yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia SP General] sambastrakan:
Hi,

Anexed, you will find the calibration profile for our phone. Well, for my phone at least, as you can have a different SP serie with a different display caracteristics. To install the profile on PC, double clic XperiaSP-Sat5.7+Tint50.icc, then it will appear named "latestDisplayProfile" in photoshop.

How I did that:

- First, I set the white balance (in settings) with : Tint=50 and Saturation 5.5. With that, my white point is near 6500K. Also, Bravia engine must be disable.

- Then I used my i1DisplayPro colorimeter with the free X-Rite ColorTrue app. This app is not available on Google Play as it is supposed to work with a few devices. But I was able to download it in a different way and it works on XperiaSP !

What can we do with this display profile:

- If your desktop monitor is calibrated, in photoshop you can simulate how an image will look like on the phone. Usefull for themers.

- In photoshop, you can convert profiled images (srgb or adobeRGB) to this profile. Doing that, you can visualize a photo on the phone as close as possible to the original. It can be usefull for a nice wallpaper.

An other possibility, is using x-rite app to visualize your pictures corrected on the phone. For that:

- installl QuickPic from googleplay, xrite does not works with SemcAlbum.

- download my xrite backup (titanium backup) : https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/32890756/XperiaCalib/TB-XriteCalib.zip

- extract zip and put the 3 files in your titanium backup folder

- restore ColorTRUE using TB

- Launch it: it will say it's not able to found a device (colorimeter) but don't worry. Just click the gallery icon and it will launch QuickPic forcing pictures calibration. You will be able to visualize better your photos.

- Don't forget to disable bravia and set white balance to the same values of mines.

That's it !

[EDIT] Added a color profile for native white point (when you use cm7 or any rom without the white point setting from sony). Using X-rite app you will have to replace overwrite the icc profile in /data/data/org.x-rite*/*icc*/latestDisplayProfile.icc
[Xperia SP General] rubencarmona:
Thank you. I did the same with my Spyder. So if there are Spyder users out there you can do exactly the same with the SpyderGallery App. Also for free in the Play Store. Works with all Android devices.
[Xperia SP General] sambastrakan:
Thanks for this information. I have an old spyder3 and never saw that app.

Just missing the possibility on android to load the icc profile ine the gpu driver ... perhaps one day ...
[Xperia SP General] Marília de Oliveira:
Very good, continue their work and welcome :D

Muito bom, continue seu trabalho e seja bem vindo!
[Xperia SP General] sambastrakan:
native white point icc profile added.
[Xperia SP General] Horovod:
Hi!

Sorry for posting my message to this topic. I have Sony XPeria Z1 compact, not Xperia SP. But there are not so much people interested in making color profiles for their phones. So I hope you can help me here.

I have calibrated my phone display with ColorTrue. And I can watch my photos in QuickPic using ColorTrue. But the thing is that photos open very slowly when using ColorTrue. So I'd like to convert my photos to this profile in Photoshop. But I can not find *.icc file. I have only this:

/storage/emulated/0/xrite/iccprofiles/profileData.xml

Can anyone help me to get ICC-profile for my phone?
[Xperia SP General] sambastrakan:
You need a root explorer and then you can pick up the profile in /data/data/com.xrite.mobile*/*icc*/latestDisplayProfile.icc
[Xperia SP General] Horovod:
Thanks! I have converted my photos to my phones profile. Now they look on the phone exactly as I want them to see.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] webs1821:
Hi, for last few days I was trying to find the mod which I saw on screenshot from Z2. Mod changes the oryginal signal bar and on his place are two signal bars, one showing GSM signal strength and second showing LTE signal.

Someone could point me where can I find such mod?
[8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam General] grkn:
So, both Add Recipient... and the Insert menu is grayed out when writing a sms. Using the latest HTC Tytn english rom.
[8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam General] Crash Override:
this may be a touch obvious, you HAVE got a service center defined?
[8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam General] grkn:
Well, I can send SMS messages if that's what you mean :)
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Beech6_uk:
I want to use an app with my s3 mini which requires a rooted device. I've not done this before and I don't want to tweak any other settings. I've read a lot about the risks of rooting, but didn't know whether the risks are associated with just rooting the phone or the tweaking of settings that some people do afterwards. I've seen an app called kingo that looks easy. Are there really many risks to my phone of using this and installing the app? But not installing or tweaking anything else?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TopTomy:
Hey guys,

I'm currently using the Google Now Launcher, I really used to love the big & clear icons.

Lately I gave Nova Launcher a try and I really like it - you can add more icons to your homescreen,

the icons are smaller and customizable.

I think I'll switch to Nova.

What's your launcher of choice?

:cool:
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheLastSidekick:
Nova no doubt it.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TopTomy:
haha, why no doubt? google now launcher is pretty good. very stable as well.

don't you think?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheLastSidekick:
Nova is much more customizable and it allows you to disable animations. It feels faster than Google Launcher, but Google Launcher falls in with a close second place to me.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] EddyOS:
I run 100% stock these days, don't even unlock the bootloader. Android in it's current state doesn't need anything else IMO
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nomaj:
Huawei home ( no apk drawer ) - fast rock solid.

Apus launcher is replacement is fine too.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mbwsutherland:
Try inspire i started using it with nexus 5 kii kat. It still keeps some of the originality the google launcher has including the google now page !!!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jyuuken:
Omni launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] galaxys:
Nova ftw!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] badboy47:
Stock.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] seeker02uk:
I'm using aviate and quite like the change.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Zxian:
Nova launcher for me. Swipe gestures are something I've gotten too used to now to go back to GEL.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tomer007:
Everythingme launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Juzman:
Apex Launcher with Herathon Night theme.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] MikeFoxclaw:
GNL and Lucid Launcher ;)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] primaputra:
same here, i'm using aviate and like it very much
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] krystyuc:
Nova,have everything i whant :)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Teleshot:
Google Now Launcher with XGELS.

The developer of XGELS is doing a really great job at implementing popular features from other launchers such as Nova.

Looking forward to seeing what future updates bring!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Dany XP:
Last Trebuchet on Paranoid 4
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Sniff658:
Another one for stock GNL with XGELS.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ozhan10:
Google now launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ajf64:
i really love google now so i use GNL paired with XGELS i have yet to find a better set up and the speed at witch XGELS is updated really makes a world of difference with GNL
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
Action launcher

I use action launcher play store its pretty fast and allows for access to the app drawer over apps that you are currently using. Also has widget access from the right side panel, also can be accessed while using other apps. Give it a shot.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ZenPHP:
I'm a Nova user too, I like the Google Now launcher, it's got potential, but I'm a tweaker by nature, and it just wasn't customizable enough. Nova Prime allows me to get most of the Google Now features while having the extra customization.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jman1323:
Nova. I started out with Apex (free version) when I got the Nexus 4 because Apex offered more with the free versions compared to Nova. When I bought my Nexus 5 I decided to get a paid version and chose to pay for Nova. I've used it exclusively since. Add the customization of Xposed to all of the features of Nova and I can do just about anything I like with my phone.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ekowanz:
Smart launcher pro... Definetly best
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Venomous Viper 119:
I use Google now launcher with Xposed gel settings. I've used nova prime too. But Google now launcher is more stable to me somehow & I'm loving it.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eastpac:
I use nova too but what gets on my nerves is that the app drawer doesn't have a search function.

Is it too hard for them to have a search button on the top of the screen in the app draw?

I know you can sort apps in folders if you have the premium version but that isn't the same.

The google search widget works for apps too but its such a hassle as it is a separate app.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mistahseller:
I have been using nova since my nexus 4. I tried aviate but it needs to have a few more customization options. What I did like and I wish I could do on nova and I even tried zooper but maybe I am doing it wrong is the picture frame. Like theres the background but then theres a picture, then your widget on the homescreen and then maybe another widget.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Prowhiz:
I use Smart launcher 2. I've tried switching to other launchers for a change but just end up back to SL. The other launchers all look the same to me with the grid and fancy sliding animations. SL is simple, lightweight and pretty.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] McFlypants:
Why don't you put the Google now search bar as a widget on your pages??

On topic: I use Nova!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ATMOSF3AR:
Google Now Launcher all the way,
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eastpac:
I have the google search widget on my front page but i dont like using it because it switches to the full screen white background google app when you type something in. It shows half google results, half app results and it looks really clumsy.

I'd rather a simple search function on top of the app drawer that shows app results as you type it in. i.e if you type in 'f', it starts to show all apps starting with f etc.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
I use Nova Launcher Prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pppp6071:
Google Now Launcher. Nova is equally good.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ej8989:
GNL because of the flawless and unmatched google search and google now integration.

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Racshamar:
Launchers

I use Nova. But sometimes I use Launcher 8 Pro and also Themer when I want something different.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] uttam.ace:
Tried almost all, but settle onto Nova Prime, after that GNL.

Hope GNL will support icon pack.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
Even after testing several launchers I'm still using Nova. Nice features and the best fluidity I have ever seen.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Moreta:
I have tried many launchers in the end I always come back to Nova. I love it.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] zephiK:
Nova Launcher, got Prime when it was on sale for $1 way back. Never ever had any complaints, works well and is pretty.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] albert1500:
Apex... all day, everyday
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] doctor_droid:
Sometimes gnl .

Sometimes nova

Trebuchet on cm :p

Launcher 3 on aospa...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Ober/Hydra:
Nova. I don't see a reason to ever switch away.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] republicano:
i was on apex but i didnt find a way to make the navi/notifcation bar transparent and couldnt display more apps in the drawer due the top bar, tried Nova and i can do both,

the main reason i was using apex is that you can have folders without names, it saved space, while on nova i have unnamed folder. i currently dont know how to remove that space.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Overdose1986:
I really hate Nova app drawer

Google Now Launcher with XGEL
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] UTH01:
I keep going back to Nova, which I can adjust perfectly to suit all my needs. Last week I've tried 'Themer' and I love the graphics and the looks, but I got the impression it was much slower on my Note 3 compared with Nova, and it seems to have less options to adjust screen lay outs and icon arrangements.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] madrigal77:
Nova Prime.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] doncoop:
I've used action launcher for an age. Great launcher. Get the feeling quite a memory hog though.

2 things I love about it is the quick drawer for things like calendar and quick toggles which just clutter a home screen but you want access to.

The other is smart covers. Being able to flick up an app icon and have similar apps is great.

Fancy moving to nova again but would miss this. All 3rd party folder apps don't let you apply an icon pack so they show horrible stock icons.

Less I've missed one app that does this? Anyone got a suggestion? Thanks!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ArtieQ:
Nova Prime, never anything else.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] torquadon:
Google now with XGEL is all I need. Since I installed xposed I do not use custom roms or launchers.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mc.cerny:
next launcher 3d

I've never seen here. is good?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] albert1500:
decided to check out this XGEL module... i'm liking it.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] howard bamber:
I've gone from nova prime to apus. It's the smallest, fastest out there. Miss the custom features but I spent too much time and money changing stuff all the time. Keep it fast n simple, IMO!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Atok_fr:
Google Now Launcher without any tweak. Just simply works.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] galaxys:
Nova. Curious, are there any launchers with split screen (2 active homes; not home summary)?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Rhadamanthis:
nova forever :)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] scottx .:
Nova for sure. While I own apex pro and adw ex its the only one I use. Adw was awesome back in the day.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bhavstech:
xperia home
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dhalham:
Does anyone know how to changes animation speed on Google now launcher? Not scroll speed, don't get confuse [emoji6]
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
Do not post the same question on several threads.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] blvckscvle:
Nova launcher Pro ?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ast00:
Meizu launcher. Just lovin the official Flyme OS beta.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tcat007:
SS is best IMO.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] MidnightDevil:
Been happy with Solo Launcher.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] albert1500:
been using nova the last few weeks. really like it. especially being able to hid the clock.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] XanderMorris:
launchers

I was using apex for a while, but moved to nova since it allowed overlapping widgets on the free version.

I have tried:

Themer - a bit different but uses a lot of juice(imo)

Buzz launcher - similar to themer but couldn't figure out how to create your own home screen from stratch..it's easy enough to apply any of the existing themes though.

Everything me - got a lot of potential with personalized app suggestions, folder animation etc, but after using it for 3-4 days the app size bloated up to 200+ Mb

Aviate - does what it says but a little too simplistic for my liking

So after experimenting with all these launchers, I have bought pro versions for both apex and nova and now have moved on to the wonderful world of widgets...zooper+pop 2+simi folder on a 10X10 grid on Nova.(see attached screenshot)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ghosty7:
Buzz launcher does it for me.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] L0cke:
Flow, best launcher I've ever used and I've tried lots.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dhalham:
One thing with nova launcher is that I can't get the icon size exactly the same as the Google play launcher icon sizes. That's why I'm using apex, unless anyone knows how to get the icon sizes perfect?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Rolo42:
I switched from Nova Prime to XGELS-enhanced GNL.

Incomprehensible Google not including app drawer tabs/categories...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dhalham:
Anyone?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] AFC3:
The reason I'm using nova is the size of Google icons.they are too big
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] dhalham:
Yes but do u know how to change it back
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tcat007:
SS launcher let's you change size to any size (or any color, any opacity, icon or text) and use no grid, so place anywhere.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TheLastSidekick:
I use Nova Prime. Never a single problem with it. Fast, good on RAM and you can customize plenty of things.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rickballs:
Apex launcher pro. Ever since it came out.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BKR APPS:
Nova Launcher too. Very simple to use! :)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RMHQ:
I use Apex Launcher on my Nexus 5 which is running Paranoid Android, and I have Hexacon icons, the wallpaper is mine from my app HQ Papers get it from the Playstore!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mattkroeder:
I think I'm going to give Nova a try again but I've never been much of a tweaker when it comes to launchers.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] KHoangg:
I used Nova for a very long time. I made the switch to Blur a few nights ago. It has a lot of kinks to work out but I personally love the twitter feed when you swipe to the left.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rongregoryred:
Nova Launcher Pro.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Bl4ck3urn:
Nova Launcher Prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] briand.mooreg:
Nova Launcher Prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gurnishdhillon:
Miui launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] monkeypaws:
Is that in the play store anymore? I haven't found it anymore? Link?
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] wong93:
Nova prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kykint:
S5 launcher prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BruKnowsBest:
Apex pro ... Always
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] N3V3RS3TTL3:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.epic.launcher.mi
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] NefilEx:
Definitely Nova Launcher Prime the one and only
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nisby:
Nova Launcher prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] okmh18:
google launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Vissionary:
Nova Prime.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] iverson01:
nova prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] s00000000000ka:
Nova or TSF
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] vesu:
Nova prime
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ekz13:
stock with xposed
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jvsantosjr:
Nova all day baby!
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nictki:
:good:
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Skippyjan:
google launcher
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] DanCapoDaDon:
The best of the best apex pro
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] MidnightDevil:
Apex here, but I'm exploring Solo, but I feel it more sluggish on transition animations, so I might stick with Apex...
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cvin88:
Always find myself going back to Nova Launcher no matter which phone I use.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ThatGuy94:
I'm using HTC Blinkfeed right now, but I also switch between Galaxy S5 launcher and Google Now Launcher.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] danarama:
As odd as this sounds, I'm using Flipboard. More of a homescreen really as I don't really launch anything from launchers any more.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ben_pyett:
Nova prime.

Although still waiting for Google now integration to be implemented.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] peecs121:
Nexus 5 running Android L w/360 Launcher

I love this launcher. Its very fast! Used Nova for years until I found this one
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
Mentioned on XDA TV: FlowHome which has a nice concept. I'm testing it since this morning and I would say it's a good start.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] danarama:
I tried it for a bit, but pretty much no apps that I use plug in to it, making it a basic launcher for me
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
Yep still a lot of things to implement. Like HTC Blinkfeed I'm not used to running such launcher with twitter, G+... on a single homescreen.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] danarama:
Flipboard seems to provide most of what I want on a homescreen, so I set that with "Target Home Launcher" and call an old app called "appdrawer" from PIE to get to my apps.

There is a problem though whereby Target Home Launcher NEEDS the home button to be pressed once after a boot to run properly, otherwise screen wont turn off. So I have to use Tasker to set Nova as my home when shutdown (and screen off) and then set Target back on boot / screen on... Messy work around.

For me, like browsers - theres no perfect one.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
As long as it works... :)

Did u try a recent version of Aviate? The UI is faster and we have more customizations than a few months ago.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] danarama:
No I don't think so. I have looked and tried as many launchers as I could recently though. The ones I didn't like the look of, I didn't try but I'll have a look and refresh my memory :)

Usually I use Nova but I just want something different. Since I launch everything from PIE, I don't need a dock or anything.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Primokorn:
You can't have a weather widget with PIE/LMT :D Seriously I'm also a big fan of LMT, SlimPIE... The more I can add shortcuts the more I need to add new ones :p
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] danarama:
Actually, you can have a weather widget. Just download "popup widget" from play. You can trigger any widget pop up temporarily. I used to have a weather widget, however I just have too many requirements for SlimPIE. i wish I could have a 3rd row of buttons.

Here an example of what I use Pop up widget for using UCCW
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Dema1995:
In my opinion nova launcher is the best ;)
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] deeznutz206:
I looked up XGELS and it says "requires Xposed Framework". I'm new to this so can you tell me what that is? All I have done is unlocked bootloader and rooted but on stock.
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mawtin:
So many Nova users. I prefer Apex
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Pandaplint:
Nova Beta
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smatherlee:
http://xdaforums.com/xposed/modules
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Baldilocks:
Nova. But it would be nice if it had the same home screen editing layout as the Google Launcher. I hate having either a Widgets tab in the drawer or the old fashioned Android 1.5 style Widget list on the home screen with long press.

I keep messaging them about it and for some reason they can't get it through their heads what I am referring to -- even with pictures.

Nova way:

Google Now way:
[Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Hassan096:
Nova launcher

On android 5.0, using nova launcher. Smooth and appropriately sized icons :P