Hello folks. Four minutes ago, I got a notification that Nova now has ads, despite Me disabling updates. Three minutes ago, I uninstalled Nova. Any recommendations for a new launcher?

My ideal launcher would be completely free, have plenty of customisation options, and the only updates would be bugfixes and op-in features that I am not notified about. I first installed Nova years ago, to make My new phone’s home screen look like the last one’s. And I’m not about to change My ways now, so hopefully the new launcher lets Me recreate the look and feel of the very first smartphone I ever owned over a decade ago.

image

All the best,
A cranky old wizard

  • csm10495@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    5 days ago

    I’m one of those people who hate change. I like things just working like the have. The closest I got was Smart Launcher after importing my nova config, though the drawer wasn’t right, the Google search bar I’ve used forever didn’t work anymore, I couldnt get double click of the home button to open Gemini voice anymore, also didn’t like the search ui as much, and didn’t like being able to swipe sideways to get to search (I’ve used a single home screen for a long time).

    I’m sure I could be less stubborn and learn but I’m stubborn and happy with what I have.

    For now I’ve blocked updates to nova and am still using it.

    Makes me wonder how well an AI would do at decompiling an old nova, removing tracking, etc.

    • Grail@multiverse.soulism.netOPEnglish
      1·
      5 days ago

      I’d only use an AI for a job like that if it were either too simple to learn or advanced enough to consent. That grey area in between where LLMs lie, it’s like a child. I don’t agree with child labour.

      I got Lawnchair set up close enough to approximate My old config, and then I went and installed the TREK theme for Total. Now My phone is a PADD, it’s great. Terrible terrible UX, but as I learn and configure it and get better at using it, I start feeling like a Starfleet Officer.

  • AndrewZabar@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    6 days ago

    I also got that notification on several of my devices. But I have not seen any ads. Maybe because I use DNSNET.

    I kinda like Lawnchair also.

  • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldEnglish
    26·
    8 days ago

    My top customizable FOSS launchers:

    Kvaesisto
    Search-based with native-themed widgets and app drawer. Lots of integrations, reliable, and my personal daily driver.

    Lawnchair
    Drop-in replacement for Pixel launcher with some friendly features. Very active development.

    Ion Launcher
    Automatic app folders by category and decent customization options.

    Einstein Launcher
    Highly customizable and built from scratch. It’s under 3MB and already pretty capable, although it’s a young project and still in alpha

  • IDew@feddit.nlEnglish
    22·
    8 days ago

    Lawnchair would be my best bet. I’ve had issues with icon packs not applying only to the home screen which makes me stop using it, but it’s a pretty solid experience if you’d ask me

    • Grail@multiverse.soulism.netOPEnglish
      2·
      8 days ago

      Does Lawnchair let you use app icons with different shapes? I hate it when the icons are all the same shape, it makes it impossible to find anything. I like it when the email looks like a letter so then I just look for the letter and I’ve got it. I don’t want to look for a circle with a letter in it, that’s too hard.

      • jcarax@beehaw.orgEnglish
        4·
        8 days ago

        Yes. Make sure you’re installing the beta, they never really release stable anymore from what I can tall.

      • rnercle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        0·
        8 days ago

        i use lawnchair legacy (as well as Eblan Einstein and dragOn) and it let’s you customize any icon with whatever png you would like (or you can choose any icon from a pack

  • N0MAD@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    9·
    8 days ago

    I was in a similar situation a few weeks back and even though Nova was set to not auto update and blocked internet access, I want to try something new. Someone suggested Octopi and I’m glad I made the switch. Has all the features from Nova that I loved and used. A little finicky but overall I’m happy with it. It has 2 in app purchases that are more support the Dev than unlock special features.

    I can barely tell the difference between Nova and Octopi so easy to transition to and set up. Good luck in the search.

    • mirisgaiss@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      8 days ago

      does octopi let you have icons with no titles? first I’ve heard of it, and it’s one of the reasons I keep the old version of Nova that I have. for some reason very few launchers support this, but it’s how I’ve use my home screen for 10+ years. the search method of opening things drives me batshit.

      • N0MAD@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        8 days ago

        You can turn off titles on the home screen but I don’t see anything in the settings for the app drawer. However, I did just try while writing this, to rename an app and leave a space for the name and it accepted that. While it would be a pain to do for every app, it is possible.

  • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
    7·
    8 days ago

    Brother, you are in the club of cranky old wizards. We are all in the same boat. We reject these things not because we are old but because we are cursed with knowledge.

    That aside, Lawnchair seems to be the go-to replacement, although not nearly as good.

    • Grail@multiverse.soulism.netOPEnglish
      45·
      8 days ago

      I’m nobody’s brother. I would begrudgingly agree to be called sister, but most prefer to be called sibling, and to be addressed with capitalised They/Them pronouns.

      • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
        7·
        8 days ago

        Sorry I used the improper pronouns while assuaging your concerns and answering your query. I promise it won’t happen again.

  • James R Kirk@startrek.websiteEnglish
    6·
    8 days ago

    I’m the same way and finally had to accept I’m going to need to change because Nova isn’t coming back 😭 and to my knowledge nobody is recreating foss.

    Kvaesitso is what I went with. It’s a different style of launcher but very well put together. So far I’ve been quite happy.

    • petrescatraian@libranet.de
      1·
      8 days ago

      I went with Kvaesitso as well, but if you, @Grail, cannot get used to it do give Lawnchair a try. It currently seems like the most developed AOSP based FOSS launcher.

  • THB@lemmy.mlEnglish
    5·
    8 days ago

    I’m terms of pure customization, Octopi Launcher so far has let me recreate my old Nova setup 95% fully. I’ve tried all the other launchers in this thread and they were always missing some key customization feature. The menus and ways to get things done are slightly different from Nova, but I got there in the end. It’s fairly new and the dev seems to be actively releasing fixes.

  • aln@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    8 days ago

    Lawnchair was too buggy for me. Smart Launcher lets you import a Nova backup so you get your Nova layout back immediately. Instant purchase.

    The only thing it doesn’t have is infinite scroll on the home screen. Which took like 45 seconds to adjust to.

    So yeah, my vote is for Smart Launcher.

      • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        8 days ago

        Free as in beer? Yes. Free as in open source? No. I used it for a long time and really liked it.

        I also used the paid version at a certain point to support the devs. It unlocks a few cool features.

  • Grail@multiverse.soulism.netOPEnglish
    4·
    8 days ago

    You bought a Fairphone because you care about the environment and don’t like slavery.

    I bought a Fairphone because I want to keep using it for the next decade.

    We are exactly the same.