I'm still using paid nova as I've been for like 10 years. I've blocked internet access for it (running grapheneos), I'm not really seeing risks in using it?
this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2026
31 points (97.0% liked)
Android
21037 readers
93 users here now
The new home of /r/Android on Lemmy and the Fediverse!
Android news, reviews, tips, and discussions about rooting, tutorials, and apps.
πUniversal Link: !android@lemdro.id
π‘Content Philosophy:
Content which benefits the community (news, rumours, and discussions) is generally allowed and is valued over content which benefits only the individual (technical questions, help buying/selling, rants, self-promotion, etc.) which will be removed if it's in violation of the rules.
Support, technical, or app related questions belong in: !askandroid@lemdro.id
For fresh communities, lemmy apps, and instance updates: !lemdroid@lemdro.id
π¬Matrix Chat
π°Our communities below
Rules
-
Stay on topic: All posts should be related to the Android OS or ecosystem.
-
No support questions, recommendation requests, rants, or bug reports: Posts must benefit the community rather than the individual. Please post to !askandroid@lemdro.id.
-
Describe images/videos, no memes: Please include a text description when sharing images or videos. Post memes to !androidmemes@lemdro.id.
-
No self-promotion spam: Active community members can post their apps if they answer any questions in the comments. Please do not post links to your own website, YouTube, blog content, or communities.
-
No reposts or rehosted content: Share only the original source of an article, unless it's not available in English or requires logging in (like Twitter). Avoid reposting the same topic from other sources.
-
No editorializing titles: You can add the author or website's name if helpful, but keep article titles unchanged.
-
No piracy or unverified APKs: Do not share links or direct people to pirated content or unverified APKs, which may contain malicious code.
-
No unauthorized polls, bots, or giveaways: Do not create polls, use bots, or organize giveaways without first contacting mods for approval.
-
No offensive or low-effort content: Don't post offensive or unhelpful content. Keep it civil and friendly!
-
No affiliate links: Posting affiliate links is not allowed.
Quick Links
Our Communities
- !askandroid@lemdro.id
- !androidmemes@lemdro.id
- !techkit@lemdro.id
- !google@lemdro.id
- !nothing@lemdro.id
- !googlepixel@lemdro.id
- !xiaomi@lemdro.id
- !sony@lemdro.id
- !samsung@lemdro.id
- !galaxywatch@lemdro.id
- !oneplus@lemdro.id
- !motorola@lemdro.id
- !meta@lemdro.id
- !apple@lemdro.id
- !microsoft@lemdro.id
- !chatgpt@lemdro.id
- !bing@lemdro.id
- !reddit@lemdro.id
Lemmy App List
Chat and More
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Same here on LOS
Are you on a Samsung phone? If yes you can check out the good lock module home up. That enables a lot of customization options on the Samsung stock launcher.
Although I can't vouch for it since I sometimes use either Niagara launcher or kvaesitso.
The former is a simple minimalist launcher of just having 8 quick apps and a list of apps that's easily searchable or use alphabetical quick scroll. You can kind of make folders in it, but I don't have the words to describe how. They do it differently than nova. I'm really just giving a quick summary; there's a bit more to it if you want a change.
Sorry that I don't have a close 1:1 nova replacement. I just didn't use it since way back when I got it for a dollar or something stupidly low. Something just didn't click.
Kvaesitso is also a semi change than nova launcher. No folders for apps though. But it has a dedicated infitine vertically scrolling page for widgets. The app drawer have a section separate for pinned apps and most used apps, before showing the whole app drawer (and doesn't "hide" the pinned and most used apps like some launchers do).
I've used Hyperion for years and it's been great. They have some features locked behind a couple bucks but it's been worth it for me.
I don't use folders in the list but it does appear to support them.
Maybe give the free one a spin and see?
I really like dragon launcher but it's not traditional at all it uses a system of rings to quickly launch things and does feature profiles and folders
Have you tried octopi?
Like, it's a launcher? Or as a Food? Coz either way the answer is no.
I love a niche item, I'll check it out. Fdroid or play store?
It's a launcher, that I find is very close to how I set up my Nova (my wife couldn't tell the difference between my octopi and Nova setups). I got mine from the play store. It's free with a couple of cosmetic pro features for a couple of bucks.
using lawnchair at the moment. folders work, work profile... works.
the only feature they don't natively have that I miss from the stock launcher is frequent apps. I could install the plug-in, but I'm about to switch to graphene for the next phone so I'll probably start from scratch and see how native graphene works.
Interesting... No weird bugs with the folders?
Maybe they fixed that since last time I checked
Perhaps the 'add new apps to the homescreen' option is a little buggy? Like maybe the launcher thinks an updated app is a new app? Try turning that off.
I had the issue appear when sliding apps into folders straight out of the appdrawer. If i add it to the homescreen first and then drag it into a folder, the issue is gone.
Hope any of this helps.
Thanks!
Things to try, much appreciated
I use lawnchair on grapheneos. No issues with folders. Haven't tried plugins or profiles.
why not use nova till it breaks? i still use a 10yo launcher (adw launcher ex 1.3.4.0) and it still works fine for me.
Nah, I dropped it now.
Feels silly to go back to it only to have to drop it sooner or later.
I think it's already doing data collection and finger printing, ads are close behind.
I've been using Hyperion for a while now, it's pretty good. You can create custom folders for the drawer, though I'm not sure how well it handles work profiles.
Thanks. I think I tried that one. Maybe worth another go after a few years
Lawnchair is ok but Iβve been liking Poco. The thing is Nova is amazing at adapting icon packs to at least make stuff follow a motif. Nearly every other launcher just leaves icons looking out of place when there isnβt a themed one. Iβm not talking about having an icon for all your apps within all your icon packs, but if the pack follows some shape or design, or maybe color affectation, Nova will generate for all others a complying effect. Hardly any other launchers will do this. I also use a widget called Launchy and the one thing itβs missing is it also wonβt do this with some packs. Although some will. Itβs weird.
But Iβve rambled. Yeah check out Poco AKA Global Launcher from Xiaomi I think.
Thanks!
Not tried that one.
Any Xiaomi concerns about data telemetry? Or am I being paranoid?
Well I don't think it'd paranoid but I have been meaning to run a scan with some apps I have just to see. But is Xiaomi one of the banned brands?I know Huawei, ZTE, and some others I've heard. Not sure about Xiaomi.
Anyway it's a fairly good quality launcher. And it has one feature I love that Nova never implemented which is icon packs as in multiple. In order of preference.
The waterfall scroll is one of my favourite features in Nova. I'm holding on until I come across a decent foss project or it breaks.
wdym by waterfall scroll?
You worried about the coming of the adverts?
Oh is that what's going to happen?
Ugh thanks I guess I've been living under a rock.