The Android 4.2 leaked goodies keep coming! We already have the awesome new Camera app, with the photosphere functionality, the new Gmail app with pinch-to-zoom, the new gesture-based Android keyboard, the Desk Clock app and now, we have the stock launcher from Android 4.2, which has been backported to Jelly Bean by XDA member mystichobo.

While there don’t seem to be any visual difference from the existing Jelly Bean launcher, the OP does mention that it feels faster and a lot snappier than the old 4.1.2 launcher as well as Nova.

So here’s how you can get the new Android 4.2 launcher on your device. Do keep in mind though that you need to be running Android 4.1  Jelly Bean for this to work. There are two ways to get this launcher on your phone, depending on what kind of a ROM you are running – a manufacturer customized version like Samsung’s Touchwiz based or HTC Sense based ROM, OR whether you are running stock Android like on a Nexus device, or AOSP/AOKP based custom ROMs. In  case of the latter, you do need to be rooted.

How to Install the Android 4.2 Launcher

  1. Download the Android 4.2 Launcher apk file and transfer it to a convenient location on your phone  |   Android 4.2 Launcher APK
  2. If you are using a Nexus Device or running an AOSP /AOKP based stock Android ROM, you need to be rooted. Download Titanium Backup and uninstall your default Android 4.1 launcher.
    ** If you are using an OEM customized ROM, like a Touchwiz based or HTC Sense Based ROM, you can skip Step 2 and move on directly to Step 3.**
  3. Now using a File explorer like ES File Explorer or Astro, navigate to the location where you had transferred the APK file for the Android 4.2 launcher, in Step 1.
  4. Install the Launcher apk, and enjoy the default launcher from the upcoming Android 4.2

Simple, ain’t it. I just tried it out and boy, is it smooth. As the OP indicated, I did find it to a wee bit snappier than Nova on AOKP 4.1.2. There may be folks who swear by the new ADW launcher or Go Launcher EX, but to each his own. For those who prefer to retain the stock Android look and feel, go ahead and check out the new 4.2 launcher. And in case you come across something new in the new launcher, do give us a hoot in  comments below