Best phone ever, now with the best launcher

[idiotekniques]

The eight pro is easily the best phone I've used. I've had an Android phone since the Nexus one. Mostly Google but some HTC, a Samsung and an LG in the mix there.

After using Nova for years and years I want to try something new. I went through the usual launchers but finally for some reason decided to try Niagara.

Amazing. This one home screen now does what I used to do with five home screens and good widgets. A couple things might take an additional swipe or tap, and other things are faster. Either way it's completely one handed and super sleek and streamlined.

My new home screen

 

[jhilker]

The eight pro is easily the best phone I've used. I've had an Android phone since the Nexus one. Mostly Google but some HTC, a Samsung and an LG in the mix there.

After using Nova for years and years I want to try something new. I went through the usual launchers but finally for some reason decided to try Niagara.

Amazing. This one home screen now does what I used to do with five home screens and good widgets. A couple things might take an additional swipe or tap, and other things are faster. Either way it's completely one handed and super sleek and streamlined.

My new home screenView attachment 358649

So glad you're enjoying your 8 Pro. I used to tinker quite a bit with launchers prior to using Pixels, but I've pretty much stuck with the Pixel Launcher since I first got the 3a XL.

 

[edubfromktown]

I've used Nova since the Pixel 4a was released (as I could not stand the stock launcher). Also checked out Niagara long ago and may take a look at it again.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I'm also a convert to Niagara (previously a long-time Nova user, including the v8 beta). I found an undocumented use for the alphabetic app list: since many of my apps have non-obvious names, I group them together by prefixing their name with a category name. For example, "appName" becomes "TOOLS -appName". This way all tool/utility apps appear in 'T' without need to remember some arcane name. This makes it behave like a folder, but saves tapping to open a folder and then hunting for the app.

 

[idiotekniques]

I've used Nova since the Pixel 4a was released (as I could not stand the stock launcher). Also checked out Niagara long ago and may take a look at it again.

Nova is great but this Niagara one really changes the game. It's Just a totally unique interface.

It does change a lot of your muscle memory so you need to use it for 5 to 7 days to really start to get it to become instinctual.

 

[idiotekniques]

I'm also a convert to Niagara (previously a long-time Nova user, including the v8 beta). I found an undocumented use for the alphabetic app list: since many of my apps have non-obvious names, I group them together by prefixing their name with a category name. For example, "appName" becomes "TOOLS -appName". This way all tool/utility apps appear in 'T' without need to remember some arcane name. This makes it behave like a folder, but saves tapping to open a folder and then hunting for the app.
View attachment 358667

Nice setup.

Your weather widget on the right does not look like the one Niagara comes with. You're able to put your own widget there or is this something else?

 

[bkeaver]

Ok I'll cave and try it again. I do own the pro version but haven't used it in quite awhile. I missed the features of Nova the last time I used it.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Your weather widget on the right does not look like the one Niagara comes with. You're able to put your own widget there or is this something else?

That's the Digital Clock & Weather widget. It's the top widget in a stack of three; swiping once brings up the 5-day forecast, swiping again brings up Poweamp (music player).

 

[Bkdodger1]

AIO Launcher is another solid launcher peeps should check out

 

[Mr. Lucky]

AIO Launcher is another solid launcher peeps should check out

Yeah, AIO comes highly recommended. I tried to like it but couldn't get into it. Smart Launcher 6 (below) is interesting, though I still prefer Niagara.

 

[Bkdodger1]

Yeah, AIO comes highly recommended. I tried to like it but couldn't get into it. Smart Launcher 6 (below) is interesting, though I still prefer Niagara.
View attachment 358668

I have AIO tweaked perfectly though currently running Nova on both Pixels..it really has some awesome customization once you get the hang of it... I have used Smart Launcher 6 and bought the pro version a long time ago but it's been a minute since I've rolled with it ...

 

[J Dubbs]

I'm also a convert to Niagara (previously a long-time Nova user, including the v8 beta). I found an undocumented use for the alphabetic app list: since many of my apps have non-obvious names, I group them together by prefixing their name with a category name. For example, "appName" becomes "TOOLS -appName". This way all tool/utility apps appear in 'T' without need to remember some arcane name. This makes it behave like a folder, but saves tapping to open a folder and then hunting for the app.
View attachment 358667

I've always been fascinated with the way Niagara looks and works.. I've never even considered anything but the stock launcher until I watched a video of Niagara in action.

It was more about the cool factor than any actual need I have for a new launcher lol.

Your whole setup looks very cool, and I'm sure it's even better looking in action. Nice

 

[edubfromktown]

I have AIO tweaked perfectly though currently running Nova on both Pixels..it really has some awesome customization once you get the hang of it... I have used Smart Launcher 6 and bought the pro version a long time ago but it's been a minute since I've rolled with it ...

I've tried different ones over the years and keep gravitating back to Nova hehe

Once I got past navigating the complex settings in the UI, its sort of been 2nd nature.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

You're whole setup looks very cool, and I'm sure it's even better looking in action. Nice

Thanks. The thing I really like about Niagara is that there is a lot of capability there, despite the simplistic 1-page look. For example, right-swiping on any of the homescreen favorites (left column) reveals shortcuts that are either built-in or that you have added. Tapping on my Phone app takes you directly there, but swiping 'Phone' reveals direct shortcuts to Google Meet and Google Voice. Likewise, the Niagara button (unlabeled button below and to the left of the alphabetic list) has separate user-definable actions for tapping and swiping. In my setup, tapping takes you to the Sesame search window, while swiping up goes to my news feed (Microsoft 'Start'). There's also stackable widgets, pop-up folders that can contain widgets, ability to show notifications in abbreviated form within the Favorites list, ability to sort apps by usage, and much more.

Sorry to sound like a commercial lol!

 

[idiotekniques]

Thanks. The thing I really like about Niagara is that there is a lot of capability there, despite the simplistic 1-page look. For example, right-swiping on any of the homescreen favorites (left column) reveals shortcuts that are either built-in or that you have added. Tapping on my Phone app takes you directly there, but swiping 'Phone' reveals direct shortcuts to Google Meet and Google Voice. Likewise, the Niagara button (unlabeled button below and to the left of the alphabetic list) has separate user-definable actions for tapping and swiping. In my setup, tapping takes you to the Sesame search window, while swiping up goes to my news feed (Microsoft 'Start'). There's also stackable widgets, pop-up folders that can contain widgets, ability to show notifications in abbreviated form within the Favorites list, ability to sort apps by usage, and much more.

Sorry to sound like a commercial lol!

If it wasn't for those things, I would have not given Niagara a chance. These are the features that need to be utilized to make it compete with a multiple homescreen setup with good widgets.

 

[srgonu]

MKBHD blind camera test:

 

[BEaRebel]

That's the Digital Clock & Weather widget. It's the top widget in a stack of three; swiping once brings up the 5-day forecast, swiping again brings up Poweamp (music player).

Dude...
Pretty Cool, THX !
A Lot for Headache tho

 

[BEaRebel]

Thank you Admins ~ for enabling EMOJIs YaY

 

[winmod21]

I've never tried a custom app launcher.
Is the above ↑ referenced Niagara app– the one called 'Niagara Laughter • Home Screen' by Peter Hubur, in the Play Store?

 

[BEaRebel]

MKBHD blind camera test:

@srgonu Thank you for this. Enlightening.
Really hope the SG24U does
A LOT better than results of SG23U. Explains why brightness needs reducing in most shots.