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Alternative to Nova Launcher (lemm.ee)

submitted 7 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

69 comments fedilink hide all child comments

As the title states, I have used Nova launcher for years. As it is the most feature rich, most customizable launcher that supports basically everything I could need from it. However I am looking to switch away from it.

What launchers are you all using?

I have tried a handful of them and none quite fit the bill. And one feature nova has but no other launcher seems to is invaluable to me; that feature being able to swipe up or down on an app on the home screen to launch another app or task. It's how I keep my main page from being cluttered.

I have tried Neo Launcher which I love, but it doesn't seem to be updated anymore.

I have also tried:

So the only option I am feeling is gonna work is Nova but I am trying to ditch as many closed source, data thieving apps and services as possible.

I could however just use AFWall+ to block internet connection.

Any suggestions?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

I'm a Nova user also. I stopped updating before the buy out but this version is still working great and no issues. I would love for there to be an open source alternative with the same features but I need the same things you do.

Swipe up alternate app launch
Tabbed app drawer
Folders in the app drawer

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I mentioned smart launcher in another comment. It has all the features you mention. Not open source but privacy respecting

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I'm not sure if privacy respecting means the same thing here but step one of the setup for Smart Launcher is "agree to send us your app list so we can categorize it".

Thanks for the recommendation but it doesn't sound like what I'm looking for.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I kinda expect my launcher to have access my app list, considering its main job is to launch apps

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

Me too. Locally. Not transmitted back to a server somewhere.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

I am on a beta, and I love it. However, I am also using AFWall+ to block internet access to that app completely.

Neo Launcher is the closest I have found to Nova, but it's missing the alternate app launches

If I had the time, the motivation, and the knowledge id jump in to try to create an open source solution. I don't know any Java (as far as Android development goes anyways) and I don't know any Kotlin. So it's safe to say id I did go down this rabbit hole it would be a long ways out.

If I find anything remotely similar, I'll share with everyone.