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Go Launcher EX Themes: 5 Gorgeous Options for Android

November 17, 2011
Go Launcher EX Themes: 5 Gorgeous Options for Android

The Central Role of Android Launchers

The application launcher is arguably the most crucial application shaping the Android user experience. A subpar launcher can significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the Android operating system.

Thankfully, a wealth of high-quality launchers are readily available, with popular options like LauncherPro and ADW.Launcher consistently receiving positive feedback.

Personally, I find Go Launcher EX to be the most compelling choice among these alternatives.

Why Go Launcher EX Stands Out

This article aims to illuminate the reasons behind Go Launcher EX’s appeal for those unfamiliar with its features. If you are already among the millions of users who have adopted it, you may wish to proceed directly to the presentation of five visually striking themes showcased further down.

Go Launcher EX offers a level of customization and functionality that sets it apart from many other launchers available on the Android Market.

Key Features and Benefits

  • It provides extensive options for personalizing the home screen.
  • Users can modify icons, wallpapers, and transition effects.
  • The launcher is known for its smooth performance and stability.

These characteristics contribute to a more fluid and enjoyable user experience, enhancing the overall usability of Android devices.

The ability to tailor the launcher to individual preferences is a significant advantage, allowing users to create a truly unique and personalized interface.

The Appeal of Go Launcher EX

Go Launcher EX distinguishes itself through extensive customization options. While many launchers emphasize their ability to be tailored to user preferences, this launcher provides genuinely powerful features.

Key Customization Features

Three particularly noteworthy aspects of Go Launcher EX are its swipe gestures, dock swipes, and transition animations.

Swipe gestures allow for quick access to applications and functions. Dock swipes offer another layer of interaction, enabling users to navigate efficiently.

Furthermore, the transition animations contribute to a visually appealing and personalized user experience. These animations can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

The level of control offered by Go Launcher EX is a significant advantage for users who desire a highly customized Android experience.

These features collectively elevate Go Launcher EX above many competitors in the launcher market.

Swiping and Gesture Controls

The launcher incorporates both "glide up" and "glide down" functionalities. A swipe upwards from any location on the launcher interface activates the application drawer. Conversely, a downward swipe initiates Google’s Gesture Search.

Dock Icon Gestures

Swiping isn't limited to general launcher actions; it also extends to the dock icons. A unique feature allows for customized gesture assignments to these icons.

By long-pressing a dock icon, a Gesture action can be defined. This action is then triggered each time you swipe upwards on that specific icon. For instance, while a simple tap on the Messaging icon opens the Messaging application, a swipe up on the same icon launches the Gmail app. This effectively allows two applications to be accessed via a single icon.

This capability represents the most compelling aspect of Go Launcher EX, at least from my perspective, and is a functionality not currently replicated in other launchers I’ve tested.

Transition Animations

Completing this overview are the transition animations available when navigating between home screens. Go Launcher EX provides a selection of ten distinct animations for this purpose.

The Cube animation is particularly appealing, creating the sensation of rotating a cube during screen transitions.

Should you be unfamiliar with Go Launcher EX, it is hoped that this description has generated some interest. The application is available for free download. Installation can be initiated through the Go Launcher EX Market page. Following installation, or if you already have the launcher, explore the beautiful themes available on the Market.

Theme Application in Go Launcher EX

Initiating a theme change within Go Launcher EX is straightforward. Begin by selecting the Menu button during normal operation.

Following this, tap the Themes button, which is represented by the third icon in the top row.

Accessing the Theme Market

This action will direct you to Go Launcher’s dedicated Theme Market. Here, users have the option to discover and install fresh themes.

Alternatively, you can apply themes that have already been downloaded to your device. Links to each theme discussed will be provided further below.

Let's explore how to enhance your Android device’s visual appeal with these carefully selected themes.

The Color Dot Theme: A Visual Overview

The Color Dot Theme presents a collection of icons designed with a hand-drawn, somewhat whimsical aesthetic, characterized by squiggly lines and vibrant, encircling dots. A coordinating wallpaper, also adorned with colored dots, is included with the theme.

Visual Elements of the Theme

The theme’s visual style is immediately apparent in its icon design. These icons are not rigidly geometric, but rather possess a playful, organic quality.

Here's a depiction of how the main menu is presented when the theme is applied:

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-7.jpg

Icon Variety

A selection of the icons included with the theme is showcased below. The design consistency across the icons contributes to a unified visual experience.

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-8.jpg

App Support

Considering its availability as a free theme, the Color Dot Theme offers a substantial number of icons. Popular applications such as Twitter, Facebook, and the game Angry Birds are all supported with custom icons.

The theme provides a visually distinct experience for these commonly used apps.

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-6.jpg

GingerSeth Theme Overview

GingerSeth represents a complimentary theme option, distinguished by its emphasis on a streamlined aesthetic and the incorporation of vibrant, striking colors. The theme’s standard wallpaper is designed with a divided screen layout.

This division effectively separates the display into upper and lower sections, rendering it particularly well-suited for configurations where widgets are positioned above applications.

Wallpaper and Icon Design

The default wallpaper features branding; however, the theme’s creator has proactively provided an alternative, unbranded version, as illustrated in the image above.

A playful, cartoon-like effect is achieved through the individual mini-shadows applied to each icon within the dock.

Below are examples of additional icons included within the GingerSeth theme:

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-10.jpg

Transition to Paid Themes

Having examined two free theme choices, our attention now shifts to a pair of commercially available options.

Both of these themes are offered at a very affordable price point, costing less than one dollar each, and both prioritize a minimalist design – a characteristic that may be perceived as overly simplistic by some users.

Light Theme Exploration

The Light Theme, despite its name, initially presents a dark default wallpaper.

This contrast arises because the included icons are exceptionally bright and exhibit a distinct luminescence.

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-11.jpg

A closer look at the icons reveals their vibrant design.

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-12.jpg

The icons’ glow creates the illusion of reduced size, as the luminescence occupies a portion of their designated space. This effect is especially apparent with the YouTube icon.

Nevertheless, the theme possesses a unique appeal, offering a clean and sharp aesthetic.

The White GO Launcher EX Theme

Developed by the same creator, the White GO Launcher EX Theme presents a distinct aesthetic.

A key change involves the icons, which have been redesigned. The previous small icons are now replaced with larger, clear, and minimalist all-white icons.

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-13.jpg

The default wallpaper is also notably improved in this theme.

Let's examine the integrated icons:

5-gorgeous-launcher-themes-droid-sexier-android-20-14.jpg

These icons are visually appealing and easy to recognize. While the inclusion of a Mac icon (located first on the second row) is somewhat unusual, the overall clarity and legibility of the icons are excellent.

This theme is likely to be a popular choice for many users.

Finally, we will conclude with another freely available theme.

Imperial Theme Overview

The Imperial theme distinguishes itself through an innovative design element: a distinctly curved launcher dock. This feature sets it apart from many other available themes.

A notable aspect of this theme is its use of abstract icons within the dock. These icons are not directly associated with specific applications, offering a more generalized aesthetic.

Icon Limitations

However, the Imperial theme currently offers a somewhat restricted number of included icons. This is a potential drawback for users seeking extensive customization.

Despite the limited icon selection, the theme remains a compelling option, particularly given its free availability. Its fundamental appearance, and especially the curved dock, is visually striking and original.

It is hoped that future themes will incorporate similar curved dock designs, as this element contributes significantly to the theme’s unique appeal. The design provides a fresh perspective on Android launcher customization.

Launcher Preferences and Themes

Do you primarily utilize a different launcher application than the one discussed? Alternatively, perhaps a visually appealing theme has caught your attention.

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Sharing Your Setup

We encourage users to detail their preferred launcher choices.

Furthermore, descriptions of any particularly striking themes are also welcome.

  • Launcher Applications: Details about your chosen launcher.
  • Theme Recommendations: Suggestions for visually enhancing your device.

Your feedback is valuable and helps others discover new customization options.

Let us know what you're using to personalize your mobile experience!

#Go Launcher EX#themes#Android#Android 2.0#customization#droid