Sony Xperia Z Ultra, a successor to Xperia Z was released a couple of weeks ago. Besides, Sony is also launching another phablet device called Xperia Honami i1. The system dumps from both devices got leaked a week ago and now we have the launcher and widgets from those devices ported to other Android devices. XDA member ThilinaC has already ported the Xperia Z launcher, widgets and apps in the past and this time he is back in action with the new avatar of the Xperia launcher version 6.0.A.0.212.
The new screenshots show that Sony has completely revamped the old Xperia UI in its new devices for good. Now it looks more beautiful. The widgets, however, have not seen much change but the Experience Flow series of wallpapers have now become even prettier than those shown on older Xperia devices.
The new Xperia Z Ultra/Honami i1 launcher works on all Android devices on Android 4.2.2-Jelly Bean. It supports multiple resolutions like XXHDPI (Full HD phones like S4, HTC One, Xperia Z, etc.) XHDPI (Galaxy S3, Note 2, One X, Nexus 4, etc.), HDPI (S2, Note, Grand, for example) and MDPI (phones with lower resolution) devices. ThilinaC has also modified the app drawer to have customized dimensions in app grid such as 5×4. 6×4, 6×5, 7×5 and 8×5 where the first digit is the number of apps horizontally and the second digit that of vertically. The default app drawer grid size is 6×4.
The new launcher shows many changes as compares to the old one. The menu for searching, uninstalling and arranging apps options have now been moved to new page in the app drawer that slides out when you swipe finger from the left edge of the screen to right. Among other features of the launcher include:
- New Xperia Z Ultra widgets
- Supports auto rotation
- Supports tablet devices
- Now you can add up to 7 home screens
The ported launcher and widgets from Xperia Z Ultra/Honami i1 are available for both Xperia and non-Xperia smartphones with Android 4.2.2. You can download the zip packages (CWM/TWRP flashable) depending on your device and install them. I have tested the port on Galaxy S4 and HTC One and it runs like a charm on both devices.
Downloads:
For Sony Xperia Devices Running Stock Based Firmwares:
[Download both files]Xperia_Z_home_V5.0_Home_Base_Xperia_Devices.zip
Xperia_Z_home_V5.00_Widget_Pack_Xperia_Devices.zip
For Non-Xperia Devices:
[Download both files]Xperia_Z_home_V5.0_Home_Base_NON_Xperia_Devices.zip
Xperia_Z_home_V5.00_Widget_Pack_NON_Xperia_Devices.zip
Also See:
Install Xperia Honami i1 Album, Movies and Walkman Apps on Your Android
How to Install:
- Download the most suitable files from above and copy the ZIPs to your device.
- Boot your phone into CWM/TWRP recovery mode.
- Do not forget to backup your current ROM using backup option in recovery.
- Install the “Xperia_Z_home_V5.0_Home_Base” file first.
- Return back to main menu in CWM/TWRP recovery and reboot the phone. Sony Xperia device users can skip this step and install all files back to back.
- Wait for a couple of minutes and then boot the device into recovery again.
- This time install the “Xperia_Z_home_V5.00_Widget_Pack” file.
- Then install the wallpapers zip.
- Finally reboot your phone.
- When the device boots up, select Xperia Home launcher as default.
Enjoy the new launcher and widgets from the Xperia Z Ultra/Honami i1. To add a new widget, app shortcut or change wallpaper, tap and hold the homescreen.
Want More Launchers and Wallpapers?
Download Stock Launcher and Widgets from Android Devices
How do I put the Camera app?
It has not been ported yet.
Hi Rakesh. First of all, thanks a lot for all your postings here. I was totally new to rooting and all these kinds of stuffs but I was able to root and install custom ROM on my Galaxy S2 by reading your posts only. Just wondering, is this meant to work with custom ROM like AOKP as well? I tried this launcher but I keep getting an error “Unfortunately xperia launcher has stopped” Thanks!!
Thanks for the appreciation Jay! Actually, the mod is meant for all devices with 4.2.2 ROM installed and it should work on AOKP too. Make sure you have installed the correct version and followed the steps as given above.
Restore the previous ROM and then try again on a clean phone with no trace of your previous installation of the launcher.
I tried again several times but still the same issue. But I think I won’t be trying to install this launcher on my phone again any soon because even after installing AOKP my battery still drains really fast (it’s been almost two years since I got this phone!!). I guess I will first need to try other ROM’s and if it still doesn’t improve the battery life, I guess I need to get a new battery first. 🙂 Thanks again for your help!!
Hi Rakesh, sorry if this is a noob question but how can I uninstall all of these just in case. TIA
There are 2 ways to do it. Either restore the previous ROM (applies if you followed the Step 3 from the instructions above), or delete the apk files from Honami from system/app folder using a root file explorer.
Very helpful. Thanks
Hi! I just did this with a Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGH-T999). So far, no problem. However, when I chose the appdrawer zip file, I chose the 5×4 (first one, no rotation) one. After that, I noticed that there is space for a 6×4 one. Is it possible to change this? Also, I need to know if this is harmful in any way. Thanks!
Hi, I have been using this too but I did not flash the app drawer mod at all. It is all fine on my S3 and S4 both. I would recommend you re-installing it without the app drawer size mod.
Also, does your device has Android 4.2.2? I mean SGH-T999 does not have it officially! You may be using an AOSP or CM ROM, I guess.
I will give it a try but I need to know if I need to delete anything. I mean, will the re-installing overwrite anything he needs to or will I have two Xperia launchers if I don’t delete anything that needs to be deleted?
You need not delete anything. The app drawer just adds a new xml files to add app grid details. You just need to reinstall it and it’ll be set to default value that is 5 x 4. Let me know.
Did it and worked! Thanks a lot!
Okay, I did it and worked. After that, I turned off my phone and went to sleep. When I turned it on, the default Nova launcher was there instead of the Xperia one. I tried changing it like normal but the Xperia launcher wasn’t there. Tried to re-install again but nothing happened.
Yes, my device has Android 4.2.2. I’m using a CM ROM.