I’ve always used custom launchers on Android. The stock launchers like One UI Home and Launcher3 just don’t cut it for me.

Despite that, I’m hard pressed to find any open-source launcher that meets my expectations like Smart Launcher does.

Any suggestions?

  • Kryptkravler@lemmy.world
    61·
    4 hours ago

    I’ve been using KISS launcher for ages. I just can’t go back to a “normal” launcher again. No more swiping through pages to find and open an app. Just type a letter or two of the app name and voila.

    10/10 - Would FOSS again.

    • ReallyZen@lemmy.ml
      1·
      25 minutes ago

      Same. Been using it for ages : nice background pic & just a calendar widget, the six shortcuts at the bottom - it’s so fast, simple, unobtrusive.

  • merlin@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    3·
    6 hours ago

    Not popular opinion I know but if smart launcher is good for your needs keep using it. If you have privacy concerns just cut off it’s internet access

    • powermaker450@discuss.tchncs.deOPEnglish
      2·
      3 hours ago

      this is what I do currently (GrapheneOS Network Permission), but I’m just curious if there are any other alternatives out there. it’s slightly easier to have trust the software I use from the get-go, not hinder it so it can be trusted, if that makes sense

  • §ɦṛɛɗɗịɛ ßịⱺ𝔩ⱺɠịᵴŧ@lemmy.mlEnglish
    10·
    8 hours ago

    I’ve been really liking the KISS Launcher, it’s power is in it’s simplicity. It also looks relatively comparable with Smart Launcher. What’s super impressive about the KISS Launcher is that 93% of users that try it for a week are still active users after 3 years! So definitely worth a gander for sure.

    • smorks@lemmy.caEnglish
      7·
      8 hours ago

      agreed! I’ve been using KISS since Nova got bought out and have been loving it. i tried a bunch of different ones but KISS had the best combo of features and simplicity to me. will take a lot for me to switch away now.

  • Karcinogen@discuss.tchncs.de
    13·
    8 hours ago

    There is Lawnchair, which is a stock-experience while still being extremely customizable, and Kvaesitso, which is search based and might be worth checking out if you want to try something different. Can you share which features you are interested in, so we can give more relevant recommendations ?

    • CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      6·
      8 hours ago

      I want gesture support so badly like in Nova Launcher.

      Swipe up for one app, swipe down for another app, etc.

      smart launcher does exactly one gesture (double tap) and is woefully inadequate for me.

      Does lawn chair offer that?

    • powermaker450@discuss.tchncs.deOPEnglish
      4·
      8 hours ago

      I’m mostly fine with any launcher, as long as you can put apps in folders in the app launcher, as well as hiding some apps altogether. Lawnchair looks interesting and I’ll check it out

  • thisismyname@lemm.eeEnglish
    5·
    8 hours ago

    A good minimalist text based launcher that’s open source is Olauncher. Maybe not what you’re after (comparing it to Smart Launcher) but thought I’d suggest it just in case.

  • foxlore@programming.devBEnglish
    1·
    6 hours ago

    Octopi Launcher (Early Access) it’s still in Early Access but I am using it as my daily driver and I love it. it creates a separate home screen for each orientation and or aspect ratio. I use this on a pixel 9 fold to have separate home screens on the standard phone screen versus the tablet screen.