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.

  • yahiroz@piefed.socialEnglish
    2·
    5 months ago

    Niagara, but I’ve also been trying out Octopi every now and then, it’s still in beta and there are certain features missing but it feels like it has potential to fully replace Nova.

  • SSUPII@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    3·
    5 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.

  • burgersc12@mander.xyzEnglish
    4·
    5 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

  • kratoz29@lemmy.zipEnglish
    2·
    5 months 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.

  • inb4_FoundTheVegan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    5 months 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.

  • Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    2·
    5 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.

  • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    71·
    5 months ago

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

    • Phen@lemmy.eco.brEnglish
      6·
      5 months ago

      My ideal launcher would be a mix of Smart Launcher with the addition of the app list from Niagara.

      • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        Never heard of Niagara, I’ll have to check that out, as I like the Smart Launcher app drawer.

        • Phen@lemmy.eco.brEnglish
          1·
          5 months ago

          It’s a completely different launcher, I just like the way they list the apps that are not in your home screen (very similar to windows phone). I still prefer smart launcher for its categories but sometimes for the apps I rarely use I liked Niagara’s list.

    • lime!@feddit.nuEnglish
      4·
      5 months ago

      i’ve been on smart launcher since checks purchase history 2013, and while it’s still the best ux i’ve found, they have been doing some scummy shit over the years, like move features from the paid version into “content packs” that cost extra.

      • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I was upset at first, but I figured they’re making something really good, and I was fine paying. If it was continuous, I would probably drop it for a different one.