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Hello, I am quite new on the Xoom and Android, and I just discovered that we can easily change the ICS Launcher ... I thought we could only do this by adding a piece of software on top of ICS and I didn't want to do that for performances reasons ...
But yesterday I discovered I was totally wrong about the launchers, I tried "Nova Launcher" which is free on the market, and I was absolutly amazed about this launcher fluidity : using the stock ICS launcher, I couldn't add a widget without slowing down everything, going from icones pages to icones pages became then laggy ...
Now with Nova Launcher, no more lags !!! (well, as always, except if you use animated backgrounds but I don't).
I was feeling like having a Quad Core Xoom ! Plus the sliding effects are beautiful (3D cube effect), you can also have a dock on the bottom of the screen, chose how many columns and lines of icones you want, etc ...
Any Xoom user should install this, you will feel like having a new device with perfect fluidity !
Great info! Thanks!
Sent from my Xoom
Had to try it Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 running ICS after reading about it here and WOW the speed is amazing. Stock ICS was pretty good but this is just another level. Highly recommendable!
Nice. I like this.
Thanks I'll Install That
A little trick : to have the best fluidity possible, I disabled the option which let the background image move when you change of icones page (sorry, I don't remember the exact name of this feature in the options menu).
APEX is the other high quality ICS launcher. I ended up going with Apex on both phone and tablet. Try the free one on market.
Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
APEX is the other high quality ICS launcher. I ended up going with Apex on both phone and tablet. Try the free one on market.
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Agree! I have Apex on my phone and tablet as well. Best launcher I've ever tried (out of many) and the developer is very open to suggestions and bug reports. Bought the pro version to support this great app.
I also feel Apex Launcher is the best. Plus, Apex Launcher integrates directly into the Cyanogenmod Launcher Settings. It's a neat feature if you're into that. (I am not sure if Nova Launcher does this...)
With the intention of supporting the developer and unlocking the pro features, i also bought Apex Launcher, and I am having no regrets.
I was on Apex, but switched to Nova. I like its dock better on tablets than Apex's; it's a bit bigger and spaced more normally. I also noticed Nova's search bar in both phone and tablet mode is correctly proportioned to the stock launcher's search bars and the Apex one is a bit bigger and stretched. It's picky, but I'm CDO (OCD in alphabetical order) by nature. Also, I like Nova's organization and the fact by integrating Nova Prime with TeslaUnread, I don't have to install another app for unread counts on my widget locker. There's also the issue Apex has with themes on tablets where the themed icons are tiny and look minuscule compared to the ones without a themed icon which are but normal size. I've brought this up MANY times and each time I get a "oh, we just found the bug and fixed it" every time, so Idk if they just found the wrong bug and fized something else by accident or the bug is more pesky than it appears, but I'd much prefer Nova's correct theme scaling regardless of if I have to apply it myself. Currently, however, I've switched from Lustre back to stock ICS cuz I like the rounded better. Does Apex Pro have the platform folder style? That's another thing in Nova I couldn't live without. Plus the overscroll effect on tablets in Nova has correct margines but goes way too far off the screen in Apex.
Nova isn't THAT good - ok, it's fast, but it has some bugs, like dock isn't docked - there can be icons UNDER dock, which is quite stupid (and I haven't seen option to alter that), then, placing icons into dock is frustratingly inaccurate (hovering over the icon place will place icon to RIGHT (not correct, but as direction -> left, right) place).
Not good for me. I prefer stock. Will try Apex now...
I didn't like NOVA.
I am using Go Launcher EX (not the tablet/HD version, but the regular version).
Loving NOVA!
Don't need the dock. With EOS rom, I can add quick launch items to the status bar. Who needs a dock?
Anyhow, very stable and fast.
Also the gestures are a good feature as well. Just remembered that I can also change icons easily.
ravenhr said:
Nova isn't THAT good - ok, it's fast, but it has some bugs, like dock isn't docked - there can be icons UNDER dock, which is quite stupid (and I haven't seen option to alter that), then, placing icons into dock is frustratingly inaccurate (hovering over the icon place will place icon to RIGHT (not correct, but as direction -> left, right) place).
Not good for me. I prefer stock. Will try Apex now...
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I have absolutly no problem with the dock, all is OK for me, I didn't find a single bug yet.
ADW Launcher EX (the paid version) is still the smoothest launcher. Maybe it doesn't have that ICS look that you may love, but it is the best launcher for tablets.
It is smooth even with live wallpapers (only the lightest, but it behaves far better than stock/nova/apex launcher)
Im using Nova a week now and it's awsome! And the bar ahhh it's epic
using Nova after i saw recommendation here!! im satisfied but i have one problem...when i receive sms on ics xoom they dont appear on the screen like it was in honeycombdoes anyone have this problem?
I've been using Nova since its inception, but its just not what I desire for my Xoom. Both Apex and Nova lack the small features I really want for my tablet, but I'm really leaning towards purchasing Apex. It just has a little bit more.
Nova is fantastic for my GNex, but the Xoom is a totally different experience. I can't wait for Chameleon launcher in the fall.
I went back to ADW. Too many force closes with Nova. I too am waiting for Chameleon.
RampageDeluxe said:
I've been using Nova since its inception, but its just not what I desire for my Xoom. Both Apex and Nova lack the small features I really want for my tablet, but I'm really leaning towards purchasing Apex. It just has a little bit more.
Nova is fantastic for my GNex, but the Xoom is a totally different experience. I can't wait for Chameleon launcher in the fall.
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I love them both (Apex has better themes SO FAR but Nova's are coming close already, and the tablet layout of Nova is 10X better on Nova since the overscroll effect actually works best on it and grid sizes are more correct). I prefer Nova's aesthetics (like Holo design for TeslaUnread + the option for changing the Color Theme in the latest beta that makes all of the blues whichever colour you pick). I've got Nova Prime and regular Apex since regular Apex has 9/10 the paid features of Nova anyways. I'm excited for Chameleon as well, though, so we'll see what happens!
Lets hear what launcher you are using, why you are using it, and any negatives that there might be about it . I'll start:
I'm currently using Aviate Launcher because of looks and simplicity. Icons are smaller and you can use Icon Packs to change the look of stock icons. It knows when I am home travelling, at work, shops and restaurants, and even morning and night time, and changes based on what apps are most relavent for those situations. It also will create "collections" of apps depending on what type of app it is. For example under my Entertainment category I have Netflix, YouTube, Flixter, HBO Go and The CW in the main view and I can expand the category to see even more apps such as IMDb and Eventbrite. These collections can be modified, added or removed. It also has all of my apps listed in alphabeticle order on the far right screen for apps that might not be in a specific category. I'll update this post with screenshots for those who are curious to the look of it.
Not sure why I couldn't edit my original post to add pics from the mobile app...
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Free mobile app
I am using nova for it is the best battery friendly launcher out there. Not only that but also that the performance and speed is unbeatable than any other launcher. I currently am running it with mador icon pack with black wallpaper in order to save battery. I have tried tons of launchers out there in the play store and occasionally revert to aviate launcher too.
How I have my phone set up with nova launcher
Xperia 206b
Best app drawer sorting & more.
A minor bug where upon uninstalling an app from this drawer the launcher crashes, but rare. Not lollipop ready. No longer supported.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/themes-apps/best-launcher-xperia-206b-workatound-fix-t2704222
Now I am using action launcher 3 plus and is very good closest to nova too in simplicity and battery friendly
Nova is pretty clean
Sent from my XT1254
ccheww said:
Nova is pretty clean
Sent from my XT1254
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Where did you get those widgets with the temperature and what not
CchewW's Nova Home
wadamean said:
Where did you get those widgets with the temperature and what not
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Icon Pack: Moonshine
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nexbit.icons.moonshine&hl=en
Clock Widget: Digital Clock Xperia
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonyericsson.digitalclockwidget2&hl=en
3 Battery Gauges: Battery Widget Reborn (I added 3 widgets and placed them next to each-other)
$2.49 - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.apps.reborn.pro&hl=en
Free - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.reborn.beta&hl=en
P.S. Notice the Hours Gauge - this displays hours left on charge (which is clearly incorrect in my screen shot) - it will take a few charge cycles for the App to calibrate this number.
Nova launcher. It has never ever given me a problem and it has a ton of features. Sometimes I even forget that I'm not on stock launcher, lol.
Sent from my Droid Turbo using XDA
Apex launcher, "smoke & glass" icon pack.
I use Nova. I like having a clean setup and Nova allows me to customize pretty much every aspect of the launcher. I even have Lollipop animations and folder colors now In order: Homescreen #1, Homescreen w/ folder open, App Drawer.
I've been using Apex (free) on my previous Galaxy S3. I went to try Nova on this new phone, but noticed you can't disable the widgets from the app drawer... Apex does this on the free version. So, I'm sticking with Apex on the new phone too... it does everything I need it to, is very customizable (even on the free version), and it's fast too.
schwinn8 said:
I've been using Apex (free) on my previous Galaxy S3. I went to try Nova on this new phone, but noticed you can't disable the widgets from the app drawer... Apex does this on the free version. So, I'm sticking with Apex on the new phone too... it does everything I need it to, is very customizable (even on the free version), and it's fast too.
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You cant disable from the app drawer But u can do one better
and remove it from showing in the app drawer
Action Launcher 2 cause it just works
Nova prime. Gestures alone is win. Don't need to go all the way to top for notifications. Been using it for years.
I use Themer. Can't beat it. With this and Color Status Bar, I have a custom and easily swappable setup that helps me recover from my crack flashing addiction.
Hmmm... I have the pay version of nova, holo, and action. I tend to use action 2 most, the setup for folders and blinds exists nowhere else and is exceptionally useful. I switch to holo otherwise for change of pace, its the same as nova, apex, etc but lighter and smoother. The launchers that try and give you a changing setup depending on time and/or place totally don't work for me.
Lol, I just use stock google now launcher. ?
I used Aviate for a day or 2 and noticed horrible battery life. I'm talking like 12 hours and battery is down to 25%. Switched to Goggle now launcher and have much better battery life, so I'm sticking with that for the moment. I'll bounce between this, themer or Buzz launcher.
What Launcher you suggest for my Xperia Z3 Compact ?
I don't like the normal one it's a way too big for the compact.
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
Which one you suggest me ?
I use NOVA Prime, no issues so far.
Nova Launcher is the best!!!
RayRewind said:
What Launcher you suggest for my Xperia Z3 Compact ?
I don't like the normal one it's a way too big for the compact.
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
Which one you suggest me ?
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Click to collapse
Look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735764
For completeness Solo Launcher should also be mentioned, it's prettier than Nova Launcher, though a tad slower. Personally, I use Nova Launcher Prime.
Aviate in my opinion is the best looking and smoothest! I use aviate or nova depending on my mood
I quite like Action Launcher. Has everything I need...
Nova Prime [emoji106]
Sendt fra min D5803 med Tapatalk
Moist said:
I quite like Action Launcher. Has everything I need...
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I'm using Action Launcher 3 as well.
RayRewind said:
At the moment I use APEX launcher but the drawer does not give me all the apps I installed weird bug.
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I'm using it myself and love it.
No such bug for me, but you might check Apex Settings -> Drawer settings -> Hidden apps. Maybe you've hidden some apps by mistake.
I'm using Aviate, if you prefer smart launchers.
emwu_ said:
I'm using it myself and love it.
No such bug for me, but you might check Apex Settings -> Drawer settings -> Hidden apps. Maybe you've hidden some apps by mistake.
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Oh hell that was the problem ! Thanks emwu for helping me out now I got the App also in my menu It was hidden by default
Lightning Launcher - I've tried them all (yeah, who hasn't!).
It's not as fancy and a bit more complicated to set up than others but seriously there is simply none that is as customisable as this one.
Features I like the most are that on the main screen you can both scroll horizontally and vertically and you can also put widgets in folders, supercustomize the app drawer, change each folders' appearance.. you name it, you can customise it all.
Links to play:
Pro version, Free version
Nokia Z Launcher ftw.
Once again... Nova Prime.
Customizable in very many ways but not bloated (love the 1/2 grid). Fast as hell. Easy on battery (there are quite a few launchers which aren't and who wants his launcher to drain battery...). Most icon themes are made for Nova. There are launchers which are laggy even on high-end devices (tried Aviate recently... lol) and use a lot of resources. I think those should be free for your apps, not your launcher.
Use it for 2 years now. From time to time I try other, also new, launchers (to watch the progress) but there is none that wouldn't make me wish to go back to Nova. Imo it's the best launcher ever.
Used to only use Nova... but for some reason have been sticking with Google Now. Seems to be the quickest, most stable, and I don't have to worry about constantly tweaking (not that you have to with Nova, but if it's possible to tweak, i'll tweak). Guess I'm just boring nowadays!
carlyman said:
Used to only use Nova... but for some reason have been sticking with Google Now. Seems to be the quickest, most stable, and I don't have to worry about constantly tweaking (not that you have to with Nova, but if it's possible to tweak, i'll tweak). Guess I'm just boring nowadays!
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well you can tweak it with xposed + xposed gel settings then it gets much better
have always preferred apex over nova. similar, but all the features I need are in the free version, while to get the same important features for me in nova I would have to get the paid version...so why should I if I have them for free in apex?!
and actually, there were a couple of features in apex that I didn't find in nova.... not even in the paid version... apex all the life!! :good:
KK Launcher Pro, xposed and mods
Nova here, too. But I do find the phone is slightly more laggy with it. Or maybe that's some other issue.
I use Smart Launcher 2 Pro. I got tired of rows and columns of icons, so I have it set up with a circle of icons and I'll dig into the categorized drawer if I want to run anything else.
Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Would anyone recommend a different launcher to replace Touchwiz?
I've used nova launcher on my OP1 but are there any other launchers that would be recommended?
honestly i haven't used Nova since my Nexus 6p days, after Oneplus 3t i started using default launcher. the samsung one isn't that bad
I have been using Apex launcher since Galaxy S3 together with weather/time/cal widget beautiful widgets app (I found out about this thanks for flossy on youtube) it makes for a perfect experience and I set all the backgrounds to black, looks like app icons are physically above the screen.
Tried giving the stock launcher a good try. I ended up going back to Nova. I like the customization too much. The good news is it's faster then hell on this phone. Love it.
I also ended up going back to SwiftKey. It does such a good job of knowing what I want to type.
I like stock but Nova is great on this phone. Especially if you get into the sesame integration, very quick to use.
Action launcher is the only other one worth a damn IMO.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
I started out with Action Launcher as I backed it up on my previous phone, put that data on the Note 8 and restored after installing all my apps. Have gone back to TW, it;s not near as bad as it used to be.
I love Next Launcher 3D.
Check out lawnchair. It's a customizable Pixel launcher. Loving it so far. The black theme with Note8 screen looks amazing.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/lawnchair-customizable-pixel-launcher-t3627137
I've been using Smart Launcher Pro for a couple years now. It really makes everything simple and organized for you.
Apex Launcher
I use Apex Pro, with dark matter icons. Swipe down for notification and swipe up for app drawer. Double tap puts the phone to sleep. Blacked out my nav bar so there is no burn-in buttons on the screen. Loving this phone!
Apex Launcher
I use Apex Pro, with dark matter icons. Swipe down for notification and swipe up for app drawer. Double tap puts the phone to sleep. Using xwidgets with the s8 clock widget. Blacked out my nav bar so there is no burn-in buttons on the screen. Loving this phone!
I've been using Nova Prime for a LONG time. I'm actually sticking with the stock TW for the time being (there's a "update" that allows for down swipe to pull down the notification)
Nova prime or action launcher. They both have Android O features. Most other launcher seem old or outdated. Good luck.
Lightning Launcher has no equal. I've used most including Nova (which I like), but I always go back LL. The app allows unparalleled creativity & options. Definitely the most power & complex launcher I've ever used.
stronggeek said:
Lightning Launcher has no equal. I've used most including Nova (which I like), but I always go back LL. The app allows unparalleled creativity & options. Definitely the most power & complex launcher I've ever used.
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^^^^^^This x10!!!! It still is mind blowing how little people know about it and talk about it. There isn't a launcher that comes close in customization. I guess the learning curve scares people away.............
joachimi86 said:
^^^^^^This x10!!!! It still is mind blowing how little people know about it and talk about it. There isn't a launcher that comes close in customization. I guess the learning curve scares people away.............
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I just tried this...to see if it can replace nova....
the learning curve scared me away lol
Try Flick launcher. Available in play store. This is still in Alpha stage, but an amazing launcher. One of the only launcher that allows background blur in the app drawer. This replaced Nova on my phone for now. No other launcher could do that in years!
New Microsoft launcher Beta recommend for most users, easy, simple, beautiful, easy to connect to PC. try it out. it's amazing. its free
Action launcher for power user and Advance users. paid version is better.
Textra (text message)
Gboard (keyboard) or swiftkey
Piktures (Pic gallery)
Samsung internet browser for High contrast mode (if you like black theme).
Weather widget
a4ol said:
I have been using Apex launcher since Galaxy S3 together with weather/time/cal widget beautiful widgets app (I found out about this thanks for flossy on youtube) it makes for a perfect experience and I set all the backgrounds to black, looks like app icons are physically above the screen.
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Click to collapse
a40l, most of the launchers I have tried do not let me use the weather widget that I use with stock touchwiz. Could you tell me specifically what weather app you are talking about that gives me a good weather widget for Apex? I'm gonna give it a try. Your post makes Apex, & your configuration, sound inviting. Thanks
I use tabs in the app drawer instead of folders, so Nova Prime works the best for me. And it's still the quickest launcher around, bar none.
I have been trying out different launchers on my S8. Let me know of any you are familiar with or recommend.
Microsoft Launcher: I am currently using this and pleasantly surprised. I don't login to Microsoft because I don't use those services but see how it could be a good thing for those that do. MS has made a very nice tablet launcher experience. Even the MS Start news app works well enough as a Google Now replacement. I love to hide junk news sources I don't want to read, and can request fewer articles on topics of interest. There are ads in the feed but at least they are subtle and have an indicator so you don't have to click. Loading news is sometimes slow but it could be my connection.
Smart Launcher: looks great but it is a subscription service to reap the full functionality. I saw that they also use MS Smart but it doesn't seem to work well in that launcher. I can't get my head around the launcher subscription service revenue model, who would pay monthly, or the value add to do so.
Nova Launcher: my go-to on phones. However, the tablet experience isn't great. I couldn't figure out how to move the dock to the bottom in landscape.
Apex Launcher: seems nice but also has a subscription model. I didn't spend much time with it.
Action Launcher: another I used for years on phones before switching to Nova. I also couldn't figure out how to move the dock to the bottom in landscape.
If I'm gonna be completely honest, I'm super fond of the OneUI launcher and have been using that instead of Nova for a couple of weeks now. Samsung has made OneUI even better in the coming updates, so I just don't even change it now.
@SavXL I am in total agreement. OneUI 4.1 has evolved very well. I had a Samsung Note 9 with the earlier OUI versions which I didn't prefer over Nova.
As a launcher hopper, I will use the OneUI launcher again. Icon pack support would be a nice addition.
johninsf said:
@SavXL I am in total agreement. OneUI 4.1 has evolved very well. I had a Samsung Note 9 with the earlier OUI versions which I didn't prefer over Nova.
As a launcher hopper, I will use the OneUI launcher again. Icon pack support would be a nice addition.
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You can install custom icons for oneUI through galaxy Theme store.
Jake.S said:
You can install custom icons for oneUI through galaxy Theme store.
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Click to collapse
Indeed! I used Theme Store in the past.
From within OUI launcher icon preferences vs. theme store is my wish for installing icon packs. To be fair, Google's pixel launcher doesn't allow this either.
If you are really advanced, use total launcher and you won't regret it.. Basically you can re create any launcher with it. But 1st time you use it, it's look awful.. By far the most advanced launcher right now if you give it time to understand what you can do with it. But i still use nova when i want something simple to use it in 5 minutes.
Here an example of my theme i created in total launcher. I inspired from htc. (I could create exactly the same launcher htc had if i wanted):
johninsf said:
I have been trying out different launchers on my S8. Let me know of any you are familiar with or recommend.
Microsoft Launcher: I am currently using this and pleasantly surprised. I don't login to Microsoft because I don't use those services but see how it could be a good thing for those that do. MS has made a very nice tablet launcher experience. Even the MS Start news app works well enough as a Google Now replacement. I love to hide junk news sources I don't want to read, and can request fewer articles on topics of interest. There are ads in the feed but at least they are subtle and have an indicator so you don't have to click. Loading news is sometimes slow but it could be my connection.
Smart Launcher: looks great but it is a subscription service to reap the full functionality. I saw that they also use MS Smart but it doesn't seem to work well in that launcher. I can't get my head around the launcher subscription service revenue model, who would pay monthly, or the value add to do so.
Nova Launcher: my go-to on phones. However, the tablet experience isn't great. I couldn't figure out how to move the dock to the bottom in landscape.
Apex Launcher: seems nice but also has a subscription model. I didn't spend much time with it.
Action Launcher: another I used for years on phones before switching to Nova. I also couldn't figure out how to move the dock to the bottom in landscape.
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I'm using nova and the dock moves to the bottom. However, I am facing a weird issue where the status bar icons remain black on dark background.
lenana said:
I'm using nova and the dock moves to the bottom. However, I am facing a weird issue where the status bar icons remain black on dark background.
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Probably issue with nova launcher. Try using oneui and see if issue remains. If not, then issue is due to nova launcher
Jake.S said:
Probably issue with nova launcher. Try using oneui and see if issue remains. If not, then issue is due to nova launcher
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The problem persists even with one UI launcher. In fact I uninstalled nova.
lenana said:
The problem persists even with one UI launcher. In fact I uninstalled nova.
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Click to collapse
Weird so far I have not gotten this issue on mine
Square Home Launcher by "ChYK the dev" works really well on larger devices. It's like a Windows 10 start menu look, but with lots of options. Takes a bit to get it customized just right, but well worth the time.
Jake.S said:
Weird so far I have not gotten this issue on mine
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I changed system font to roboto sans and the issue went away, back to nova launcher. Weird!
lenana said:
I changed system font to roboto sans and the issue went away, back to nova launcher. Weird!
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What method did you use to change to a non-default font? Did you just download it from Samsung's store?
This one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...v2-1-for-samsung-oneui-1-2-3-no-root.4195613/ ?
I've used Nova Launcher on all four of my tablets. going back to 2014. Just last month I upgraded from a Tab S4 to a Tab S8+.
Transferring was a breeze. The backup function worked like a charm -- all the settings were transferred from my old to the new tablet. And it copied the icons for all the apps -- even those not yet installed. Icon locations and grouped icons were all in the same place they were on the old tablet. Those icons for not installed apps were gray, and clicking them brings a message asking if you want to install them. If you say yes, it opens the app in the Play Store. Then after they install, it goes to full color. For sideloaded apps, just install and the icons turn active. This made it easy to install all the apps I had before. No missing aps.
As far as the launcher goes, all the settings, layouts and defaults are the same. I think the only thing I had to manually install widgets that were on apps that weren't yet installed when I restored the backup on the new tablet.
Joe
Niagara Launcher.
For me it's the best Launcher after testing so many alternatives.
Switched from Nova to Niagara and never looked back.