Just got a new work phone: Galaxy S22. Wanted a pixel but it was out of stock in our internal allocation. Already tired of samsung’s UI and interested in something new.
So what do you like? Bonus points if it works with android enterprise’s profile mode dual app drawers.
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I’ve been using nova launcher prime since forever. Make a backup on my old phone when getting a new one, and import it on the new phone.
How do you feel about nova launcher being bought out by that data collection company?
:( I used Nova Prime for many years, and I don’t like this one bit. I hope that the devs got a good payout, and best wishes to them, but it makes me uncomfortable. Luckily, while it’s definitely no Nova, Samsung’s launcher has finally on the most recent version gotten to a point of usability. Everything is more awkward to do, and you have to install extra Samsung apps (Good Lock with applets) for a lot of the customization, but most of my favorite features from Nova are finally there. So, for the first time in many years, I’m running the Samsung default OneUI 5.1.
Wait you don’t think Samsung is collecting your data?
Yes, I do think they are, but by choosing a Samsung smartphone, I’ve already decided to be OK with that on some level. I turn off features that connect to outside companies for the most part, and I’ve chosen to believe that Samsung does what it claims with the settings that users have available to them on the phone. It doesn’t mean that I’m just fine with handing everything over to any other random company. Some claims are made that Branch powers the Finder (search) function on Samsung phones, but this Finder Customization Service is a feature you can disable on a Samsung Galaxy phone. You can also turn off search suggestions for Finder. You can disable Google and Samsung’s browsers and Internet searches as well. I am the sort of user who checks permissions of apps before downloading them (and disables everything I don’t use), and I don’t want my launcher (which I paid for) on a device I paid a not small sum of money for, to send every single tap back to a marketing firm directly.
Ok, but with even a little bit of research and looking around in Nova launcher itself, you would’ve found that you can opt out of usage analytics and all permissions. Branch even says this themselves on their discord.
Use Lawn Chair
Been using Lawn Chair for the past year or so. Looks good, does what I want and stays out of my way the rest of the time. Top marks for me.
Nova Launcher Prime. The only one I stuck too, and never managed to leave.
KISS Launcher for me. Minimal UI so you can see your wallpaper, decent search and open source. I’m surprised there aren’t more mentions of it here actually.
I second this
I use Niagara Launcher mostly for the minimalist look. But also because Nova was bought by an analytics company a bit ago.
I used Niagara Launcher, but it’s not free, so I moved to Lawnchair 12.1. I also really like Kvaesitso launcher
I’m using Niagara, it’s not free but it’s only like 10€ yearly. I like it because it stops my muscle Memory from mindlessly opening stuff
I had the chance to buy a “life long” licence and I really dont regret it.
Wow, seems to be 30 bucks now, really glad I went lifetime pro last year
I’ve been using smart-launcher for years now, and it’s what I’m used to, gestures and a nice app menu that automtically categorises applications is nice.
Seconding Smart Launcher. Automatic categorization beats pretty much every other feature I can think of in a launcher.
I try to treat my devices as commitments as far as spending but disposable as far as usage habits and not having invent my own categories helps me just USE my phone instead of playing with it.
If you want to try something alternative check out “niagara launcher”. You need some time to get used to it, but the UX is really clever IMO
Nova launcher, made this with it
Nova too, nice homepage, I have the same icon pack but on a boring 4x4 grid :)
You’re on a fediverse app, you should know that Nova was the center of some controversy when they sold to a company that is likely harvesting and selling user data. Many have left Nova.
AIO launcher.
Looks nothing like a regular launcher, but works great for me, can have calendar, news, tasks etc all in one convenient scrolling home screen
I like Kavaesito a lot. Found Here
Kvaesitso is soo good yet so buggy while scrolling. I wish it was a bit snappier. Do you face the same issue?
I don’t have any issues with scrolling, but it might be because I keep a minimal amount of apps on my phone.
I loved using Nova, but they got bought by a data mining company. I’m using Active Launcher now.
Oh what? Damn I’ve been using only Nova for years and years. Who bought them?
According to this article, an analytical giant by the name of Branch last year?
https://www.makeuseof.com/nova-launcher-branch-is-it-still-safe-to-use/
Lawnchair Launcher. But the version they have on GitHub.
I would use Pixel Launcher if it was possible to remove this silly, oversized, search box from the home screen.
Says not available on the play store… So I see what you mean. I’ll try to grab the GitHub version
I use Action Launcher, great for doing things from your home screen without needing a bunch of widgets. Also Samsung’s One Hand Operation app is a lifesaver, no need to awkwardly shift my plone down to reach the notification shade.
Another vote for action launcher. Switched back to it after Nova was sold off. I have had the same basic home screen for years now, and because everything is so easily accessible using covers/folders etc, most of my single home screen is a picture of the cat
Haha perfect!
Neo launcher for me. it’s on fdroid.
it’s not perfect and can get buggy, but once you set it up, and don’t mess with the settings too much. it’s acceptable replacement for Nova launcher.
Had nova prime, but switched after the buyout
… what buyout?
Yeah… What buyout? I have it in Graphene, with no permissions granted and only as a secondary launcher while i was considering my options, since Neo sometimes doesn’t update new installed apps for a while…
