. For example, a long tap on the icon opens the usual menu with the ability to delete the application, look at it in the settings or rename it, and when you long press on an empty space, a menu with launcher settings and a system settings shortcut appears, as in standard Android. And everything is like an Apple smartphone. All that remains are large oval icons, branded wallpapers and the absence of a list of all applications.

By the way, you can hide some programs in the settings. Then to display them you will have to go into the settings again.

Also, the launcher does not support widgets.

Folders, as on IOS, open completely with a pleasant scaling of the wallpaper to the insides of the folder. There are problems with displaying the folder name, it disappears on the desktop, and then appears under the already open folder, but this is not particularly noticeable.

Another simple but extremely interesting launcher. It is based on simplicity, minimalism and attractiveness. Despite the small amount of resources consumed, Evie looks very attractive and has the most necessary functions.

In the settings you can change the desktop grid, set icon packs, configure a small number of gestures, and that’s it. Folders open full screen without any other effects. Everything is simple and elegant.

All application menus are sorted alphabetically. On the one hand, letters, on the other, applications. In general, all this can be easily configured in the same menu through a special button in the corner of the screen.

By long tapping on the icon, you can delete the application, hide it or open it in the settings. Folders are sorted automatically, but you can do it manually by moving apps after a long press.

The launcher automatically sorts all content into folders on the desktop. So applications are divided into games, browsers, editors, players, and so on.

Evie is perfect for lovers of simple launchers with good functionality. This is one of the most economical launchers in terms of consumption/function.

N Launcher – Nougat 7.0 and Google Start

Relatively simple, but quite functional launchers, completely copying the interface from Android version 7.0 - Nougat.

N Launcher and Google Start are almost no different, since they are the standard launcher system on Android version 7. It’s up to you to choose between them, we just give advertising to these programs, so to speak. Both are great alternatives to Nova or ADW 2 that require fewer resources but look exactly the same.

N Launcher and Google Start are very stingy in settings compared to others. There are already standard functions for Android launchers in the form of adjusting the grid and size of icons, changing the scale of widgets and changing the color of folders/application menus.

In terms of settings, N and Start will not please you with anything, even in gestures everything is standard: up, down, double tap, swipe with two fingers and circular movements, there is not even zooming in and out with two fingers.

But why is it worth downloading any of these launchers? They are much more energy efficient and stable than any other launcher, because they were made for pure Android. They look no worse, and you can control applications via a long tap on their shortcut, and there is also a convenient menu of widgets.

So N and Google Start are very good if you don’t want to spend a lot of time setting up the launcher, but just need to download it and start using it every day.

Additional launchers (Computer Launcher, Win 10, Smart Launcher 3)

In the review I would like to mention other launchers that are not at all similar to the average desktop of an Android device. We will tell you only briefly, your task is to download and try if the brief description interests you.

• Computer Launcher. The launcher is similar to a full-fledged Windows 10. It has dozens of standard icons, a start menu with shortcuts attached to it, and even a recycle bin. When you open File Explorer, it floats on top of the desktop rather than opening in full screen mode. In general, a rather unusual launcher for a smartphone.
• Win 10. Another copy of the works of Microsoft, only now in mobile processing. This is a full-fledged launcher like on the already dead Windows Phone. Only he with his own characteristics. It lets you customize the color, background, and even add wallpaper, so fans of tiles instead of icons go for it.
• Smart Launcher 3. An unusual launcher in which all the icons are arranged in a circle in the center of the screen. It's not particularly different, it's just that all the launch applications are in the center of the screen and arranged in a circle.

Launcher or shell application in the Android operating system, it is the main application of the operating system, used to install and run other applications. Since Android is based on the concept of open source (Open-Source), the standard Android launcher can be replaced with a launcher designed specifically for the user's purposes.

This approach allows you to customize the appearance of an Android device, making it as consistent as possible with the corporate style of the company that ordered the launcher development, and most importantly, it allows you to control user access to applications.

The Android launcher allows you to override the action performed by pressing the Home button, as well as some other actions typically handled by system applications (such as device search or the "open URL" action).

Android Single Task Mode - Kiosk Mode

The most common and most limited type of Android skin is kiosk mode (Android kiosk). In this mode, the child application is launched immediately after the phone boots, and exiting the application is prohibited by the launcher. If the application crashes, the kiosk shell automatically restarts the child application. Examples of using an Android device in kiosk mode include waiter terminals in restaurants, PoS devices, and demos at exhibitions and conferences.

"Children's" or Android corporate mode - limiting the number of applications available to the user

A more complex type of launcher is a shell with restrictions on installing and launching applications. The list of applications that the user can launch is specified in the launcher configuration. If this list does not include the Play Market and the SD card file manager, the user cannot install other applications or games, thereby remaining within the scope of his official duties. And in the case of “child mode”, a child user can only use those applications that are approved for use by his parents.

The shell application will allow you to protect your phone with a password and differentiate user roles

Additional shell functionality that makes an Android device more secure and suitable for corporate use includes password protection of the Android device, definition of access rights according to the user's role (employee, manager or administrator), and automatic updating corporate software from the company website - the so-called “managed launcher” or “managed kiosk”.

Additional capabilities of the launcher are implemented through its implementation as a system application

Some functions of the Android operating system, such as, for example, accessing system settings from the status bar or launching the task manager by pressing the "Recents" button are beyond the control of the launcher and cannot be overridden. If the customer needs to override these actions, appropriate changes can be made to the device firmware (root access to the phone is required). Thus, the launcher is complemented by custom Android firmware.

How to order the development of a launcher for your mobile project?

Our company provides services Android launcher development for corporate devices, custom software and hardware systems and mobile terminals for 5 years. Before starting development, we analyze the customer’s requirements and determine which method of solving the problem will be the most effective in terms of labor intensity and financial costs. As a rule, changing the firmware of an Android device is rarely required; most often it is possible to get by with the development of a launcher or even the development of a regular application that launches after loading the operating system.

If you need to develop software for your employees that prevents unauthorized use of the device, prepare a copy of the device for an exhibition or demonstration, or change the Android shell in accordance with the corporate style - please,