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Friend needs a launcher - specific needs

ardchoille

ardchoille

Android Expert
Yesterday I was able to get two of my long-time friends switched over to Android phones.

One of these friends is now asking for a home launcher with specific capabilities. She wants one that puts tiles/icons on the home screen that update status in real time. Example: Twitter feed counts, email msg counts, calendar appointment counts, phone call counts, etc. She wants to be able to look at her home screen and quickly see if there is anything new that needs her attention. And, yes, she came from an iPhone, she now likes Android better. She doesn't mind of the home screen scrolls up and down but she likely won't use more than one home screen. And she doesn't care what the home screen looks like so long as she can see real-time status updates.

I looked at some of the Windows-type launchers but didn't see one that actually updates icons/counts in real time. She's on the Razr MAXX HD so battery life isn't really an issue.

Any ideas for a home launcher or a specific setup to achieve this?
 
I have android widgets (an app) and there are some good options there. I think it works well with the launcher I am using, apex launcher, but not sure that launcher makes a difference.
 
I know Tesla Unread coupled with Nova Prime will show you unread counts for the Google Apps, your messaging app and Missed calls too.

Dashclock might do FB & twitter with some additional extensions?
 
El Presidente said:
I know Tesla Unread coupled with Nova Prime will show you unread counts for the Google Apps, your messaging app and Missed calls too.

Dashclock might do FB & twitter with some additional extensions?
Click to expand...

Apex Launcher pro also allows apps to place counts/badges on their icons. I use Apex pro and she's been playing with it, she seems to like it.


lunatic59 said:
Combine those with WidgetLocker and she can have all those notifications on her lock screen as well.
Click to expand...

I had completely forgotten about Widget Locker. I remember wanting to buy it when I didn't have the money. I explained what it does and she seems to want that as well.

It looks like Apex Launcher pro + Widget Locker is what she's going to use for now, this combination seems like it will give her what she needs.

Thanks for all of the advice, folks.. this community ROCKS!
 
Does Apex support folders for app shortcuts? I prefer to keep stuff on one home screen, with folders for different categories. With my Triumph's battery life being pretty pathetic, I don't need or want real-time updating for more than my weather app (which checks in with its server about once an hour, so far as I can tell).
 
Seanette said:
Does Apex support folders for app shortcuts? I prefer to keep stuff on one home screen, with folders for different categories. With my Triumph's battery life being pretty pathetic, I don't need or want real-time updating for more than my weather app (which checks in with its server about once an hour, so far as I can tell).
Click to expand...

Yes, Apex supports folders for app shortcuts. Apex also has support for four different kinds of folder previews (stack, fan, grid, iOS) as well as four different types of folder backgrounds (none, ring, square, iOS). You can set/change the size of icons in folders and even hide folder names on the home screen.

I'm not sure how much of this is in the free version of Apex, but being that it's free it's worth checking out. I'm using the paid version.
 
that's all free with exception of the iOS layout. i have free version, and i can make folders and change the appearance of them, as well.
 
I may well give Apex a try myself. Getting very tired of GO constantly pushing more products at me, plus never remembering it's my default launcher after it updates, several times a week.
 
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