The last time I wrote about ADW Launcher was in October of 2012, where I said it had returned from the dead. Since I already took that metaphor, I’m not exactly sure what to say now that it has returned some four years later. That’s right, ADW Launcher or ADWLauncher or ADW.Launcher, is back and with a huge update to version 2.0.
What is ADW Launcher? I don’t necessarily want to go into all of the history, but ADW was once a big part of CyanogenMod before standing on its own as one of the most customizable launchers in the game. It was a really, really good launcher for a long time and did a bunch of stuff before anyone else, but the gap in updates always made it a tough sell. You just never knew if it was going to be abandoned or supported.
Yet here we are, four years after its last update, talking about it. Weird how this works out some times.
So what’s new? A lot!
The app is now filled with Material-esque animations, new ways to manage home screens, widgets, and shortcuts, dynamic coloring, new transitions and app drawer styles and I don’t even know how many other tweaks. You can customize widgets, icons, folders, the app drawer, etc., setup gestures, carry over your launcher setups from others to ADW, and more. If you hit up the source link below, you’ll find a lot of the changes, but my guess is that not everything is even close to being listed. I would also recommend watching the video above.
I’ve been playing around with it for the past hour or so and am impressed by what I’m seeing. There is a lot to like here, but understand that this is a beta, technically. If you want to take it for a spin, you can opt-in below before installing.
If you want to get even more out of the new ADW, there is an ADW Extension Pack to go along with it and a premium $4 purchase.
Give it a spin and let us know!
Beta Opt-in | ADW Play Link | ADW Extension Pack
Comments
38 responses to “Remember ADW Launcher? It Just Got Its First Major Update in Years to V2.0”
It runs smooth, and while I get it is still beta, on my phone it is not handling widgets worth a damn. I have an LG phone so double tap does not work. It is off to a good start but has a long way to go before it can take on Nova.
I’m liking it more than Nova Prime, so much so that I bought it already.
Ok, so I just tried it out. Will there be an update for ADW EX. I don’t want to pay again since I already have premium.
just d/l this, doesnt look like its updated, looks like Gingerbread days smh not for me
I’m only seeing version 1.3.3.9? Is 2.0 out for Marshmallow?
Sign up for the beta. It’s at the bottom of the article. Signing up will allow you to download the new version in the Play Store.
Needs serious UI updates!
It’s still the old version in the play store
Gotta sign up for the beta. It’s at the bottom of the article.
I figured that out after I commented. Still no update for me yet. Hopefully soon. I wanna check it out.
In preparation for….
just installed, its actually running as smooth if not smoother than nova prime.
If anyone actually ditches Nova to long term use this, chipe in, I would take a look.
Meh
I used to love ADW launcher. Would be hard for me to give up Nova now though.
Last time I used this was in a Motorola Defy!
Can’t wait to run this on my Liberty ROM!
Ah droid x
I still have mine 🙂
In terms of time it takes news to travel, this site is light years behind schedule.
Wow – I’m really digging this! It just might replace Nova as my main launcher. It helps a lot that they ask you to import your settings from another launcher right from the get-go (and that it actually works).
Except for the “advertising” promo widget and icon they splatter in.
I used to use this back in the day myself. Preferred it to LauncherPro when the two were the rage. My feelings are this:
*Looks nice
*Lots of features
*Smooooth
*Settings seems more confusing than it should be
*Adding on to above, Nova is just leaps and bounds easier to navigate and actually puts little descriptions by the settings. This is helpful.
*Little late to come back and start swinging at $4 a pop for premo on a beta that is competing against a juggernaut of steadily updated apps that have been relevant since your hiatus.
Still, it’s not too shabby. However, you haven’t sold me yet on why I should switch from Nova.
Yeah, it’s not at Nova’s level yet, but it’s looking great.
I used ADW back in the day, but I just don’t have the energy to switch launchers now. I try them out all the time but it’s never anything serious. Nova just can’t be beat.
UberMusic is next right? right?
I had my phone themed a bit like a Windows Phone for a while because I really liked the style and used UberMusic with a skin to mimic the Zune look. Gave up on it when the controls in the notification drawer looked wonky and were never updated.
I did the same thing! I miss my Zune HD… *sniffle*
https://media.giphy.com/media/bP5bOY4onThgA/giphy.gif
I used to love ADW when I first began my Android journey.. I’ll give this another shot, at least for nostalgia’s sake.
Next up, LauncherPro. 🙂
I wish. I would serious rock it for a week over Nova just for the nostalgia. Never know it could even be better.
Yeah, really. Still waiting for that re-write, Federico. Easily my favorite launcher from Froyo/Gingerbread days of yore.
I’m pretty sure he’s hard at work on it, sitting on the pile of money we gave him before he left for a beach somewhere.
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nope.
App resurrection???
Though 4years between updates is why I use Nova Launcher
That and Nova Launcher is fu cking awesome.