Maybe something for the Pixel phones? I’ve been using ADW for a long time now, and was wondering what some frequently used launchers are. (I used Cyanogen for a long time, too.)

There are lists all over the internet, but I’m interested in what the Lemmy crowd likes. Thanks!

Edit: Thanks guys - a few of these were on my radar, some I hadn’t heard of or seen in the Play/f-droid lists. Having the reasons why you like each of them helps me figure out what I want from a launcher (for instance, the purchase of Nova by a company known for its data collection is a big turn-off even though it seems loved) - since you guys laid out some pros and cons of a bunch of launchers, it gives me a better picture!

Edit 2: You guys, this is a great resource for figuring out which launchers look like something worth trying (for me), and which ones are in the stores but not what I’m looking for. Without just trying them all, that is… And considering that I hadn’t even heard of all of them…

This has been a huge help for me, and I hope some others out there got something out of the post! I should be replying to everyone, but I’m not … Sorry. But I did read everything and have already started compiling a list in my head, and started tagging and categorizing. And those who included screen shots and links and lists and opinions and FOSS alternatives/forks - they helped! This whole thing helped!

  • Funderpants
    63·
    1 year ago

    I use the Niagara Launcher, it serves favorite apps up in a vertical list, and other apps in an alphabetical list. It’s very quick and easy to navigate and quite customizable with some widget support. It works with music apps, has a dark mode, makes changing icon packs easy. You can swipe up to search, or add a search button. I just love how minimal, clean and functional it is.

    Here is my home screen. Note there is no left or right screen to swipe to .

    Here is the app list, under N.

    Some settings

    And the app store link:

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bitpit.launcher

    • Godspeed@lemmy.mlEnglish
      23·
      1 year ago

      I second Niagara. It’s just a great way to keep a simple home screen, but has plenty of power features if you want to dig deeper

      • Encode1307@lemm.eeEnglish
        8·
        1 year ago

        I third it. The fact that you can customize something as fundamental as your home screen is what makes android superior to ios, at least for me. Niagara makes my interaction with the home screen so much more efficient.

          • Funderpants
            3·
            1 year ago

            I bought the lifetime pro for $12.99 CAD way back in Jan 2020. Worth every penny. I’d pay double to be honest, now that I’ve had a chance to use it for years and years. The dev really works at it too.

            • Encode1307@lemm.eeEnglish
              3·
              1 year ago

              Yeah my whole $10.99 (US) was covered by Google opinion rewards credit. It was a steal!

              • Funderpants
                1·
                1 year ago

                Hahaha yup.

                Me: Yes I went to the store yesterday, yes I paid by credit card, No I don’t have a receipt.

                Google: great, here’s 47 cents.

    • arcrust@lemmy.ml
      9·
      1 year ago

      Oh boy. I love Niagara. I’ve used it one every phone for quite a few years now.

      Two of my favorite features are the ability to tuck widgets into folders. I use the system ui communications widget in my messaging folder to take me straight to my most used chats.

      When you connect to bluetooth, it automatically pulls up a now playing widget (it’s hidden when bluetooth is disconnected) and pulls up links to my music/podcast apps. It’s so dynamic and highly customizable.

      • Funderpants
        4·
        1 year ago

        You can read about their pricing structure (both sub and one time purchase) and decisions regarding that here : https://help.niagaralauncher.app/article/104-price-of-niagara-pro

        I locked in the lifetime price years ago, I have been with them through the beta. I know the lifetime price is higher now but I think they still offer it. I think it’s worth the price, subscription or lifetime.

        • can@sh.itjust.works
          3·
          1 year ago

          $30 for lifetime is pretty reasonable. There were some things missing when I first tried a year or two ago. Maybe I’ll try again.

      • Icarus@lemmy.mlEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        when you install a web app, it should show up in the favorite apps list. if you want to be able to search it, tap and hold it, then tap “Show in app list”.