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Apex and Nova used to go toe to toe for launcher supremacy, but while Nova has continued to improve, Apex's fall from grace has been something of a spectacle. Last year's update to version 4 was met with criticism from users, leading the developer to exercise a partial rollback to the previous release. Now the launcher is back in the spotlight with a scammy-looking popup that recommends its own Privacy Browser when launching Chrome from the app drawer.
There was a time when Apex Launcher was among the best home screen apps on Android. However, it fell behind the likes of Nova and Action Launcher before going silent. Apex made a comeback in 2017, but the update to v4 over the summer has been nothing short of a disaster. Now, the developers are trying to undo the damage by rolling back to v3 in the latest "update."
One of the most powerful ways you can take control of your smartphone and really set the tone for your mobile user experience is by switching up your launcher. There are plenty of alternatives out there, from big, popular options like Nova Launcher to the small and obscure. Last year we saw the fondly remembered Apex Launcher make a surprise comeback, with a series of new updates arriving after two years of radio silence. Now, one year later, another update is out, but this release may single-handedly be destroying Apex Launcher's legacy.
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Launchers come and launchers go, but some of them come back. Who can forget the unexpected return of ADW Launcher recently? Not to be left out, the developers of Apex promised a comeback by the end of May, and now a new version is available. It's only a beta, but count this as a promise fulfilled.
Apex? Is that you? But...where have you been? That's right folks, after almost 2 years without an update the once revered Apex Launcher is finally making a comeback. The one-time fan favorite was right up there in its heyday, battling it out with Nova to be crowned launcher-king. Then it all went quiet. The updated app promises mysterious new features when it relaunches in May, so we can probably expect some Nougat inspired goodness.
Apex's most recent update has brought the third-party launcher a flood of angry reviews over a new app recommendation feature that users are perceiving as adware. The popular app's overall score still sits well above a 4.0, but you don't need to scroll through the latest reviews for long before coming across numerous one-star ratings and anger-driven complaints.
Apex might be the last of the major launcher replacements to get a redesign for Android 5.0's visual style, but it certainly doesn't want to be the least. Apex's 3.0 update adds new Lollipop animations and a completely revamped visual style, making it more or less homogenous with Google's own launcher, but with the range of settings and tweaking options that customization fans crave. You can download the standard Apex Launcher for free, with the $4 upgrade app available for more options.
It looks like the "OK, Google" search hotword has now become a standard feature for advanced Android launchers. Nova Launcher added the search function in its 3.0 update earlier this month, and now its biggest competitor, Apex, has followed suit. Users who are on Android 4.4 can enable the voice-activated search function in Apex Launcher 2.4. Earlier versions, sadly, cannot access the functionality - you'll have to search with your fingers like some kind of sad troglodyte.
There are a number of big names when it comes to home screen replacements, and Apex is very near the top of the list. This app adds a ton of options to the AOSP launcher and it has just gotten an update to v2.3. It includes plenty of fixes, but also some new features.
Now that the developers of the more popular apps in the Play Store have come to grips with the changes in Android 4.4, it's high time to see them take advantage of the new options. Such is the case with popular alternative homescreen Apex Launcher, which exits its KitKat-enhanced beta and lands on the Play Store today. The new version adds a host of visual tweaks to bring the launcher up to date with 4.4.
KitKat introduces a lot of much-needed features into Android, like better support for low-memory devices, a new storage framework, SMS integration with BLAH BLAH BLAH. We all know what the people want: transparent user interface elements! Following Nova Launcher's update to better visually match the KitKat launcher on the Nexus 5, popular alternative Apex Launcher now has a beta version that does much the same thing.
Apex Launcher Launches v2.0, Introduces Badge And DashClock Widget Notifications Via Apex Notifier
Apex Launcher has bumped up to version 2.0, bringing in a host of new features to both the free and pro versions of the app. Free users who make the leap
Apex Launcher has bumped up to version 2.0, bringing in a host of new features to both the free and pro versions of the app. Free users who make the leap will find various improvements to the interface, updated translations, and the option to set the duration of vibrations. The pro version now allows users to place folders in the app drawer, but the star of the show is its integration with the new Apex Notifier.
What makes a developer great is a continued commitment to a great product, and Apex Launcher dev Android Does has it in spades. Their latest in a long line of updates adds a handful of features, most of which are designed to allow the app to more seamlessly integrate with Android 4.2. There's a new shortcut to the Quick Settings menu, as well as modifications to the shortcut selection screen for 4.2 devices. Other changes include better theme, and live wallpaper support and a new dock swipe gesture on the Pro version.
It's National Custom Launcher Update Day! Didn't you know? Hot on the heels of Nova Launcher's recent update, Apex Launcher was also bumped up to v1.3. Only, with that update, the launcher decided to FC every time it was opened. Bummer.
If you've ever cruised through r/AndroidThemes, then you've probably seen some pretty impressive homescreens floating around. Some are ultra-minimal. Others are highly functional while still retaining an appealing look. Then, there are those that just stand out from the crowd because of a well thought-out layout.
The launcher on Android 4.0 is quite nice when compared to what Google was shipping before. If there is one complaint, it's that the stock launcher is a little light on features. But that's what custom home screen replacements are for, right? We took a look at Apex Launcher when it first came out and were impressed with the initial release. Now Apex Launcher Pro has appeared, bringing with it even more customization.
A couple of weeks ago, we took a look at Nova, a new launcher for Ice Cream Sandwich devices that brings some nice features over the stock offering. Another new launcher designed for Android 4.0, dubbed Apex, landed in the Store this morning and it, too, is pretty incredible. I spent some time playing around with it earlier today; here is a quick look at what Apex has to offer.