"Do you still need to be allowed to decorate and modify your own home?"
Yes.
Yes.
My Nova Launcher-config has survived in one form or another for 8+ years on multiple phones, so yes?
Too bad they sold out to a data analytics company
I agree with you. I still use Nova, they had a solid update recently and my phone is feeling snappier than ever. It does concern me, however, that they're tracking every interaction with my phone now ๐ฎโ๐จ
I'm normally very privacy centric - very conflicted about Nova Launcher because I like the launcher so much...
You could download an earlier version from before they were bought, it's what I'm doing. Still better than every other launcher I've tried. I'm also preventing it from accessing the internet via GrapheneOS settings, but I don't think every OS can do that.
try neo launcher
Neo Launcher is decent, but it's definitely not in the same league as Nova yet in customizability.
I'm not sure why it's just about the only classic style FOSS launcher though. Everything else is some sorta search or widget based thing.
Neo kinda sucks, and looks like itโs abandoned so no hope in f it ever getting better.
I don't know if this will fix it for sure, but you could try to download a VPN app with per-app network blocking (like AdGuard) and fully block Nova from accessing the internet
I use Netguard to block internet access for half of my apps - the ones that shouldn't be using my mobile data anyway
I still use version 7 because Nova is the only launcher that gives me tabs and treats icons the right way. No other launcher manages to do it, itโs baffling.
I really wish there was another launcher that allowed all of
โขMultiple pages for widgets and things
โขEmpty pages
โขScrolling wallpapers
โขA totally transparent home page
Every other launcher I've tried allows for maybe one of those.
Yes!
Yes.
If you want to do something crazy, like not have a search bar on your home screen, then yes.
What does this mean? I don't have a search bar on my home screen, and I'm not using a third-party launcher.
Depends what phone you have - Pixels have a search bar on the home screen by default (not sure if they can be turned off on later models, maybe?)
That's a pixel problem, not an Android problem.
That's my point.
You may be using the default launcher that came with your phone, but if you don't have the search bar, then it's still a 3rd party launcher. Google's launcher forces an immovable search bar on to your home screen.
-Edit-
It's possible this has changed in the years I've been using an alternate launcher. It's been several years since I switched and never really checked back to see if it was still true.
This made me realize that I have a search bar on my home screen that I literally never use and I do use a third party launcher that it could be turned off. Very funny indeed
Yep.
I recently got a Samsung device for work. I really gave the launcher a shot since I didn't want to tinker with it. But after 2 days I couldn't stand it anymore. So the answer to the post is yes!
Samsungs out of the box experience gives me anxiety to be honest. Had a few for work, luckily their singular purpose is running the authenticator app.
I'm using the Samsung S24 out of the box. What are you missing with it?
Curious, because I want to switch if there's good arguments to do so.
I am not really missing anything specific rather than thinking the default layout and appearance is quite bad and gives a bad expression. As mentioned its basically an overpriced authenticator -tamagotchi to me so I put zero effort into changing it.
On my private phone I run nova launcher, though.
samsung roms in general
unless you want android to turn into ios then yes
there's so much i can do in nova that i can't do in one ui or the pixel launcher
Use nova for years, but never found an of the features beneficial. I've been using One UI since moving to the s24u and I have noticed no real difference in functionality.
folders, grid size, customising badge notifications, dock size, multiple docks, multiple tab pages in app drawer, hide icons in app drawer, drawer groups, etc. those are some of the things i like in nova :)
Grid size is the big one for me, it's so nice
I don't know what's required for KLWP support in a launcher, but KLWP is a live wallpaper with touch interaction. Don't know if stock support that on my phone. But some cool setup like media player functionality, time and such, in the font and size I want. And some other disguised shortcuts.
But for me in actual Nova, it being able to style app icons individually, swipe actions on app icons, and the dock at the bottom being able to slide to have more apps. And pretty standard now, but swipe up for app drawer and down for notifications. It works especially well with OnePlus gestures that I'm still holding on to.
I've been using Niagara launcher. This launcher is has been great for larger screens and I can use the phone one handed.
I'm on Nova, but I've heard nothing but great things about it. Also played with it abit, I think I just wanted to tweak the pull down gestures a little more then default.
I don't think it has any customizations for pull down gestures. Would be nice to have for certain people.
i fucking love niagara.
Although i've started to use Kvaesitso instead in recent times.
This is a gross violation of Betteridge's law of headlines.
I agree
Yes.
Yup.
This a questiฤฑn that shouldn't be asked in the first place
Question makes no sense, it's a feature not a need. I have written a launcher for a specific usecase.
Yes even though android gestures are not working correctly with them and it's best to revert to 3 buttons navigation.
It's been years since this was an issue for any launcher still actively being updated, at least on the Poco and Fairphones I've had in that time.
Let me guess. All the features you love from third-party launchers, except anything resembling privacy.
Yes.
Yes they are still needed
Yes.
Default launchers need 'covers' functionality, where a folder is opened via swipe, and tapping just launched the first app in the folder without needing to open it. It's the main thing keeping me on custom launchers. That and icon packs.
Yes absolutely. Nova forever but the version I used made split screen fail so I am back at the AOSP one which lacks in like everything.
instant search (launch keyboard)
searchbar always on bottom
rename and hide apps
search for contacts and more
Question is what data do launchers gather ? ig everything under the screen
Yeah that's kinda what you want them to do. ๐
Well except maybe device settings, granted.
I guess I'm the only one that's stopped using a third party launcher.. After getting an S23 and being on One UI 6 I'm finding I'm not hating the stock launcher anymore. I was using Nova forever.
Yes.
I dislike my phone's stock launcher so I definitely need a third-party launcher.
Try Niagara. Long live 3rd party launchers.
Niagara and kiss are my two go-to launchers
Kvaesitso and Niagara for me
although i have practically abandoned niagara for kvaesitso
This is what happened to me just recently. Have been using Niagara for about a year but just discovered Kvaesitso. They each do some things better than the other but both have some really great features that aren't just about what you can do to a 5 x 6 grid.
Thanks for this. I'm enjoying it
Been using Action Launcher since it came out! My phone woukd be a completely different experience without it, and not for the better.
I mean no, I don't need a third party launcher, but I really don't want to use the stock one.
Ya. Cheaper androids come with annoying launchers, like no app drawer so all your apps are on your home screen.
Yes and KISS
Need? No. Need? Yes!
Y E S
Kvaesitso is so much more cmofotable than anything else, i will literally start using any other alternative if you try to take it from my
i quite like kiss.
IMO Niagara (Pro) is the best for simplicity, wouldn't recommend if you need quick access to more than 10-15 apps.
Lawnchair seems to be the most stable, ad-free and funcional launcher out there.
I recommend pairing Lawnchair with Arcticons for a sweet sweet UI.
Am I the only one that uses lightning launcher? I think I should switch.
"Do you still need to be allowed to decorate and modify your own home?"
Yes.
Yes.
My Nova Launcher-config has survived in one form or another for 8+ years on multiple phones, so yes?
Too bad they sold out to a data analytics company
I agree with you. I still use Nova, they had a solid update recently and my phone is feeling snappier than ever. It does concern me, however, that they're tracking every interaction with my phone now ๐ฎโ๐จ
I'm normally very privacy centric - very conflicted about Nova Launcher because I like the launcher so much...
You could download an earlier version from before they were bought, it's what I'm doing. Still better than every other launcher I've tried. I'm also preventing it from accessing the internet via GrapheneOS settings, but I don't think every OS can do that.
try neo launcher
Neo Launcher is decent, but it's definitely not in the same league as Nova yet in customizability.
I'm not sure why it's just about the only classic style FOSS launcher though. Everything else is some sorta search or widget based thing.
Neo kinda sucks, and looks like itโs abandoned so no hope in f it ever getting better.
I don't know if this will fix it for sure, but you could try to download a VPN app with per-app network blocking (like AdGuard) and fully block Nova from accessing the internet
I use Netguard to block internet access for half of my apps - the ones that shouldn't be using my mobile data anyway
I still use version 7 because Nova is the only launcher that gives me tabs and treats icons the right way. No other launcher manages to do it, itโs baffling.
I really wish there was another launcher that allowed all of
โขMultiple pages for widgets and things
โขEmpty pages
โขScrolling wallpapers
โขA totally transparent home page
Every other launcher I've tried allows for maybe one of those.
Yes!
Yes.
If you want to do something crazy, like not have a search bar on your home screen, then yes.
What does this mean? I don't have a search bar on my home screen, and I'm not using a third-party launcher.
Depends what phone you have - Pixels have a search bar on the home screen by default (not sure if they can be turned off on later models, maybe?)
That's a pixel problem, not an Android problem.
That's my point.
You may be using the default launcher that came with your phone, but if you don't have the search bar, then it's still a 3rd party launcher. Google's launcher forces an immovable search bar on to your home screen.
-Edit-
It's possible this has changed in the years I've been using an alternate launcher. It's been several years since I switched and never really checked back to see if it was still true.
This made me realize that I have a search bar on my home screen that I literally never use and I do use a third party launcher that it could be turned off. Very funny indeed
Yep.
I recently got a Samsung device for work. I really gave the launcher a shot since I didn't want to tinker with it. But after 2 days I couldn't stand it anymore. So the answer to the post is yes!
Samsungs out of the box experience gives me anxiety to be honest. Had a few for work, luckily their singular purpose is running the authenticator app.
I'm using the Samsung S24 out of the box. What are you missing with it?
Curious, because I want to switch if there's good arguments to do so.
I am not really missing anything specific rather than thinking the default layout and appearance is quite bad and gives a bad expression. As mentioned its basically an overpriced authenticator -tamagotchi to me so I put zero effort into changing it.
On my private phone I run nova launcher, though.
samsung roms in general
unless you want android to turn into ios then yes
there's so much i can do in nova that i can't do in one ui or the pixel launcher
Use nova for years, but never found an of the features beneficial. I've been using One UI since moving to the s24u and I have noticed no real difference in functionality.
folders, grid size, customising badge notifications, dock size, multiple docks, multiple tab pages in app drawer, hide icons in app drawer, drawer groups, etc. those are some of the things i like in nova :)
Grid size is the big one for me, it's so nice
I don't know what's required for KLWP support in a launcher, but KLWP is a live wallpaper with touch interaction. Don't know if stock support that on my phone. But some cool setup like media player functionality, time and such, in the font and size I want. And some other disguised shortcuts.
But for me in actual Nova, it being able to style app icons individually, swipe actions on app icons, and the dock at the bottom being able to slide to have more apps. And pretty standard now, but swipe up for app drawer and down for notifications. It works especially well with OnePlus gestures that I'm still holding on to.
Yes
Yes.
I've been using Niagara launcher. This launcher is has been great for larger screens and I can use the phone one handed.
I'm on Nova, but I've heard nothing but great things about it. Also played with it abit, I think I just wanted to tweak the pull down gestures a little more then default.
I don't think it has any customizations for pull down gestures. Would be nice to have for certain people.
i fucking love niagara.
Although i've started to use Kvaesitso instead in recent times.
This is a gross violation of Betteridge's law of headlines.
I agree
Yes.
Yup.
This a questiฤฑn that shouldn't be asked in the first place
Question makes no sense, it's a feature not a need. I have written a launcher for a specific usecase.
Yes even though android gestures are not working correctly with them and it's best to revert to 3 buttons navigation.
It's been years since this was an issue for any launcher still actively being updated, at least on the Poco and Fairphones I've had in that time.
Let me guess. All the features you love from third-party launchers, except anything resembling privacy.
Yes.
Yes they are still needed
Yes.
Default launchers need 'covers' functionality, where a folder is opened via swipe, and tapping just launched the first app in the folder without needing to open it. It's the main thing keeping me on custom launchers. That and icon packs.
Yes absolutely. Nova forever but the version I used made split screen fail so I am back at the AOSP one which lacks in like everything.
Question is what data do launchers gather ? ig everything under the screen
Yeah that's kinda what you want them to do. ๐
Well except maybe device settings, granted.
I guess I'm the only one that's stopped using a third party launcher.. After getting an S23 and being on One UI 6 I'm finding I'm not hating the stock launcher anymore. I was using Nova forever.
Yes.
I dislike my phone's stock launcher so I definitely need a third-party launcher.
Try Niagara. Long live 3rd party launchers.
Niagara and kiss are my two go-to launchers
Kvaesitso and Niagara for me
although i have practically abandoned niagara for kvaesitso
This is what happened to me just recently. Have been using Niagara for about a year but just discovered Kvaesitso. They each do some things better than the other but both have some really great features that aren't just about what you can do to a 5 x 6 grid.
Thanks for this. I'm enjoying it
Been using Action Launcher since it came out! My phone woukd be a completely different experience without it, and not for the better.
I mean no, I don't need a third party launcher, but I really don't want to use the stock one.
Ya. Cheaper androids come with annoying launchers, like no app drawer so all your apps are on your home screen.
Yes and KISS
Need? No. Need? Yes!
Y E S
Kvaesitso is so much more cmofotable than anything else, i will literally start using any other alternative if you try to take it from my
i quite like kiss.
IMO Niagara (Pro) is the best for simplicity, wouldn't recommend if you need quick access to more than 10-15 apps. Lawnchair seems to be the most stable, ad-free and funcional launcher out there. I recommend pairing Lawnchair with Arcticons for a sweet sweet UI.
Am I the only one that uses lightning launcher? I think I should switch.