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.
All the best,
A cranky old wizard
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.
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.