Google Now or Not? Dump the GN widget or keep it? Plus, launcher or no?

[gedansky]

Who is using Google Now? Who isn't? Why? Why not?

Either way, did you keep or dump the Google search bar (using root/ROM or launcher)?

I like "Google Now", and have found it convenient, thougj not fool proof. Because of its usefulness, I have been more accepting of the permanent Google widget. Also, I came from GB 2.3.5, which always seemed to need overhauling, and full customizing, so I have been trying to give JB a fair shake at stock, with minimal changes other than moving my stuff in.

I read about Nova Launcher and, though the idea of a launcher on JB seems counter-intuitive (why buy a pure stock device so you can put your own UI on it? You can do that with ANY Android) I gave it a shot about getting rid of the "Google Now" widget. The jury is still out for me. I like the space, but can live without it, and feel like I am somehow not keeping with what the Android authors intended. Also, Android, by design or flexibility, can get very busy, JB seems to have reduced that, and Nova seems to bring a bit of that business back. Perhaps I shouldn't feel this way, but, it seems that the most intuitive, minimalist version of Android yet, should be allowed to just so its thing.

Thanks!




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[leach19m]

I still use Google now, but am considering dumping it, as most of the time all does it slow down the loading of my Google search/voice search. As far as the widget goes, yeah, I got rid of that. It's redundant when you can just do the swipe up from the navigation bar to get to it. I also have a search key in the navigation bar that will take me to Google search when tap, or launch voice search when I long press it. Oh, and I use Nova launcher.

Google now has potential, and is a cool idea, but it needs some work.

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[daihard]

I don't use Google Now. One of the first things I do when I flash a new ROM is to disable it. I still use the general Google Search, which I access through an added navigation bar button (I love custom ROMs).

[StupidGenius]

Living in the city (New York) Google Now is actually very helpful for me with transportation schedules. I do think I've taken a hit on battery life though.

As far as launchers go, to me, Nova and Apex are basically JB with the ability to add and remove functionality that I missed or found annoying. I like being able to easily remove the persistent search, add back the ability to long-press to add widgets, and have continuous scroll in the app draw. I don't feel they take away from the pure Android experience at all.

[rayhodge02]

I use it I never turn it off

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[gedansky]

Do you find that Nova negatively affects battery life ? I can't figure out if it was Nova, per-say, or that it just eats a ton of battery moving stuff around.

Thanks to all for replying.

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[StupidGenius]

I never experienced any significant battery loss after installing Nova.

[daihard]

I never experienced any significant battery loss after installing Nova.

Same here. I don't see any negative effect on battery life since I've been using Nova. It's in comparison to Apex, so the result may be different if you compare Nova with the stock launcher.

[gedansky]

I kill my battery very fast comparing Nova to stock (10% in just a few minutes checking email or writing this note. Easily half by noon). Juice Defender says it gives me a 1x98 improvement running Nova and 1x2.18 running stock.



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[EdLaJoie]

I never experienced any significant battery loss after installing Nova.

I don't see any negative effect on battery life since I've been using Nova.