Launchers for android smartphones download year. The best functional launchers for the Android system. Difference between launcher and theme

Launcher apps have long been an integral part of Android. If you don't like the way your home screens look, you can simply download the app to change pretty much everything on the system. There is no doubt that Android launchers have a vastly more diverse set of features than any other genre of apps, and you can actually do some amazing things with these apps. Let's take a look at the best!

Action Launcher 3
(Downloads: 2143)
Action Launcher 3 has long been a favorite of our readers, and the app deserves a place on this list. It comes in a design for Android, but with some interesting features. Some of them include, for example, Quicktheme, which uses the resulting background to define theme accents, customize unique skins, there is a Quickpage, a kind of hidden home screen that can take you anywhere, and much more. The application has a long history, is famous for its stability and regular updates. You can also follow the developer's work on his page.

Apex launcher
(Downloads: 753)
Apex Launcher has been on the market for a long time and remains one of the most iconic launchers for Android. Similar to Action Launcher, it retains the vanilla Android look and feel with some extra features added for additional settings... Among them, changes in transition animation, scrolling settings, there is even a scroll dock where you can store many icons. Apex Launcher also includes a theme engine with a huge selection of themes available on Google Play Store The launcher also supports icon packs. It is a fairly stable application that it can run on almost any device.

Buzz Launcher
(Downloads: 545)
Buzz Launcher is a very popular launcher with a variety of themes. Buzz Launcher uses what is called Homepacks and allows you to customize not only your home screen theme, but also completely change your home screen. There are over 800,000 downloadable configurations, which means you can play with the app all day and there are still tons of options to check out. Apart from theming, you get a solid launcher, but it can be tricky to set up, so be prepared.

CM Launcher
(Downloads: 833)
Despite the name, CM Launcher has virtually nothing to do with CyanogenMod. Apps are developed by one developer with CM Security gracing the list of the best antivirus software for Android right now. The application tries to create as little footprint as possible, its download file weighs only 2 MB and uses a minimum system resources... It is a lightweight, fast and stable launcher. Its biggest feature is direct integration with CM Security, thus the launcher has built-in antivirus. Of course, we understand that not everyone wants it, but this is a pretty good option in another case. There is also a contextual element that tries to guess which apps you want based on your location and time of day.

GO Launcher FX
(Downloads: 770)
GO Launcher is one of the most popular Android launchers with over 100 million downloads to date. All this is probably due to the simplicity and wide theming possibilities. The app comes with a fairly basic set of features that allow for minor customization, but main feature the thematization remains. GO Launcher FX launcher app offers tons of themes, you can also use icon packs with this launcher. It's an easy-to-use app that works great even if some think it's a little overrated.

Google Now Launcher
(Downloads: 384)
Google Now Launcher is a launcher for Google and Android fans. It is essentially a launcher based on the built-in Google Now. It features simplicity, integration with Ok Google, HOTWORD, translucent templating elements, and more. It's not overly powerful or highly customizable, but it's subtle and fast decision and the built-in Google Now will delight fans of this feature. it great program which uses a lot of resources and will be especially appreciated by Nexus owners.

Launcher 8
(Downloads: 390)
Launcher 8 is unique because it has nothing to do with Android. In fact, the sole purpose of this functional solution is to make your phone look like Windows Phone... Using the launcher, you will be able to convert your widgets to Windows Phone style (Live Title - Live Tile) and get an experience very similar to Windows Phone, but at Android base... The launcher also comes with a bunch of other features that make it a very good choice.

Lightning Launcher
(Downloads: 905)
Lightning Launcher isn't the most popular app on the list, but the launcher has the highest rating. It is an Android application that is fairly simple to launch. The app strives to use some of your device's resources, but sparingly. Kit functional features quite sparse, but includes several powerful solutions, including unlimited home screens, the ability to add icons anywhere and organize them the way you want, while low consumption of hardware capabilities becomes a welcome feature for older devices. This launcher is definitely worth checking out if you want something light and fast.

Next Launcher 3D Shell
(Downloads: 540)
Next Launcher is one of the most unique Android launchers on this list. The launcher is also developed by the guys at Go Launcher, so they have something in common. Next Launcher 3D Shell uses scrollable home screens, meaning you can see the scroll bar on the right side, it allows you to quickly switch between home screens. There is also a unique set of icons, themes, unique widgets (downloaded separately), and those who pay for the application will receive significantly more. You can also buy the app for a cheaper price after using the demo version.

Nova Launcher
(Downloads: 532)
It's hard to find anything significantly better than Nova Launcher. Like Apex Launcher, Nova builds on the "good old days" and remains not only relevant but also one of the best launcher apps for Android. Nova offers a long list of customizable features that include support for gestures, customization appearance applications, icon pack support, themes and much, much more. The application is also fairly quickly updated, which means that any errors are resolved very quickly. The launcher also comes with the ability to create backup and restore your home screens in case you decide to switch to a new phone.

Smart Launcher 3
(Downloads: 409)
Smart Launcher 3 is another unique launcher for Android. It offers one home screen with a great set of features and buttons arranged in a flower pattern. The idea is to provide access to applications quickly, using as few resources as possible in order to keep the device functioning normally. The launcher uses home screen notifications, tons of themes available, security features and password-protected apps, there are even plugins. Launcher may seem simple to some users, but it is a very powerful and great running application.

Solo Launcher
(Downloads: 394)
Solo Launcher markets itself as a DIY solution for those who would like more control. The launcher uses Material Design 2.0, which means you get the most modern design possible. Not only that, you get a huge number of settings with which you can make the launcher work exactly as it should. Solo Launcher also comes with theming, gesture controls, clock / weather and many other features. This launcher definitely deserves your attention, it is fast and highly customizable.

Themer: Launcher
(Downloads: 758)
Themer is a launcher in which almost anything can be configured. This app works the same way as Buzz Launcher, with which you load a theme, which changes pretty much everything on your home screens. Each is then individually customizable, giving you virtually unlimited combinations of themes to work with. Themer developers offer their application for free, which attracts many users. It is a powerful solution that supports icon sets and also comes with an integrated Zooper Widget.

Yahoo Aviate Launcher
(Downloads: 226)
Aviate Launcher has gained significant popularity. The app started out as a launcher with a handful of developers, long before Yahoo! some years ago. Like EverythingMe Launcher, Yahoo Aviate has some contextual elements that try to get you the apps you want when you need them based on location and time of day. The app also comes in a sleek and simple design, along with a Smart Steam solution that resembles Google Now. It is a powerful launcher that is gaining momentum quickly. It's also a completely free solution.

Z Launcher by Nokia
(Downloads: 864)
Nokia's Z Launcher is the last solution on our list, it's also an extremely minimalist launcher. It includes one home screen, an application tray, and an area where you can search. This is a unique premise that is great for those users who prefer minimalism and functionality without the overkill. The launcher is still in beta, but it already works surprisingly stable and decently.

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

We will pay attention to such characteristics of launchers as ease, free, availability of themes. If the Russian language is included with the launcher, we will note it additionally. We will also identify other features, if any.

So, we present to you top launchers for Android:

Nova Launcher - a launcher with flexible customization of the grid and icons

A fairly original launcher for Android with a Russian-language interface, flexible personalization, intuitive gestures, vivid effects and the ability Reserve copy settings.

Nova Launcher supports desktop gestures, displays the unread message counters of most instant messengers on the dock. The function is implemented thanks to the TeslaUnread plugin. In addition, Nova allows you to flexibly customize the application menu "for the user". Other features of organizing space - you can create folders for grouping applications, switch between horizontal and vertical scrolling, on the phone.

Customizing icons in Nova Launcher

Customizing widgets and apps in Nova

After installing the Nova Launcher app, you can customize the desktop and application menus of your Android smartphone. The launcher's color scheme supports fine color adjustments, and the grid sizes range from 2x2 to 12x12. The dock bar at the bottom of the phone screen can be easily scrolled, the number of panels is changed, you can drag and drop in-demand shortcuts and widgets there.

Apex Launcher: Speed ​​and Convenience

Fast, smooth and easily customizable launcher for android devices. Apex Launcher has multiple customization options. The owner can choose the number of desktops and customize the grid size. The desktops and application menus support circular or elastic scrolling.

The launcher allows you to launch some functions using gestures, change the transparency of the background in applications, enable and disable the scrolling of the wallpaper. Using the desktop lock feature, you can prevent the addition of new objects and the repositioning 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 an unlimited number.

The dock is controlled with gestures, 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 in Google play... GO Launcher EX is an enhanced version of the classic GO Launcher. It is distinguished by high speed of work and smooth interface, abundance of settings and stylish themes.

In display settings, you can set the scrolling speed to adjust the smoothness of movement between displays. By holding the application icon, you can call 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 go to the settings mode. With the help of 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 scrolling customization of desktops 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 - lightweight and simple launcher

A simple launcher for Android with the possibility of fine tuning, the appearance of which is taken from the Android Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat design, which can be launched on earlier or later versions of Android.

Holo Launcher completely repeats 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 10x10. Custom grid settings are available for portrait and landscape modes.

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 vivid effects. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the best 3d launchers for Android OS in general.

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

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

The launcher has flexible customization options: the user can edit the icons: change the angle, size, style, fonts and colors. Quick setup screens allows you to add folders, shortcuts, widgets, 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 branded multifunctional button Next is responsible for enabling 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 - well thought out and understandable

Lightweight and smart launcher for android with intuitive clear interface... APUS Launcher supports the phone acceleration function, clearing the memory with just one click, so that switching between applications and the device operation becomes even faster.

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

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

CM Launcher 3D 5.0 ​​- innovative and flexible launcher

Beautiful, fast and optimized launcher from the creators popular application Clean Master.

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

More than 10,000 free themes are available to users, including 3D ones, customized lock screens, icon packs for applications, contact module themes and live wallpapers that allow flexible individual settings for the appearance of the launcher. If none of the suggested themes suit your taste, it's easy to create your own theme.

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

With smart app sorting, quick search and smart cards to enjoy mobile phone it becomes easier.

Yandex Launcher with "Alice"

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

Yandex developers have made new launcher as comfortable as possible. There are no superfluous here advertising banners and familiar services, standard browsers are used to access the Internet - Bing or Google. In general, the scheme of the new launcher is quite simple, the set of basic functions is standard, so even a child can figure out 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 theme, conveniently place application widgets and buttons. The appearance of the desktop grid can be changed in visual editor... There is also a special quick access panel (opens when you swipe down), which 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 information at your own discretion. Recommended applications are also displayed in the folders, for each folder there is a set of modifiable 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 set up filtering programs by color.

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

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

Smart Launcher - great design and flexible functionality

For a more comfortable and effective work With the phone, many users install third-party launchers that optimize the device's operation as efficiently as possible for specific needs.

Among the wide variety of options, Smart Launcher should be highlighted, and for several reasons at once:

1. Design. The drawing of icons is done at ease, so get used to new system applications will have to minimal amount time. At the same time, the overall design is extremely simple and does not require consumption a large number system resources.
2. Functionality. All applications are extremely adequate and conveniently sorted by area of ​​application, which makes the process of working with the launcher even more convenient. At the same time, 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 the device as efficiently as possible, while ensuring the smooth operation of animations and maximum quick start applications even on fairly old devices.

Initially, the application is provided completely free of charge, and you can use it in this way for an unlimited amount of time. There is also a paid version, in which ads are completely cut out and are available additional options... These include responsive icons applications, the ability to fine-tune sorting and a host of other features. However, it is worth highlighting the possibility of creating 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 Google service Play, 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 app store is replete with a lot of similar programs, but it is Smart Launcher that combines the utmost 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 base one, gives users access to more settings. It is inferior to other similar applications due to the small number of "decorations", while consuming a minimum of RAM, and as a result, it is suitable for weak devices. Judging by the reviews, it works faster on some smartphones than the standard launcher.

The capabilities and features of the program include:

• Turn date on and off;
• Enabling and disabling the news feed;
• Choosing a theme and desktop wallpaper;
• Change the size and appearance of icons;
• Drag and drop search bar from google.

The advantages of the launcher include:

• Free distribution;
• Consumes a minimum of RAM, freezes are excluded even on weak devices;
• Automatic search new updates;
• Access to a package of themes, wallpapers and icons.

The disadvantage is the absence google support 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 the laptop on which it is installed latest version operating room Windows systems 10. The user can take photos on the phone and immediately edit them on the PC, quickly edit the files in the office and send them back to the smartphone, etc.

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

The advantages of the application include:

• Fast continuation of work on a PC;
• Simultaneous Internet search on smartphone and laptop;
• Setting up smartphone gesture control;
• Personal news channel for a fluent view of important news, events and notifications;
• Customize theme, wallpaper and icons to your taste;
• Icon for quick access to contacts.

Disadvantage - consumes quite a lot random access memory, it is advisable to install on devices with 2 GB or more RAM.

Fast, smooth and customizable, Nova Launcher is one of the best modern launchers on Android. Nova offers an advanced look and feel with feature rich settings with minimal performance impact, allowing you to enjoy a refreshed home screen without worrying about mobile performance. There are tons of customization options, from color schemes and icon packs to customizing folders, dropdown menus, and a host of others.

Apex launcher

Apex Launcher lives up to its name and is another great Android launcher with a good balance of functionality and performance. Key features include customizable desktop grid sizes, nine screens, and a scroll box of up to five pages. Endless scrolling, animated transitions, many folder styles and several styles for boxes with applications, and these are not all the functions of the launcher. The paid version opens up even more possibilities, for example, more boxes, support for additional gestures, and others.

Buzz Launcher v.1.9.1.10 (Downloads: 2495)

Like many other Android launchers, Buzz Launcher comes with a huge range of features, offering a unique, personalized interface for Android. Distinctive feature Buzz Launcher becomes the fact that the launcher not only easily creates home screens, but also offers to put them on the network, where you can see the work of other users and apply some solutions on your device. Avid personalization aficionados will be able to customize icons, wallpapers, folders, boxes and home screens, while less experienced users can find redesigned interfaces online and simply download whatever suits their tastes.

Smart Launcher

Smart Launcher provides users with a minimalist desktop with a radial menu where you can place your most used applications like mail, games, navigator and others. In addition, Smart Launcher also includes a smart app box that automatically sorts custom apps into convenient categories, for example: Games, Internet, Multimedia apps (not excluding manual settings, Certainly). The only drawback of Smart Launcher is the support for widgets, which is implemented only in the Pro version.

Launcher Pro
Version 0.8.6 RUS (Downloads: 4290)

Version 0.8.6 Plus RUS: (Downloads: 3817)
Key for PLUS (Downloads: 1761)

Once a cutting-edge launcher that has since faltered, Launcher Pro is still worth mentioning as it remains one of the launchers supporting older versions of Android Gingerbread or Eclair. Launcher Pro includes the ability to create up to seven home screens, with scrolling shortcuts and animated transitions available even on older devices. Unfortunately, while showing the age of the launcher, it's worth noting that Last update he saw in 2011. It's a holdover from the past, but if your smartphone is in the same age category then Launcher Pro is still worth a try.

ADW Launcher

ADW Launcher is an interesting case: a launcher app that can work equally well whether you're using an ancient Android smartphone or one of the cutting edge devices on the market. ADW Launcher supports Android 1.6 (Donut) onwards, it offers Holo-like functionality even on older devices without overloading the system. ADW Launcher includes numerous skins, shortcut boxes, gesture support and many other functional features and settings. The paid version of ADW Launcher EX includes additional options, including a set of animated transitions, application box settings and many others.

GO Launcher EX

An old favorite that defies newfangled upstarts, GO Launcher EX offers a huge ecosystem of customization options, including thousands of themes, dozens of animated transitions for navigation, gesture support, and more. Users of old mobile devices will be pleasantly surprised that GO Launcher EX is compatible with numerous versions starting from 2.0, which guarantees support for devices released after 2009.

Action Launcher Pro ($ 3.99)
version: 3.7.3 Plus (Downloads: 1301)

Action Launcher Pro offers its own version user interface Android. A drop-down box with applications provides users with quick access to their library of applications and widgets (with convenient alphabetical sorting), as well as a specialized set of gestures, the execution of which at the top of the folder icon allows you to launch a variety of applications and shortcuts without having to search for them. In addition, Action Launcher Pro includes all the traditional launcher features, including search bar and settings dock, icon scaling and hidden applications box.

Launcher 8 Google play
Version 3.2.6 (Downloads: 3073)

Tired of the standard Android interface? Launcher 8 works directly with your Adnroid device's home screen, offering the look and feel of Windows 8, with flat, colorful and uncompromising Windows Phone 8 Modern UI tiles. The launcher comes with a suite of apps and a tiled gallery, with the ability to change or add some interface elements, customize colors, backgrounds, and even simulate LiveTiles with your own widgets.

Hi Launcher
version: 1.9.1 (Downloads: 10388)

Perhaps we should call Hi Launcher "iLauncher". Hi Launcher mimics iOS on your Android device, right down to the iOS lock screen (complete with configuration features), glass dock icons, and iOS style folder icons. The launcher also offers a search box on the home screen with a variety of themes, wallpapers, and other customizations. Hi Launcher supports Android 2.2, which allows users who like the look of iOS and Android devices to use the launcher with Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean.

Nova Launcher rightfully tops this list. Here's everything you might have been missing on the drain: full control over the view of icons, folders and other interface elements, vertical and horizontal organization of the application catalog, various transition animations, night mode and much more.

You can customize various nuances of managing the desktop and other sections of the interface. In addition, Nova boasts excellent performance and stability. The paid version of the launcher, among other things, allows you to use new gestures and hide preinstalled programs which you don't need.

2. Go Launcher Ex

To many, Go Launcher may seem redundant. The fact is that the developers of this project are trying to build their own ecosystem inside Android. They have a locker, browser, calendar, weather application, task manager, special widgets and many other applications integrated with each other. And if you like at least a few solutions from GOMO Limited, if you accept this ecosystem, then the launcher will serve as its basis for you.

3. Buzz Launcher

Buzz Launcher is suitable primarily for customization lovers who do not want to spend long hours setting up various programs. With this launcher, you can see the most beautiful home screens customized by other people, and add copies of them to your device in one tap. In this case, everything you need for this - widgets, icons and background images - will be installed automatically.

4. Action Launcher

As you know, gadgets from the Google Pixel series are the first to receive fresh versions Android. The owners of most other devices do not receive updates at all. This problem is partially solved by Action Launcher. Its authors are the first to copy the best features that appear in updates to the Android interface, including icon settings and program display mode, and quickly add them to Action Launcher.

If you love the way Android looks on the Google Pixel, then this launcher is for you. But if you just want a fast shell with a lot of room for customization, Action Launcher might also appeal to you.

5. Microsoft Launcher

Mobile operating room Microsoft system crashed. Nevertheless, many of the company's products use great success, including on Android devices. Microsoft Launcher is one of them.

It not only allows you to customize the look of your home screen, but also conveniently integrates with popular services Microsoft. For example, you can view events and contacts from Outlook, tasks from Wunderlist, and files from a package. Microsoft Office right on your smartphone desktop. And thanks to cloud sync The launcher allows you to quickly open documents and photos on your PC screen.

Market Android tablets growing at an unprecedented rate. Along with it, the number of new owners of these devices is growing. And for some of them the tablet will first Android device that falls into their hands.

Therefore, for those of them, as well as for those who are not satisfied with the proprietary Android shell, I want to present an overview of the best Android launchers designed to work on tablets.

For those who first come across the concept of "Launcher" (or Launcher), I advise you to read this article. In short, this is the application that is responsible for working with desktops on the tablet screen, launching applications from the list, working with shortcuts and widgets, and much more needed for everyday work with the device.

Some tablets already have alternative launchers installed on them by the manufacturer. This, for example, Touchwiz - which is installed on its devices by Samsung.

But today we will talk about third-party launchers that can be found in the store Google applications Play.

So, the best launchers for Android tablets.

The creators of Action Launcher Pro set their main goal to get easy and quick access to applications installed on the tablet. Therefore, the main feature of this launcher is the application bar, which slides out from the left side of the screen.

The panel can be pulled out by sliding your finger from left to right across the screen, or by dedicated button located in the upper left corner of the desktop. If you create multiple desktops on your tablet, the app drawer can only be accessed using this button.

In the application bar, programs are listed alphabetically, and you can quickly jump to the desired application using the alphabet bar located on the right side of the list of programs. Having found desired application, just tap on it to start it. At the same time, the application bar will hide in its place.

Interestingly, Action Launcher Pro doesn't use the app drawer to add them to the desktop. Instead, a more familiar dialog menu is used.

There is a special "Covers" function to access frequently used applications, last visited web pages or contacts, but I have not found a way to customize them.

In addition, Action Launcher lacks the familiar to all of us, even from the early days Android versions, dock for shortcuts and applications. Application shortcuts can be grouped. To do this, just drag one icon onto another, after which you will be able to set the name of this application group.

Apex Launcher looks a bit like the previous ADW.Launcher. The program does not provide step-by-step instructions on its functions and settings upon first launch. As in ADW.Launcher, after a long tap on the shortcut, a pop-up menu of options appears in Apex Launcher.

Application groups in this launcher can be renamed after a long press on it. In addition, when a group is open, you can rename it by clicking on the name.

When you move application shortcuts and widgets on the desktop, the existing icons will move to the sides to free up space. The buttons for launching Google search and voice search in this launcher are the most inconspicuous - and I especially liked that.

Like ADW.Launcher, this launcher has a dock bar at the bottom of the screen, on which groups of applications can also be placed.

To get full access to all animation features and modes, you will have to purchase paid version application, Apex Launcher Pro, which costs $ 3.99.

Chameleon Launcher for Tablets

The only one of all launchers that was created exclusively for tablets - Chameleon Launcher lives up to its name. The main idea behind this app is that its appearance can change depending on the environment.

The desktop in this launcher is completely at the disposal of widgets. Applications are huddled on the dock at the bottom of the screen. When you start Chameleon Launcher for the first time, you will be given step-by-step instruction on setting up widgets.

The application dock can be scrolled and flanked by a desktop selection button and an application drawer button. Unlike other launchers, each desktop has its own application dock.

Despite its original idea - the ability to change the appearance of the application depending on your location (for example, at home or at work), the program is currently slightly damp. Apps sometimes spontaneously disappear from the dock, and widgets take a long time to update when changing desktops.