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. Samsung states that they use Branch for searches inside their Galaxy Store. Some claims have been made that Branch powers the Finder (search) function on Samsung phones (althugh I can’t find confirmation), 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 and disable it’s ability to open links. 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.
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Use Lawn Chair
Long time user of lawnchair (4+ years), never felt like changing it to anything else, it works amazingly well.
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.
It’s also FOSS and respects your privacy. Also very lightweight.
Since i bought Niagara Launcher my phone(s) feel very fluent and contemporary. I’d say the best piece of software I bought for Android.
Niagara is the best! Never needed any other launcher
Second this. Niagara Launcher allows me so much easier access to apps. Cleaner home page and all apps in an easy to navigate alphabetical list. Super easy
Nova Launcher Prime. The only one I stuck too, and never managed to leave.
NOVA. Every single time I’ve tried an alternate launcher, I always return to NOVA within 24 hours.
Niagara Launcher. It’s a very clean and simple launcher and perfect if you have around 8 top apps with the way it’s designed, but still very easy to navigate all other apps. Definitely recommend you give it a go
I absolutely love Nova Launcher Pro. Easy to get to what I need. Also integrates with sesame and Delta icon pack.
Nova launcher, made this with it
Nova too, nice homepage, I have the same layout 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.
I appreciate you sharing this. I had no idea. Time to find an alternative.
I use Niagara Launcher mostly for the minimalist look. But also because Nova was bought by an analytics company a bit ago.
Using Nova Prime since many years now. Very satisfied, never felt the need to use anything else
OLauncher, it’s FOSS, minimalist, simple and available on F-Droid.
I love me some Nova
I’m going to piggy back on this comment for all the people who don’t want to do the research on Nova and their recent acquisition by Branch. You can opt in or out of usage statistics and all permissions in the app. The new mods on their discord have a FAQ that expresses this also. I have no way to prove otherwise but if all we have is their word then you should take all apps usages disclosures with a grain of salt.
Edit: funny enough I just installed and read the first few paragraphs of Niagra’s privacy policy which says it collects and shares user analytics. To each their own I guess.
Wait, what? I didn’t hear about them getting acquired. That sucks.
It literally doesn’t effect anything if you opt out.
Protip: If you are somewhat skeptical of the Branch integration, you can disable network permission in Android for the Nova Launcher. It doesn’t need to connect to anything to work fine generally speaking. Without network permisson, the launcher can’t send anything to the internet.
I like Kavaesito a lot. Found Here
T-UI. Probably not everyones cup of tea, but its hard to go back.
Not available on Android 13 :(
I am on GrapheneOS, based on Android 13, on a 64-bit only CPU. It is available. You might need to download it from F-Droid, I have no clue about whether the Play Store version is downloadable, as it isnt too actively maintained.
that went much better, unfortunately it seems it’s not for me. despite my phone having a slide-out keyboard, it is not tenable for me to open either it or the softkeyboard just to open an app. thanks for the suggestion anyway!
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
