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.

  • Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    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.

  • SecretSauces@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    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…

    • Lemminary@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      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.

      • mirisgaiss@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        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

  • kratoz29@lemmy.zipEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    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.

    • AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      Same. It doesn’t do crazy fancy things, and just works. But then I’ve long since given up on my phone doing any fancy things. I’m fine with it being boring. The only thing I want is folders on the main screen and a couple widgets.

    • Pika@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      7·
      3 days ago

      I second this, just be sure to backup your settings if you upgrade, it likes to forget things on upgrades I’ve noticed.

    • HornedMeatBeast@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      3 days ago

      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.

    • amorpheus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      I’ve tried it but it doesn’t click for me. I can be more efficient with a normal launcher.

      Niagara Launcher did teach me how to improve my setup: if something isn’t important enough to be on the one and only home screen, it goes in the drawer. No more arranging folders for apps I rarely use.

    • Mx. Nichole@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      …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)

  • 2501@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    I would suggest Octopi Launcher. Started using during the alpha and switched back and forth between it and Nova. But now I am fully on Octopi. I really like the widget stacking, now I just have one page homescreen. The dev recently implemented drawer categories and tags. The dev is active and listens to feedback on the subreddit.

  • inb4_FoundTheVegan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    I’m also a nova refugee after loving it for years. Currently using Before. It’s list based that functionally makes me use search a lot. But it’s quick, clean and while not particularly feature rich. It does have a lot of personalization and customization, such as setting any font type ya can download.

    I renamed all my apps to what they are actually used for. Where? is maps, What? is my to do list, Huh? controls my hearing aid.