ADW Launcher - Abandonware?

[Rachel A]

Looks like the last update was at the same time Google ran the 10c sale on it.

Nothing on the authors blog about any changes.

Anyone any thoughts as to whether or not to play around with it?

I'm on Go right now but pondering making a move.

Still on FroYo so ICS launchers like Apex are out...

 

[Hadron]

I would say that as long as it works for you then it's fine to use. Understand that it's less attractive if you are not already using it though.

Until recently I was using Go Launcher, but had stopped updating and wound back to an earlier release because I felt that most of the recent changes were backward steps as far as I was concerned. Still used it for a couple of months like that - self-imposed lack of updates wasn't a problem.

(Now using Holo Launcher, which is much smaller - important on a resource limited device like mine).

 

[zuben el genub]

I use it. I'm running CM7. The more stuff they put in a launcher, the less I like.

I use my own photos for wallpaper, downloaded the Ubuntu theme and just use the icons.

ADW is integrated into Cyanogen Mod up to 7.2.

 

[OverByter]

Right now I'm still playing around with the stock Sense launcher but before this phone I always ran ADW EX and loved it. Sadly between fragmentation and rampant piracy the app dev picture on Android is pretty bleak. Apple users expect to pay between $3 to $5 per application, Android users don't purchase very many apps that cost more than $1.99. Hard to strike it rich at those prices no matter how awesome your app might be.

 

[zuben el genub]

Depends on the app. I've paid between $10-15 for apps I wanted. Mostly Audubon and Astronomy. I won't pay for a GO launcher skin, as I don't like skins. Nor will I pay for an ADW skin. I'm not a fan of skins, so I don't buy. I did buy ADW EX.

I came from a Palm background. I prefer getting things in order my way on a screen than pretty and widgets. Just because the phone can do something, doesn't mean I want it to. Pretty stuff and extras should be available to those that want it, but customizable for those of us who don't.

 

[pastafarian]

While the state of app market and piracy have something to do with it, there's way more at play here. First, the default launchers on newer devices are good enough now that many are no longer even looking for replacements. In the past, the first thing I did with a new phone was to add a launcher. With the LTEvo, I'm fine (so far) with the default Sense 4.0 launcher. On the other end, you have developers like Go who put out a free product that's very configurable and constantly updated (not necessarily a good thing). It doesn't leave a whole lot of room for even a $1-$2 launcher to thrive. Launcher Pro also seem's to have died on the vine. FTR, I've paid for both ADW and Launcher Pro, yet no longer use either.

On an older device that's resource limited, ADW still makes an excellent choice. For those devices, the launcher is probably already reached the point where updates aren't entirely necessary. It just works!

 

[sanibel]

FTR, I've paid for both ADW and Launcher Pro, yet no longer use either.

Same here.
I've been testing-comparing several launchers (Nova, Apex, ADW EX), and settled on "Go." It's free and customizable.
The launchers competition reminds me of the browsers "war" from way back: Until MS threw into the arena a free browser. We now wouldn't consider paying for a browser ~ wouldn't we?