Launchers?
Like rocket or granade?
this post was submitted on 06 Feb 2025
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I’m with stoy. WTF are you all talking about?
They're talking about application launchers for Android devices, the same category of system component that the Start Menu in Windows and the big app grid in OSX are. You can change your application launcher pretty easily on Android and some Linux systems.
Trebuchet
I used to use Nova, but after it was acquired and started getting sketchy, I switched to Niagara and never looked back. Not FOSS, but there's no other launcher like it.
I still use Nova, but I blocked it from updating. I will need to switch eventually, but I've been very happy with it.
Lawnchair isn't outdated. The last beta release is 6 months old and the last nightly build based on Android 15 is 5 days old.
Yes, all the work on Lawnchair happens on that branch. I don't think you're actually supposed to use the old one.
The last lawnchair beta came out a few months ago. It's been running really stable for me and I would recommend it.
I found it too limited and broken. For example, the app names don't work when you increase the rows/columns, you can only use the default number if you want icon titles.
When I was trying different numbers of rows/columns, it would wipe all the apps I added each time I changed it.
Widgets are buggy and can crash the launcher.
Honestly, I think the only people who suggest this launcher are people who only use default settings. I need lots of customization.
I haven't had that experience at all, and I an one to customise all the settings.
+1
+2 I used to love Nova but after the sell out I went looking for FOSS launchers and Lawnchair has provided the best alternative so far but it lacks a bit in personalisation options in comparison.
+3
I'm still on Niagara, it's not foss but it's quite nice
I can't even remember what my phone was like before Niagara, to be honest. It's simply become the correct way to use a phone (to me).
Niagara for the win! Developers also realize that not everyone loves Google, so it's possible to get the apk from their website, for both the free and paid version. For those who don't like subscriptions, they also offer a one-time payment! 😁
oh nice I didn't know that
I love Niagara! The biggest problem is, if I have to do something with someone else's phone, it sucks because it's really hard navigating the default launchers if you're used to Niagara.
+1 for Niagara. Sad that it's not FOSS but it's very much to my liking and really has helped me to reduce my unintended app use. But it's not for everyone.
I tried Niagara at first, but wanted something FOSS and switched to KISS Launcher which is similar. It's search-based, like Niagara. My friend bought the Niagara launcher and loves it, but it's not for me
it's cool but I prefer the list view
I am currently using Smart Launcher and I love it, especially because how you can categorize your apps in tabs.
Here are the screenshots, but my layout is of course a bit more customized, because I like things more compact, since it's easier to access my apps this way.
I use Nova, and it's pretty standard. Very similar to the Google launcher in function but supports icon packs and other useful features.
yeah I liked Nova, just not a fan of it not being Foss. Might have to go back tho
I don't want anything weird or innovative, just basic (so things like pie and kiss are out)
Are we thinking about the same KISS? Because "nothing weird or innovative, just basic" is kind of the core philosophy of this launcher
yeah this ones search based tho. I wand all my apps on the home screen,
also I hate how the app menu is where its a list rather than a grid
How about Kvaesisto? It's search-based but has a row of favourites on the home screen then you pull down and can have as many favourites as you want, also supports icon packs.
I tried it once years back. Thought it's weird, but gave it a try anyway. Now I can't use "stupid" default launchers and KISS is first thing to set up in new phone :-D
I've been using Lynx Launcher for a couple of months after being ultimately unsatisfied with the FOSS options I tried. I like how it's different from a stock home screen but not too different.
Here's a screenshot of what my main screen looks like, to give an idea.
Hyperion is boring, but is close enough to a pre-enshittification default android launcher as it gets (read: before the Google assistant integration).
Maybe Smart Launcher ? Haven't used in a long time , not sure if it'll fit all your needs , but seems conventional enough
I actually really like samsungs default oneui over everything I tried, but thats for tablets specifically, dex classic is pretty cool for larger tablets using keyboards.
I found Kvaesitso to be a pretty good launcher. Simple, clean, with it's fair amount of optimisation and a great use of the app drawer
I tried many launchers but keep getting back to Niagara,it's fast, simple and easy to find app you're looking for
I like Square Home. It looks like the old Metro UI (lots of tiles), and has nice large touch targets. And it supports widgets.
It isn't foss, sadly.
Friends - how big of a deal is it to switch launchers to test another one? I'm on Nova and happy, but I want to leave. If I switch and don't like it, can I switch back and keep my old settings and stuff?
yeah, if you keep the app and just change default launchers, it all stays.
Awesome, I'll give some of the ones in the thread a shot!