Android

Its insane that custom launchers are even needed. I gave the base Samsung version a try and it wont even let me move the app drawer button, its glued to the bottom right. I'd expect an android to let me customize more than windows. Never understood the big tech companies need for this much control. Some brand manager will have a heartattack if I change an app icon, a basic feature in any version of Windows.

Been using smart launcher for a while. I like that the pro version offers blur.

Are there any launchers that have Nova's 2 best features?

1. Swipe-to-open folders (with tap to open the first item in the folder)
2. Set any icon you want as an app icon?

I've tried Lawnchair and it was missing these 2 features. I will switch to any launcher that supports these!

After I switched to gesture based navigation, I haven't found a third party launcher that works seamlessly with it.

I have tried Kvaesito, Niagara, Nova, Kiss and Lawnchair(and forks), personally I prefer Lawnchair because it it the most standard regarding workflow and has all if not most features one would want in a launcher. Plus the fact it is fully FOSS and supports Arcticons. If you have a small number of apps you typically launch then Kiss or Niagara(Paid Pro version recommended) would work nicely.

I still use version 7 of Nova, it's the only launcher in the market that knows how to handle icons. Any other is frankly a disaster, they can't make them look good at all.

Noe launcher. used nova on my pixel 6, now neo on my pixel 8

Been using KISS over at F-droid for a few years now after moving on from Nova Launcher. It isn't for everyone but it isn't run by goons.

When I found out how scummy they were with user data I moved to KISS launcher. It took a few days to get used to but I'm very happy with it now.

I switched to Lawnchair a while back (android 14 broke folders in nova for me). It's not got the same depth of customisation, but ive found it pretty good alternative. And so far seems quick and reliable.

I used Nova for years. When they got bought out I switched to a bunch of different launchers. My favorite turned out to be Kvaesitso.

It was weird for me at first because having apps on the main screen was something I've grown acustomed to. You can have a row if you want though. There is an option. After using it for a few weeks, I realized their layout works best for me.

Let me know if there are other launchers you recommend. I appreciate it.

Why do you need a new launcher? You're good to go for several years until (if) Android implements some completely new feature. Right now Nova has pretty much everything.

Dammit lol that's the one I picked to use

Maybe it will keep working unchanged for a while

PSA: Nova Launcher's owning company sells their user data. It was a good launcher when it first came out, but it's been nothing but a downward spiral from there.

Edit for clarity: I don't mean the app itself. It is owned by an entity that exists to sell consumer data.