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.works
    English
    2·
    10 hours 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.

  • kratoz29@lemmy.zipEnglish
    3·
    13 hours 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.

  • SecretSauces@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    16 hours 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·
      15 hours 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·
        8 hours 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

  • inb4_FoundTheVegan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    13 hours 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.

  • 2501@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    2·
    16 hours 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.

    • AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      10 hours 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
      8·
      2 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.

      • BestBouclettes@jlai.luEnglish
        12·
        2 days ago

        I think it’s been bought by a shitty spyware company who swore that they will not be mining your data. I bought it many years ago and that made me switch to Kvaesitso.

        • Ganbat@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          5·
          2 days ago

          Development of Nova went to shit after it was bought out, too. I dropped it when some major bug I now forget the details of was introduced and my reports went ignored for a full year.

          • foggenbooty@lemmy.worldEnglish
            4·
            23 hours ago

            I still have it and I can’t get off it because my whole flow depends on a feature that no other launcher seems to have.

            I have all my apps in folders, but the folders when tapped will launch the first app in the folder. If I swipe up on them the folder opens.

            So for exameple I have what looks like a Camera icon. If I tap it Camera opens as expected, but if I swipe up on it all my photo related apps are there. It allows me to keep a simple easy to use home screen but then all my apps are grouped underneath. It’s awesome and the best feature Nova ever made.

    • HornedMeatBeast@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      2 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
      2·
      10 hours 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.

    • fixmycode@feddit.clEnglish
      3·
      11 hours ago

      Niagara user here, I think it’s worth every penny, and it’s so cheap, and the developer is very receptive. It’s a very simple purchase.

    • Mx. Nichole@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      23 hours 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)

    • chrisbit@leminal.spaceEnglish
      5·
      2 days ago

      Also been using it for years. Love the unique interface. Wish they’d do more substantial updates than those seasonal icon packs though, especially given the amount of income they must have from subscriptions.

      • themoonisacheese@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        3·
        1 day ago

        I bought a lifetime license because I definitely do not need another subscription in my life but tbh the free version is completely fine

    • cRazi_man@europe.pubEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      I don’t use KISS as a launcher, but I have it bound to double tapping the home button. You can add any search options you want (maps app, play store, internet search, phone search). This is an excellent customisable alternative to the built in google search app and I would highly recommend it for that.

      • lemmyknow@lemmy.todayEnglish
        1·
        15 hours ago

        You could also try Blue Line Console. It opens on top of the current screen, allowing you to search for apps and whatnot. Not sure how far it goes, as I have not used it extensively. But I do have it as my assist app (KISS is my Launcher, but you can also set Blue Line Console as a Launcher)

      • weirdo_from_space@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        That’s also a very good use case, but KISS is just the perfect launcher for me. I can get to litteraly anything just by typing it’s name. Apps, contacts, settings, search results, a new tab, a new incognito tab, sometimes specific app functions. You can use it as a calculator too, it’s perfect. No amount of praise can do KISS justice in my opinion.

  • burgersc12@mander.xyzEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

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