[Desire HD Themes and Apps] lynxboy:
Hi Guys,

I thought I'd create this thread as I see so many people coming from Sense and being slightly underwhelmed by the stock app offerings on CM7. The beauty of AOSP ROMs are they 'just work' and are free from all the proprietary nonsense that hogs resources and slows down your device. That said, I fully understand the comfort provided by the Sense interface and the innovative features some of the apps provide. This thread is not a place for discussion or argument about what is best and what is lacking or how to use sense apps on CM7!! It is purely intended to show that if you broaden your horizons and open your eyes, you can create the perfect personalised UX based on your own tastes.

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Section 1 - Launchers

ADW LAUNCHER (EX)

Ok, so ADW is included as stock in CM7. The main reason for this inclusion, other than the fact it offers huge customisability is that it is open source. This leads to it being constantly improved and updated offering a great experience for the end user. Huge market support in the way of themes and icons. Overall a great choice. EX version is ridiculously good.

LAUNCHER PRO (PLUS)

Another great customisable launcher. Missing those Sense widgets?? Do not fear as the main ones are here and available to use on any AOSP ROM of chocie. Not as much theme support on the market but plenty of mods available on XDA and a great overall choice of launcher. Updates have slowed down recently.

GO LAUNCHER (EX)

Another customisable launcher with great theme support on the market. Seems to be very fast and easily comparable with ADW and LP.

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Section 2 - Dialers

DIALER ONE

A great dialer replacement with extended functionality such as smart t9 dialing. Retains a Sense like look for those missing their HTC dialing experience.

GO CONTACTS (DIALER)

Another offering from the go team. A combined contacts and dialer app on the market with extended functionality such as T9 dialing. Nice blue skin gives this dialer a professional look.

DIALER2

Very sleek almost 'stock' gingerbread interface but again retaining the smart dialing amongst other features.

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Section 3 - Messaging

HANDCENT SMS

Possibly the best SMS app on Android? Not for me to say but I've used this app since the Hero days! Too many features to mention but personally I couldn't recommend this app more highly.

CHOMP SMS

Another stalwart of the Android SMS scene, giving the iPhone style thread interface to the masses. Not as many functions as Handcent but still an improvement over stock.

GO SMS

Are the GO DEV team planning to take over the Android scene? With all these apps hitting the market and being updated almost weekly, it sure looks that way. Soon we'll forget Google and be pledging allegiance to GO. Anyway, the app is solid and offers comparable features to Handcent including many themes.

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Section 4 - Music Players

POWERAMP

Quite possibly the best mobile music player on any device.... quite possibly. Simply put it's like having a portable amp in your pocket, an audiophiles dream. Combined with SRS (yes that's possible on CM7) it makes for some awesome listening.

MUSIC MOD

The stock music player isn't that bad.... it just looks bad. So how about touching it up and re releasing it as Music Mod? Great. Simple and elegant, plays music and looks nice. Lacks the features of PowerAmp.

MIXZING

Nice looking music player with some innovative playlist features. Recommends songs based on what you listen to.

³ CUBED

Nice music player with an interesting 3D Cube cover art interface. This can be switched with coverflow and basic views. All in all a decent player.

WINAMP

That old PC mp3 stalwart WinAmp is back on Android rocking WiFi desktop sync and streaming radio channels as well as mp3 playblack.

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Section 4 - Camera's

CAMERA 360

One of the best camera apps out there. Tons of features and functions to get the very best out of the DHD camera. Much better than the Sense app.

VIGNETTE

Numerous photo filters combines with robust operation. Great App.

CAMERA ZOOM FX

Another fully featured camera app with filters and adjustment properties.

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Section 5 - Keyboards

SWIFTKEY

Ok, so the idea behind Swiftkey is that rather than learn the correct spelling of the word you are attempting, it learns the way you write sentences. For example, you start by typing "I LIKE" and after you hit space the keyboard suggests "XDA" because you're always talking about how much you like XDA. Another example would be typing "I WILL", and the next words Swiftkey will recommend are "DO THE WASHING LATER AS I'M READING XDA". Obviously it doesn't suggest the whole sentence at once, but the word suggestions follow on from each other and you can start typing different words if the suggestion is wrong. After a months use however, it is rarely ever wrong.

iTAP

I know a lot of people on XDA, HATE iPhones and I can't say I am the biggest fan. Anyway, grievances aside, the iPhone keyboard just works well and has always been easy to use. So rejoice in the openness of Android and embrace the fact you can use the iPhone keyboard if you wish. Good keyboard with usual features, not much else to say.

KEYPURR

Keypurr is a keyboard for those fat fingered users who struggle with accuracy on the 4.3inch monster that is the DHD. Offers a variety of key layouts to ensure even the wildest typists can get their message down with ease.

BETTER KEYBOARD

This one has been around for a LOOONNNG time and is always a good choice. Loads of styles and skins so there is something for everyone out there.

THREAD TO BE CONTINUED..............

Regards.