I previously used Nova and finally moved to the open source side with Kvaesitso. I didn’t like using a search focused launcher at first, but I decided to try and use it for a few months to get used to it. What I’ve found is that:
- I barely ever scroll down into the widgets menu and so I don’t make use to widgets as much as I’d like to
- Even after carefully setting up the search settings, I find it unintuitive and prefer to use specific apps for specific tasks
- I like having apps sorted by tags, but the tiny moving pill shape icons aren’t as nice as if I had folders on my desktop
The biggest problem now is that Kvaesitso is draining my battery for some reason. Battery usage says that it used 27% of my battery today.
I think I gave it a fair shot, and I’d like to try something new.
You must log in or register to comment.
I am a fan of KISS, a rather simple launcher. It is also a search-based launcher.
I use whatever the stock launcher of the ROM is…
I am a full screen gestures user and for me the 3rd party launchers are broken since A12, or probably before that, even with usage of the GestureNavContract API they are still not smooth enough for me…
With that said, if you are rooted you can get away from that limitation with Lawnchair and quickSwitch, or if you use navigation buttons you are gold with almost all the launchers I’d say.
I’m currently trying fast draw, it was in fdroid 🤷♂️
Kinda like smart launcher where you set up categories along the bottom, can select a widget at the top. I miss being able to search for a specific app but it’s usable.
I’m still using Nova as it’s so feature-rich. I’ve had 0 problems with it, but I had no idea people were dropping it. Also had no idea it for bought out either, so maybe it’s time to look into using another launcher instead…
I’m also on Nova for now, but I disabled the updates. You can never be too sure once a project changes hands like that.
I really like nova, I just want customized icons with no text, which for some reason nothing else will do. search based is pointless to me, I barely have one screen of apps… nova is fine for this but I did block it from all network connections after the sale happened
I’m a Nova refugee, and I’ve been satisfied with Lawnchair as a replacement. It isn’t as feature rich, but it hits the key notes.
Edit: Lawnchair site: https://lawnchair.app/
I second this, just be sure to backup your settings if you upgrade, it likes to forget things on upgrades I’ve noticed.
I’m ootl, what happened to Nova? I have it on my old phone.
I think it’s been bought by a shitty spyware company who swore that they will not be mining your data. I bought it many years ago and that made me switch to Kvaesitso.
Development of Nova went to shit after it was bought out, too. I dropped it when some major bug I now forget the details of was introduced and my reports went ignored for a full year.
I still have it and I can’t get off it because my whole flow depends on a feature that no other launcher seems to have.
I have all my apps in folders, but the folders when tapped will launch the first app in the folder. If I swipe up on them the folder opens.
So for exameple I have what looks like a Camera icon. If I tap it Camera opens as expected, but if I swipe up on it all my photo related apps are there. It allows me to keep a simple easy to use home screen but then all my apps are grouped underneath. It’s awesome and the best feature Nova ever made.
Same, also a Nova refugee using Lawnchair.
One thing I don’t like though, is if you change the homescreen grid size it destroys everything and you have to start over with your homesdreen icons.
Niagara:
That’s really nice and clean! I think I will give Niagara a try.
Niagara user here, I think it’s worth every penny, and it’s so cheap, and the developer is very receptive. It’s a very simple purchase.
…FINE… guess I’m going to try Niagara again because this looks so clean. … But i’m not happy about it. (they type from a samsung, JKJK this looks dope and yeah ima give it another go)
Also been using it for years. Love the unique interface. Wish they’d do more substantial updates than those seasonal icon packs though, especially given the amount of income they must have from subscriptions.
I bought a lifetime license because I definitely do not need another subscription in my life but tbh the free version is completely fine
I’ve been using it for years now. Simple, elegant and stable.
It has my vote.
TikTok
Bruhhh
Sybau
I’m so proud of myself for having to look this term up. 💪
Very cute setup!
Here’s the original picture if you want. My phone says I downloaded it off of Lemmy but I couldn’t tell your where.
KISS Launcher.
KISS Launcher.
I don’t use KISS as a launcher, but I have it bound to double tapping the home button. You can add any search options you want (maps app, play store, internet search, phone search). This is an excellent customisable alternative to the built in google search app and I would highly recommend it for that.
I like Smart Launcher. It’s freemium, but I think the paid version is really nice.
My ideal launcher would be a mix of Smart Launcher with the addition of the app list from Niagara.
i’ve been on smart launcher since checks purchase history 2013, and while it’s still the best ux i’ve found, they have been doing some scummy shit over the years, like move features from the paid version into “content packs” that cost extra.
I mainly use Foss software. But, this is one app which is not Foss and I use.
Neo launcher does everything I need it to
Have you remembered Charles’ present?
I really didn’t think I was going to like a minimal launcher after so many years with Nova and then AIO, but OLauncher really clicked for me.
Since then, I upgraded to ProLauncher, which mostly adds shortcut icons on the right (I believe that’s what I upgraded for anyway). It’s been great.
I like Kiss.
Have you considered reporting the battery drain issue to the Kvaesitso devs? They could fix it if it can be reproduced.
I tend to switch every month or two between Kvaetsivo and IAO, which is my main driver now. I find it handy and hihgly configurable.
I so much wish there was a replacement for the now abandoned ADW Launcher (both 1 and 2). I am currently stuck on Nova now.
