When buying a new Android phone or tablet, you’d probably go for the device that offers the best features: the highest megapixel camera, the biggest screen, and the fastest processor, and so on, with software being an afterthought. It’s not until you start using your device day-to-day that it becomes clear just how important the interface is in making sure your Android phone or tablet is not a complete pain in the backside to use.
Most manufacturers have their own take on Google’s stock Android launcher - the launcher being the software that decides how your homescreen and app tray look and behave. Many manufacturers ship their devices with launchers that try to make everything simpler to use, or which try to ape iOS's design. In my opinion, they almost always fail to create something better than the original, with many being unnecessarily clunky and cluttered.
By picking your own launcher you can banish an unfavourable interface, replacing it with a far nicer and more customisable one, ready to meet your preferences. Some can even change the way you interact with your homescreen. It’s not hard installing one, either, just download the app and launch it, and it’ll do the rest. Here are the best ones you can get right now. And better still, they are all free to use.
Action Launcher 3
Action Launcher 3 is all about speed. It is probably one of the more unusual launchers out there as it turns the standard interface design on its head. For example, if you want to find an app, rather than going into the traditional app screen, you can swipe in from the left side of the screen for Quickdrawer and – as the name suggests – will give you to access your favourite apps much more quickly.
Action Launcher 3 also allows you to import from your existing layout from other launchers such as Apex, Nova, Google Now Launcher, HTC Sense, Samsung/Galaxy TouchWiz and the stock Android launcher. So if you want to keep a familiar design without all the bloatware, or clutter, Action Launcher is the one.
Arrow
The Arrow launcher is a Microsoft Garage project offering major simplification of the Android experience. If your original Android interface is a little cluttered and you’re more of a minimalist, Arrow is a good choice. It makes it easy to find, launch and get back to your favourite apps, keep in touch with friends, and best of all, it learns from you – so the more you use it, the better it gets. The apps page is automatically arranged based on your usage so you’ll waste less time finding the app you need. Unlike some launchers, it runs smoothly with no lag, so perfect for those that hate clutter. Dare we say it also looks akin to iOS.
Aviate
Yahoo’s Aviate launcher is not only clean and tidy in looks, but it’s smart, too. It automatically organises your apps and shows you additional information, at the times you need. For instance, it will let you know traffic conditions during your morning commute; give you intelligent calendar features at work; and offer music apps and widgets when you plug in your headphones. We liked its clutter-free and easy-to-navigate design, which make every interaction faster and more efficient. Definitely worth a try.
Google Now
The Google Now launcher is a good bet for anyone wanting something akin to the standard Google Android skin that it ships with its Nexus devices. Simple, clean and minimal. What we liked about Now Launcher was that transitions between different screens were super quick, and by just swiping right from the homescreen, you can see Google Now cards that bring you just the right information, at the right times. However, be warned that the level of customisation isn’t as great here as on other launchers, and the latest version is only available on all devices with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or higher.
Nova
Those who like to have everything 'just so' will love the Nova launcher as the level of customisation available is insane. Users can make their phones look how they want thanks to a homescreen that lets you change icons, layouts, animations and more. The launcher also lets you snap icons or widgets half way across the usual desktop grid cells, allowing for yet more flexibility in your app layouts.
There’s colour controls for labels, folders, unread badges, drawer tabs and backgrounds. You will also be able to find thousands of additional icon themes for Nova Launcher on the Play Store. The most impressive thing about Nova, however, is that it’s very fast - with no lag - which is surprising considering its flexibility.
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