I use Olauncher, pretty similar to Niagara and is FOSS. https://github.com/tanujnotes/Olauncher
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My recommendation is Niagara Launcher. It's more minimal than other launchers. I like the reduction in clutter.
That apps list reminds me of Windows Phone for some reason. Oh, and the mobile version of KDE Plasma too.
Lawnchair
I thought that's in perceptual pre release.
Idk, it is what it is, I've used it ever since Nova got kinda dumb like 5-6 years ago. Put it on every phone. It hides apps, keeps my phone looking clean. It's excellent.
After getting a replacement phone, I had to redo everything. I decided to check out some new options. I have nova prime and have loved it.
I am now using Niagara Launcher. It's different. Very different. The team recommends using the app for at least a week to give it a true test run. I did have my doubts because it's so different but dang do I love it. I haven't switched back and I don't mean this to throw shade on nova. Nova is great, but I like this better.
Instead of thinking of ways to change the launcher, they created a whole new launcher as if they didn't take into consideration the current way we do things.
Give it a shot.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bitpit.launcher
I keep hearing about Niagara and everyone says the same thing, it's different.
Could you describe how it's different? Just the setup, or is it different when you're using it?
The whole concept is different. I've just started trying it and the gist of it is that it's basically only the app drawer, but on steroids. There is no home screen to arrange, you simply set favorite apps that show up first. Anything else you select by scrolling through the alphabet, which seems quick enough if you know the app name you're looking for.
I can already tell that I would love it more if favorites were redesigned a bit to use the initial space better. But this would betray the simplicity they are trying to achieve.
I second that! Been using it for ~4 years now and I so much prefer it to the old launchers. After installing it I completely stopped testing new launchers.
Does anyone still remember the old (2010) launcher called slide it. Unfortunatly it was discontinued and I have always been searching for an adequate replacement. In Niagara I have found it.
Anyway, back to why i like Niagara so much. With every other launcher the workflow is like this:
- swipe up for menu
- swipe 2-5 pages left or right till you reach your app
- click your app icon
which takes ages and is tedious.
On Niagara I just swipe along the left or right edge until the letter my apps name is starting with appears and click the icon. That's it.
Having notifications beneath your favorite apps and an included media control app when audio is playing is superb. (I'm using the pro version). Calendar is aCalendar btw.
Best few bucks I have ever spend for some android app.
Your wallpaper is gorgeous! Mind sharing the source?
That wallpaper is one of the wallpapers that comes with the Niagara launcher!
Is that the one with a sub? It better give daily dopamine for yet another sub.
It's a one-time purchase.
edit: It's a one-time purchase for the "pro" version. I've been using the free version for a while and really enjoying it. I've been thinking of upgrading more to support the developers than for the added features.
Sure looks like he's claiming that the team has been reduced from 4 to 1, not the 11 to 1 claimed above, and one was for customer support? Not to say it's insignificant, but doesn't sound like the train-smash originally portrayed.
Lawnchair.
Just wondering, but why isn't it possible to just use something like the RethinkDNS app and block all internet access Nova has? That's what I've done at least. Haven't found a launcher I like as much, and don't see why a launcher would need internet access constantly. I already use RethinkDNS to block other apps too, like Gboard
NetGuard.
Neo Launcher is pretty nice!
Use an Open Source launcher, here my recommandations :
-
Lawnchair, basic launcher to replace stock launcher
-
Kvaesito, search based browser and a lot of customization
-
Mlauncher, fork of Olauncher, minimalistic and text based
I've been using Kvaesito lately and I absolutely love it.
It's search based, meaning you can have an extremely minimal appearence while having lots of customization options and extremely quick access to apps (and app features, most importantly).
I strongly recommend using it if you like efficiency
I use Hyperion and like it a lot
I now use Hyperion also - thanks!
NP, I'm surprised it's so rarely mentioned in this type of post. I used Lawnchair for a while after Nova was bought out, but I think I prefer Hyperion...
I'm using Samsung OneUI launcher now. It does most of what I needed Nova to do anyway.
I use Hyperion and like it a lot.
Been using Action Launcher for the past 2 years. Grouping of apps, theming, option to have multiple slideable docks ❤, shutters... I adore it.
Novalauncher 6.2.19, before they added telemetry
Yeah I just tried it out and I'm not a fan it's far too simple. I love Nova for being able to swipe up or down on icons for separate actions. I have a foldable so I use that to trigger multi-app groups
Man I am really struggling to find a replacement launcher that works for foldables. Neo and Total have scaling issues that make icons giant
Microsoft launcher is super underrated IMO. Lots of customization. I use it for my foldable, but it's a bit hit or miss sometimes (scaling of folders sometimes gets messed up going from open to closed).
I've been using Niagara launcher and it works great. It's a different launcher "workflow" though.