Recs.
Updated
Action Launcher is a launcher in constant evolution, the brainchild of developer Chris Lacy, whose ability to meld his vision for the app with the needs of the very active user community have produced one of the most polished interfaces yet made for mobile devices.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Covers
A more powerful alternative to folders, Covers allows the user to disguise what would normally be a folder as an app one of the apps in the folder. One tap opens the app normally, but swiping up on the icon reveals the folder that the icon is covering. The use of covers is also optional for those that would rather use a regular folder.
Pro Quicktheme
The action bar and search bar change colors according to the wallpaper, making for a great way to have a consistent color theme.
Pro Active, Innovative Developer
The dev constantly releases betas and trials new features. Bugs are found and sorted out quickly. App innovations are often ahead of the curve -- e.g., quickdrawer, instant theming, pixel integration before Nova, gesture integration. When upgraded from AL2 to AL3, the dev also explained the rationale behind the move to a whole new app and payment, and discounted supporters.
Pro Gestures for shortcuts
Use swipes, pinches, and multi-finger gestures on the homescreen as shortcuts to your favorite features. A favorite is a down swipe anywhere on the homescreen, to bring down the notification tray so users don't have to reach up to the top of their screen. Additionally customise double- and triple-taps on the homescreen to launch a variety of options.
Pro 'Vertical grid' app tray option
Action Launcher has the option to enable a vertical grid app tray that acts like most menus that slide out from the left of the phone's screen. Apps are organized alphabetically, and touching a letter will take you to apps that start with that letter.
Cons
Con Misleading description of the free version
Most of the features are in the upgrade version.
Con Cannot change icons without upgrading
Cannot change the icons individually without upgrading. Some icon packs do not change all the icons when initially applied.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Sliding Quickpage
Like an extra screen that is always a swipe away, no matter which screen you're looking at.
Pro Material Design theme
Extracts colors from your wallpaper to customize the look of the layout.