Of all the apps you can install on your new Android phone, a solid app launcher can be the biggest transformation in your user experience, unlocking depths of customization most OEM-provided solutions are only starting to fathom. Talk to any enthusiast who’s watched the launcher scene, and they may point you to older, reliable options like Nova Launcher and Smart Launcher as a good starting point.
Smart Launcher is around 12 years old, and that’s a long time to keep a passion project up and running. We blocked some quality time with the app’s creator, Vincenzo Colucci, to understand his perspective on what it takes to stay relevant as an older Android launcher, especially since the app segment is more competitive now.
Friends don’t let friends use nova
Branch recently fired a bunch of their team, including all Nova support and all but one dev. (After raising hundreds of millions a few years ago.) Frankly Nova is still looking great, but Branch will strangle it eventually.
I just switched off of it last week! I landed on NeoLauncher to match how I used Nova, but its a bit buggy. Fossify Launcher just had its 1.0.0 release yesterday too! Ive also heard good things about Lawnchair, but for me it wasn’t quite customizable enough. if anyone else has suggestions for Foss Launchers, share them here!