Niagara Launcher is rolling out its Winter Update with exciting features like the Usage Breaker for digital well-being, backup support, and the news that the team is now working full-time. Have you tried it? What are your thoughts on the new features or the launcher overall?
I’ve been using Niagara exclusively for a while now, and I have no complaints. It’s great to see the team growing and focusing on making their launcher sustainable as a business.
Jo said:
I’d love to switch back to third-party launchers, but Google still hasn’t fixed the animation issues for them.
It’s hard to believe they still haven’t fixed that after all these years.
I bought Niagara before their subscription model started, but I just can’t stick with it for long. Every time I try it, I get annoyed after a few hours.
Voss said:
I bought Niagara before their subscription model started, but I just can’t stick with it for long. Every time I try it, I get annoyed after a few hours.
I feel the same. It looks stylish, but it’s inefficient for me. Scrolling to find apps isn’t practical unless you only use a few.
@Joss
That’s interesting because I find it much more efficient. I can quickly access my main apps, and navigating to lesser-used ones is faster for me. But yeah, it’s not as customizable as traditional launchers, which might bother some people.
@Joss
For users who search for apps by name, it can be faster to just tap the first letter than to use a search box. It’s a different workflow, though.
Paz said:
@Joss
For users who search for apps by name, it can be faster to just tap the first letter than to use a search box. It’s a different workflow, though.
True, but with a traditional launcher, you can fit more apps on your home screen. A fixed layout is easier for muscle memory.
@Joss
You do get a fixed arrangement for each letter with Niagara. Just a single tap, and you’re there.
@Joss
Why would I want to scroll or search for apps at all? I prefer having everything on my home screen.
@Joss
For me, it works great. I use just over one page’s worth of apps, and a quick flick gives me two pages. But I do wish they allowed for two or more columns on phones, not just tablets.
I use Niagara on all my Android devices—two Galaxy S22 Ultras, a Galaxy Tab S9, and an Onyx Boox Palma. The Anycons are a lifesaver since I don’t have to mess with icon packs anymore.
The Usage Breaker feature sounds promising for digital well-being. I wonder how effective it’ll be in the long run. It’s good to see more apps tackling this issue.
I just wish Niagara would let us have two app columns on phones. The feature exists but is limited to tablets. Sometimes my phone glitches and shows two columns, and it’s awesome. No clue what triggers it, though.
What’s the Usage Breaker feature Google announced for Pixel devices? Is it similar to what Niagara is offering?