15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!
Action Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!
Apex Launcher
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.
Get it now on Google Play!
Buzz Launcher
[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!
CM Launcher
[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!
GO Launcher EX
[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!
Google Now Launcher
[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!
Launcher 8
[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!
Lightning Launcher
[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!
See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have
Next Launcher 3D Shell
[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!
Nova Launcher
[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!
Smart Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!
Solo Launcher
[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!
Themer: Launcher
[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!
Z Launcher by Nokia
[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!
Wrap up
If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!
- The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
- The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
- Or you can check out all of our app lists here!
Signup for our newsletter
- Android Weekly
- Apps Weekly
15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!
Action Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!
Apex Launcher
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.
Get it now on Google Play!
Buzz Launcher
[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!
CM Launcher
[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!
GO Launcher EX
[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!
Google Now Launcher
[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!
Launcher 8
[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!
Lightning Launcher
[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!
See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have
Next Launcher 3D Shell
[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!
Nova Launcher
[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!
Smart Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!
Solo Launcher
[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!
Themer: Launcher
[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!
Z Launcher by Nokia
[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!
Wrap up
If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!
- The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
- The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
- Or you can check out all of our app lists here!
Signup for our newsletter
- Android Weekly
- Apps Weekly
15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!
Action Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!
Apex Launcher
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.
Get it now on Google Play!
Buzz Launcher
[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!
CM Launcher
[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!
GO Launcher EX
[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!
Google Now Launcher
[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!
Launcher 8
[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!
Lightning Launcher
[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!
See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have
Next Launcher 3D Shell
[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!
Nova Launcher
[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!
Smart Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!
Solo Launcher
[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!
Themer: Launcher
[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!
Z Launcher by Nokia
[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!
Wrap up
If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!
- The best wallpaper apps you should definitely check out!
- The most gorgeous Material Design apps for Android!
- Or you can check out all of our app lists here!
Signup for our newsletter
- Android Weekly
- Apps Weekly
Updated firmware arrives for Gear S2
The Samsung Gear S2 isn’t available everywhere just yet. In the markets where it currently exists however, it’s been receiving a variety of updates designed to improve user experience. This morning, one such update arrived in South Korea, bringing with it a slew of cosmetic tweaks and a handful of new features.
Senior XDA member SuperSoulFly has posted all the details over at XDA. So what’s new? Quite a bit.
See also: Samsung Gear S2 review
An “Auto open apps” option has been included in the settings. When activated, the app-selection interface is modified slightly. When scrolling through your apps list, the one you stop on will launch after a brief pause rather than requiring you to tap it.
The device now supports the ability to notify you if it becomes disconnected from your phone. You can reach this option through the “Connections” menu.
Screen timeout options have been added, allowing you to choose between 15 seconds, 30 seconds, a minute, or five minutes. There are also a handful of new watchfaces.
See also: Virtually try on the Samsung Gear S2 with this new app
Some new stock apps have also been added, which SuperSoulFly denounces as bloatware. These include a world clock, the official Starbucks app, a navigation app (Korean), and a news app. So far, all of these new additions can be uninstalled.
A notification indicator has been added, which puts a small orange circle on your watchface if you have unviewed notifications. Also, double-tapping notifications will increase the text size for easier reading. If you swipe up to dismiss a notification, a trash can appears, providing you with a little better feedback as to what the gesture accomplished.
The add-widget “+” symbol now expressly says “add widget” beneath it, removing any confusion as to the button’s purpose.
An “Add template” feature has been added on the watchfaces menu. This will let you choose and modify existing face styles.
All in all, the update serves to streamline rather than revolutionize the Gear S2’s interface. Going forward, we can probably expect all of these details to be out of the box features when the Gear S2 begins arriving in new markets around the world.
15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
Android launcher apps have long been an integral part of the Android experience. If you don’t like the way your home screens look or act, you can simply download an app to change all of it. There is no doubt that Android launcher apps have a far more diverse set of features than any other genre of application and you can really do some amazing things with these apps. Let’s take a look at the best ones! As of 2015, EverythingMe Launcher has closed its doors. We wish their team the best in their future endeavors!
Action Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Action Launcher has long been a favorite of our readers and it deserves a spot on this list. It comes with a stock Android kind of look but with several unique features baked in. Some of these include Quicktheme which uses your background to determine the theme accents, Covers which is a unique take on folders, Quickpage which is like a hidden home screen you can access almost anywhere, and plenty more. It has a long history of being stable with frequent updates. You can also follow developer Chris Lacy on Google+ by clicking here for news about updates.
Get it now on Google Play!
Apex Launcher
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Apex Launcher has been around for a very long time and remains one of the most iconic Android launchers ever. Like Action Launcher, it aims to give a stock Android look and feel with a few extra features thrown in for good measure. Among those include the ability to alter things like transition animations, scrolling habits, and there is even a scrolling dock where you can lay plenty of icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with many themes available on the Google Play Store and it also supports icon packs. It’s also quite stable on pretty much any device.
Get it now on Google Play!
Buzz Launcher
[Price: Free]
Buzz Launcher is an intensely popular launcher with a different kind of theming. Buzz Launcher utilizes something called Homepacks which allows you to not only customize and theme your home screen, but actually change the entire home screen itself. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations and that means you can literally play with this thing all day long and still have new themes to check out. Other than theming, it’s a fairly solid Android launcher but it is complex so be prepared for that.
Get it now on Google Play!
CM Launcher
[Price: Free]
Despite it’s name, CM Launcher has actually no ties to CyanogenMod whatsoever. The app is done by the same developers who did CM Security which adorns our best Android Antivirus apps list right now. The app focuses on creating the smallest conceivable footprint and the download itself is only 2MB and uses only a small amount of system resources. It’s a light, fast, and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is the direct integration with CM Security so this one has a built-in antivirus. Of course, we know not everyone wants that but this is a fairly good option for those that do. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess what apps you need based on your location and the time of day.
Get it now on Google Play!
GO Launcher EX
[Price: Free with in app purchases / $5.99]
GO Launcher is among the most popular Android launchers out there with well over 100 million installs to date. This is likely thanks to its simplicity and extensive theming options. It comes with a fairly vanilla set of features that allow for slight customization but the biggest feature is the theming. There are a metric ton of GO Launcher themes and you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It’s easy to use and works rather well, even if some believe it to be a tad overrated.
Get it now on Google Play!
Google Now Launcher
[Price: Free]
Google Now Launcher is the the go-to launcher for fans of Google and Android. It is essentially the stock launcher experience with built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, “Okay, Google” hotword integration, translucent theming elements, and more. It’s not overly powerful or customizable, but it is slim, quick, and built-in Google Now is a must have for Google Now fans. It’s a great launcher that doesn’t use a lot of resources and this is what Nexus owners see when they turn on their devices for the first time.
Get it now on Google Play!
Launcher 8
[Price: Free]
Launcher 8 is a unique launcher because it looks nothing like Android. In fact, this launcher’s sole purpose of existing is to make your phone look like a Windows Phone. Using this, you can convert your widgets into Windows Phone style live tiles and create virtually the same experience you’d find on Windows Phone, but with Android instead. It also comes with a handful of other features making it a very solid Android launcher app.
Get it now on Google Play!
Lightning Launcher
[Price: Free / $2.99]
Lightning Launcher isn’t the most popular on the list but it does have among the highest ratings. This Android launcher app has a very simple premise. It aims to use as few of your device’s resources as humanly possible. The features are a bit scant but do include some powerful ones including unlimited home screens, the ability to add and arrange icons anywhere you want, and its ability to run on almost nothing makes it a great launcher for older and lower end devices. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something light and fast.
Get it now on Google Play!
See also: 10 best Android tablet apps that all tablet owners should have
Next Launcher 3D Shell
[Price: Free / $16.99]
Next Launcher is among the most unique Android launcher apps on this list. It also happens to be developed by the GO Launcher developers so you know there’s some experience there. Next Launcher features a 3D style home screen layout that utilizes a scroll tab on the right side to quickly switch to any home screen you’ve created. It also features unique icon layouts, themes, a unique set of widgets (separate download), and those who pay for the app will get a lot more. You can also pick it up for cheaper than the list price if you buy it using the in-app purchases of the free version.
Get it now on Google Play!
Nova Launcher
[Price: Free / $4.00]
It doesn’t get too much better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova has been around since “the good old days” and remains not only relevant, but one of the best Android launcher app options available. It has a laundry list of customizable features that include gesture support, the ability to customize the look and feel of the app, icon pack support, themes, and much, much more. It also gets updated at a fairly rapid pace which means bugs generally get squished quickly. It also comes with the ability to backup and restore your home screen layouts for when you eventually switch to a new phone.
Get it now on Google Play!
Smart Launcher 3
[Price: Free / $3.99]
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique take on the Android home screen. This one has one single home screen with a number of shortcuts arranged in a flower-style pattern. The idea is to give access to apps quickly while using as little resources as possible to keep your device running quickly. It features notifications on the home screen, tons of available themes, security features like password-protected applications, and there are even plugins. It may be a bit simple for some, but it’s powerful and works very well.
Get it now on Google Play!
Solo Launcher
[Price: Free]
Solo Launcher bills itself as a DIY solution for those who like to have more control. It utilizes Material Design 2.0 which means you’ll have the latest options when it comes to design. There are a metric ton of customization options and you can make this launcher pretty much act and appear how you want. It also comes with theming, gesture controls, a clock/weather widget and more. It’s definitely worth a shot if you need something small, fast, and customizable.
Get it now on Google Play!
Themer: Launcher
[Price: Free]
Themer is a launcher where pretty much everything can be customized. This app works similarly to Buzz Launcher where you download a theme that changes almost everything about all of your home screens. Each them is then individually customizable which gives you a virtually unlimited number of themes and combinations to work with. Themer developers also give this app away for free and all themes are free which makes it a lot of fun to goof around with without worrying about spending too much money. It’s powerful, has icon pack support, and is integrated with Zooper Widget.
Get it now on Google Play!
Yahoo Aviate Launcher
[Price: Free]
Aviate Launcher has had quite a history. It started out as a startup project by a handful of developers before Yahoo! bought it out a couple of years back. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements to try to deliver the apps you need when you need them based on location and time of day. It also comes with a sleek, simple layout along with Smart Stream which is kind of like Google Now. It’s a powerful launcher and quickly becoming a go-to solution for a lot of people. It’s also totally free.
Get it now on Google Play!
Z Launcher by Nokia
[Price: Free]
Z Launcher by Nokia is last on our list and this is one exceptionally minimal launcher. It features one home screen, an app drawer, and then an area where you can actually write out what you’re looking for. It’s a unique premise that’s great for those who enjoy something more minimal and slick and those who don’t need anything complex. It’s still in beta, but surprisingly stable and a worthy option. Check out our hands on video below to see exactly how it works!
Get it now on Google Play!
Wrap up
If we missed any awesome Android launcher apps, tell us about them in the comments below! This list is continually updated so who knows, your recommendation may make it up here some day! If you want to keep up to date on the latest Android apps and games news, you can subscribe to our newsletter using the form below!
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Dell is the latest PC maker with a gaping security flaw
Lenovo and Samsung might not be the only big Windows PC makers pre-installing software that compromises your security. Computer buyers have discovered that Dell is shipping at least some PCs (such as the new XPS 15) with a self-signed security certificate that’s the same on every system. If intruders get a raw copy of the certificate’s private key, which isn’t hard, they have an easy way to attack every PC shipping with this code. The kicker? This is much like Lenovo’s Superfish exploit, only written by the hardware vendor itself — Dell had plenty of time to learn from its rival’s mistake.
Via: The Inquirer
Source: Reddit
Troublesome details arise about ‘Clock Kid’ Ahmed’s arrest
The attorney for Ahmed Mohamed revealed new details about the September events in Texas in a letter sent to both school and city officials in Irving, Texas. If you’ll recall, Ahmed is the 14-year-old boy who was arrested under suspicions of creating a “hoax bomb,” but the device was nothing more than a clock. Early accounts of the events that day detailed one teacher seeing the homemade gadget and thinking nothing of it before a second told him that it resembled a bomb. In a letter of demand, Mohamed’s lawyer alleges that school officials never really thought that the clock was an explosive device, as the second teacher didn’t initially treat the gadget like she thought it was dangerous. She did escort Ahmed to the office, where the letter alleges that five police officers, the principal and the assistant principal performed an “interrogation.” During that time, he was allegedly not permitted to contact his parents and was forced to sign a letter of confession under the threat of expulsion. Eventually, authorities decided not to charge him, but his family says the damage was done.
Flying a drone is easier when the battery doesn’t die right away
It just kept going until it was barely a speck in the sky. I was sure I had lost the Bebop 2 review unit Parrot had sent Engadget. The fact that the company’s latest mid-level drone flies longer and faster than its predecessor popped into my mind along side the concern that it would just keep going and going. The onboard 14-megapixel 1080p camera would capture the entire flight. Of course that would be a moot point if it continued on its westward path and eventually lost power and splashed down in the Pacific. I squinted as the sun made it difficult to see the Bebop finally take a quick right turn along its pre-programmed path around San Francisco’s Sutro Tower. My concern wasn’t completely unfounded: Minutes earlier I had difficulty with the drone’s WiFI connection with my phone after powering up. But at the end of the day, the Bebop 2 delivers on its extended battery life and speed even if it takes time to get it up in the air. Slideshow-342649
ZTE’s Cyber Monday sale starts today, lasts through November 30
ZTE today announced that its Cyber Monday sale starts today and will last through November 30. The company sells off-contract smartphones at very low prices already, and with this ongoing sale, those low prices get even sweeter.
One of the major deals ZTE is running, is $100 off on a 64GB Axon Pro. It normally sells for $449.98, but using promo code CYBER64, that price can come down to a meager $349.98. Similarly, ZTE is running a deal on the 32GB model of the Axon Pro, where promo code CYBER32 will bring the price down to $329.98 from $399.98.
ZTE is running plenty of other sales on its online store as well. Be sure to hit the source link below for additional details!
source: ZTE
Come comment on this article: ZTE’s Cyber Monday sale starts today, lasts through November 30
Holiday Gift Guide 2015
As hard as it may be to believe, it’s that time of year again where we look for deals on all sorts of wonderful gifts. Not because we’re shopping for our friends or family, mind you, but we’re looking for promotions to take advantage of for ourselves. In all seriousness, this is the time of year where it’s fun to shop for electronics in mobile gadgets.
While we gather up some of the best Black Friday deals as they relate to Android, we are also putting together a gift guide. What you will find below is a list of some of our favorite gadgets and gizmos from brands and services we love and respect. In almost every case, we have spent time with at least one of the brand’s products and have a review that you can read up.
We’ve sorted this into a number of categories and think you’ll find something that fits your budget!
Running out of time? Why not grab a gift card to one of the following services?
Titan M MicroUSB Cable – $19.95
Toss your frayed, tangled phone charger in the garbage; it’s time for an upgrade. The Titan is wrapped twice in industrial-grade, flexible steel and packs permanently-sealed USB and micro USB connectors that won’t be falling apart in this century, or the next. With a quality micro USB connector, the Titan is tough on all types of outside elements from electricity spikes to happy puppies looking for a chew toy.
Portable chargers don’t have to be boring eyesores—spice up your charging routine with Andru, the fun-size, pose-able Android mascot. Simply plug Andru into the wall, connect your USB charger, and power up any device needing a boost. Andru is specially made for Android devices, but is willing and ready to charge any USB-capable device!
Tylt Vu wireless charging car mount – $80
Tylt has done it again with the Vu wireless car charging mount. The sturdy design of the Vu-line has carried over and the mount’s smartphone fit is impeccable. The charger’s large size may be a concern, and the price tag is a bit much. But if you can manage, you won’t be disappointed.
RAWtronics 7-Port USB Hub – $29
Eliminate the need to swap out USB devices with this super lightweight, travel-size hub. Easily plug in your printer, phone, tablet, external hard drive, pen drive, and whatever other gadgets your busy life requires to get reliable high-speed connectivity in one place.
Tego 3-in-1 MFi-Certified Cable – $20.99
Do you always have your smartphone, e-reader, and trusty iPod on hand? Now you can easily power them all with one simple cord. The Tego includes USB to micro USB, Lighting, and 30-pin adapters; i.e. you’ll have a hard time finding a device from the past 5 years this handy cable won’t charge.
Wood protective case from Cover Up – $30
Offering all-round protection, the slim-fitting case simply snaps on to your Android smartphone guarding against knocks and bumps whilst maintaining a lightweight feel and allowing the real wood to take centre stage. Clever cut-outs mean that you don’t lose out on any of your phone’s functionality. Multiple designs and models available.
Wavelength Series protective case from Caseology – $16
Add a two-toned case to your Android phone that’s equal parts style and protection. Easy to put on, it stays puts and keeps your buttons responsive. The raised lip ensures your camera is not sitting flat against the table and picking up silly scuffs or scratches. Choose from a variety of models from LG, Samsung, Motorola, and more.
Lyrix Dancing Water Bluetooth Speaker – $35.95
If you love colorful lights, water shows, and blasting tunes—all your dreams are about to come true. This epic dancing speaker is basically your personal Bellagio fountain show, and it won’t cost you a flight to Vegas. With rhythmic colorful lights and bouncing water, you can enjoy quality entertainment and your favorite tunes with the crystal clear sound they deserve.
Logitech UE BOOM Bluetooth Speaker – $149.99
The BOOM shows up in a big way—packing incredibly powerful sound quality and a flawless design that blows away the competition. There’s no wonder BOOM constantly tops the list of great Bluetooth speakers: it’s amazingly loud inside and out, lasts for 15 hours on each charge, and still fits easily in your bag. Give yourself or a loved one the gift of top-notch wireless audio this holiday season.
VoltNow RiverFi Portable Battery & Bluetooth Speaker – $29.99
You need your music, and you need it now. RiverFi offers extreme portability and relentless power potential so you can have your music on-the-go, and charge your phone too. It’s perfect for parties, long trips, anywhere you go where you crave audio and get low on juice. The sound quality is stellar and there’s enough power to fully charge your phone twice.
The Fugoo XL scored a rare 5/5 stars in our accessory review. Not only does it have top level sound reproduction, but it also has 35-hour battery life, with protection to keep it safe from the elements. It has an IP67 rating which makes it dustproof and water resistant making it one of the best all around portable Bluetooth speakers you can get today.
Jabra Sport Pace Wireless earbuds – $80
Exercise and fitness fans should not be tethered to cables anymore. With advanced 4.1 Bluetooth technology, music sounds better than ever and can go further distances away from your smartphone. Bring the Jabra Sport Pace wireless earbuds along for your next workout and control your volume, tracks and phone calls with the inline remote control and mic.
Soul Transform On-Ear Headphones – $100
Music should sound fun and pump you up when you work out. The Soul Transform headphones do just that with heart pounding bass and deep clarity. Designed for athletes, the Soul Transform headphones come with washable ear pads and a headband that keeps them locked to your head.
EasyAcc Classic 3350 mAh power bank – $10
Sometimes all you need is one charge to get you through a full day. With fewer smartphones than ever with replaceable batteries, like this year’s Samsung Galaxy Note 5, portable power banks are needed more than ever. The EasyAcc Classic power bank has just enough power to give you one full charge for your smartphone at 3350mAh.
QiStone+ universal wireless charger – $55
Smartphones are adopting Qi Wireless charging and just because you have a portable power bank doesn’t mean you should have to bring a charging cable along with you. The Qi Stone portable power bank can not only charge your Qi enabled smartphone, but it can also charge via Qi as well.
cheero Ingress Power Cube – $51
You won’t come across many portable power banks that look like the cheero Ingress Power Cube. Officially licensed by Ingress, the cheero Ingress Power Cube will help keep you charged up when you’re out looking for capturing energy sources.
CHOETECH 15600 mAh 2-Port Quick Charge USB Portable Charger – $35
The CHOETECH 15600mAh power bank is built with two Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 ports which takes advantage of speedy charging. It can power your phone back to full in a fraction of time compared to the competition.
Not all batteries are created equal. The Braven BRV-Bank is designed for the active lifestyle. The BRAVEN BRV-BANK is smart, ultra-rugged and revolutionizes power on-the-go as the world’s first Bluetooth®-enabled, USB-controlled power bank. Used with the free BRV-BANK Remote Battery Monitor App, you have complete wireless control of your BRV-BANK and Braven’s distinct Bear and S.O.S. safety features. At 6000mAh this power bank can charge most smartphones two full times, is protected by the elements with superior build quality.
Coocheer 15W Solar Panel Charger -$45
Going to be off the grid for a while? Or do you just want to harness the sun’s energy and save some electricity? The Coocheer 15W solar panel is just for you as it has everything you need to charge up your tablet, smartphone or other USB powered devices. All you have to do is plug your device into the charger, unfold the panels and soak up the sun rays.
Solove Titan 20000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank – $44.99
Not only is the Solove Titan a massive 20000mAh battery, which is enough to recharge your smartphone at least six times, but it is also gorgeous and meticulously designed. It encased in a unibody metal frame which looks stunning and matches the devices you use on a regular basis
proXPN VPN: Premium Lifetime Subscription – $39
Surf the web with ultimate peace of mind – both at home and on the road – over proXPN’s fully-encrypted, lightning-fast servers. Your lifetime premium subscription gets you unlimited bandwidth on their ultra-private global server network and complete online anonymity—it even unblocks geo-locked content so you can browse freely around the world.
Getflix: Lifetime Subscription – $39
Watching Netflix, Hulu or other streaming services can unfortunately be difficult while traveling outside the US. Rather than bypass these restrictions with the help of a complex and slow VPN, choose a faster and simpler solution with Getflix.
Tiger VPN Lite: Lifetime Subscription – $29
TigerVPN protects you from cyber crimes, and guarantees that your Internet activity stays anonymous. How? Connect to TigerVPN Lite’s 15 servers worldwide to get fast, private access—free from location restrictions. Yes, that means you can have your Netflix and watch it too no matter what country you’re visiting.
The Complete 2015 Learn to Code Bundle – $59.99
Composed of over 74 hours of training and 8 extensive courses, this is everything you’ll need to cut your teeth in the world of developing. You’ll learn the ins and outs of crafting applications, building websites and getting involved in an industry where the pay is pretty darn good. You’ll have expert guidance and access to quality instructors whose goal is to help you become the best coder you can be.
The Complete Raspberry Pi 2 Starter Kit – $115
This bundle includes not only a few classes to get your feet wet, but you also receive the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B AND a starter kit that includes to goodies. The Quick Starter Kit includes a Wi-Fi USB Adapter, Power Adapter, USB Cable, and a Raspbian OS SD Card with Minecraft preloaded.
The Lytro Illum dares to be different, boasting even more robust features than its 1st Gen predecessor and a sleek design reminiscent of professional DSLRs. How? Most cameras capture the position of light rays, producing your average static 2D image. But the Illum’s cutting-edge technology records the direction of these rays, generating images you can later refocus, change perspective within, or view in 3D. You can essentially revisit the scene of the photo—meaning you’ll never miss snapping the perfect shot again.
FLOOME Smartphone Breathalyzer – $99
The Floome breathalyzer will not only help you stay away from fines, but more importantly it will help prevent crashes and save lives. Drunk driving is all too common in this world and many of you probably know someone who has been affected by a drunk driver in some way. If you haven’t, consider yourself fortunate and don’t become a statistic.
iClever Portable Bluetooth Keyboard – $30
Overall, this is a great Bluetooth keyboard. It’s compact and relatively easy to type on. It has a great build quality to it and the battery life leaves nothing to be desired. If you’re looking for a Bluetooth keyboard, you could do a lot worse and spend a lot more.
Hercules WAE Outdoor 04Plus pack – $42
Why not enjoy your music while you ride? The WAE Outdoor 04Plus pack is specifically designed for riders. It comes with a super-tough bike mount designed to withstand intense vibrations and a backpack attachment clip specially created for extreme use. IP66-certified: protected against powerful water jets, and totally protected against dust, sand and mud.
Twenty Digital Audio Amplifier – $150
Twenty is a digital amplifier for your speakers that receives Bluetooth or optical audio streaming from your phone, tablet or computer. Twenty’s minimalist design looks good on any surface – next to the stereo, between your speakers, on your desk or entertainment console. The aluminum volume knob is weighted for smooth and accurate volume adjustment. It’s perfect for those old speakers sitting in your closet or for new speakers for those who demand great sound.
TYLT ENERGI+ Power backpack – $100
If you’re in the market for a backpack and travel a lot or you find yourself needing to charge your mobile devices fairly often, this is the backpack for you. The TYLT ENERGI+ Power backpack has built-in padding to protect your devices with a power pack to charge your devices while you’re on the go.
Booq has another fantastic offering with the Talipan Shock. It’s easier to carry than a shoulder bag as it offers two straps instead of one and can also carry laptops up to 16” in size. With a multitude of pockets, this backpack is built to handle all of your needs. A huge main volume with document storage and multiple interior accessory pockets makes the Taipan shock extremely functional. Printed debossed lining makes this bag look as cool on the inside as its exterior does.
Perhaps the best gaming experience we’ve seen from Android-powered devices, we’re head over heels in love with the console. Graphics are fantastic, the controller feels just right in hand, and game selection grows daily. Oh, and did we mention this guy pulls double duty for video streaming apps and services? As the platform gets better, the console gets more awesome. Buy one right now and get a free remote worth $50, too!
SONOS – $100+
The first name in Wi-Fi connected home audio, we’ve been using Sonos in the office for years. Thanks to the ever growing list of service providers added to the service, there is always something to listen to. Not only are these ultra-convenient and smart, but they sound amazing, too. Choose from a variety of speakers to suit your needs and budget; prices start at $200.
SKEYE Nano Drone: Matte-Black Limited Edition – $39.99
You don’t need years of drone-piloting experience to have a ridiculously fun time with SKEYE Nano. This smooth black quadcopter automatically calibrates each time it hits the sky, so you’re promised an enjoyable ride whether you choose beginner, intermediate, or advanced mode. Use the remote to hover and move through even the smallest of spaces, thanks to SKEYE Nano’s small and nimble design.
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AIVAnet 