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.

    • Pika@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      7·
      2 months 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
      5·
      2 months 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.

    • AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      2 months 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.

    • amorpheus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      2 months 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 months 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)

  • burgersc12@mander.xyzEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    Kvaesitso has drained less than 3% of my battery every day for the last week. > 20% sounds like an unusual amount of drain

  • limerod@reddthat.comMEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    Have you considered reporting the battery drain issue to the Kvaesitso devs? They could fix it if it can be reproduced.

  • SSUPII@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    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.

  • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    41·
    2 months ago

    I like Smart Launcher. It’s freemium, but I think the paid version is really nice.

  • SecretSauces@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 months 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 months 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 months 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

  • Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    2 months 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.