If you’ve been searching for a launcher that breathes new life into your Android desktop, look no further than ADW Launcher 2. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s an evolved tool designed to push the boundaries of customization. We know what you’re thinking: “Hasn’t this launcher been stagnant?” Well, let us assure you that our latest update was released three years ago, though it seems time has flown by unnoticed. Rest assured, we get it—you don’t always have the luxury of 1.21 gigawatts to spare.
In light of recent discussions around Google’s recommendations regarding app settings, we’ve taken a different approach. After all, intelligence isn’t defined by the ability to speak. Freedom of choice is where creativity thrives, and we’ve ensured ADW Launcher 2 doesn’t bore you with rigid limitations. Sure, some users might find our extensive settings overwhelming, and we totally understand that—it’s a natural reaction. But rest assured, your kids will appreciate the endless possibilities. With odds stacked at approximately 3720 to 1 in favor of personalization, it’s clear why this is the best launcher around—the numbers don’t lie.
Of course, we haven’t forgotten the basics. Icons? Check. Widgets? Absolutely. Want to design your own? Go for it! Prefer something pre-made? Themes and template packs have got you covered. Tired of a monotonous desktop? Change it again—your style, your rules. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer plug-and-play convenience, ADW Launcher 2 has you covered. As Yoda would say, “Do. Or do not. There’s a setting for it.”
And remember, “There’s no such thing as ‘the unknown,’ only options inside ADW Settings.”
So, are you ready to dive deeper?
Endless Features Galore
Most of the application has been rebuilt from the ground up, and we’ve introduced a host of exciting new features:
- Support for Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts (with limited support on older versions down to 5.x).
- A brand-new section for icon effects, letting you experiment with image filters and compositions.
- Dynamic UI coloring based on your wallpaper colors.
- A fresh way to manage your home screens—just hold down an empty space on the desktop.
- New methods for adding widgets and shortcuts.
- Enhanced ways to change wallpapers, lock/unlock the desktop, or access settings—simply hold down an empty space and select your preference.
- Fast-scroll app drawer styles for smoother navigation.
- Indexed fast-scroll app drawer styles for easier access.
- Desktop transitions to make switching between screens smoother.
- A dedicated section to configure icon badges.
- A visual mode to tweak desktop layouts, icon appearances, folder designs, and app drawer settings.
- Options to customize the top panel/widget and the bottom panel (dock/widget).
- Wrap folder mode for folders, allowing you to launch the first app with a single tap and view folder contents by swiping up.
- Rapid app searches within the app drawer.
- Improved categorization of apps in the app drawer.
- Enhanced user gesture management.
- Better ways to apply both internal and external themes.
- Improved context menus for all desktop objects.
- A custom widget object, complete with the ability to add, import, create, edit, and share your creations.
- Initial extensions for custom widgets, including time and battery displays.
- Explore additional extensions via the ADWExtensions pack (weather, Gmail, and more).
- A template manager for easy removal, addition, and sharing of templates.
- Upgraded dialogs for editing icon and folder properties.
- A backup manager in advanced settings/system, enabling imports from other popular launchers (just let us know if you miss one).
- The option to assign a secondary action to desktop shortcuts—swipe up to trigger it.
- Oh, and probably a few more things we’re forgetting…
- Plus some wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff inside!
