I really like enjoying with customized launchers, although I am particular about which one I need to preserve as my major. Even after making an attempt a number of launcher apps, I have not replaced Niagara Launcher with any of them.
One main motive I just like the Niagara Launcher is that it focuses on minimalism, which is precisely my style. For some other launcher, it is exhausting to beat Niagara on this.
Nonetheless, it bugs me that Niagara hasn’t rolled out any strong new options in a very long time. Whereas I perceive that too many options can compromise its minimalist mantra, not updating it with new capabilities can add to customers’ frustration.
As a well-wisher of Niagara, I brainstormed how Niagara might add new options with out shedding its identification. After months with Niagara Launcher, I found it might add options and but keep minimal. Right here is my suggestion.
Niagara is a mature launcher app, however it nonetheless has room for enchancment
It simply must do it neatly
I did not fully embrace Android as my major cellular working system when Niagara Launcher got here into existence.
Again then, it was a fundamental flashlight app. Even my journey from being a hardcore Home windows Cellphone fan to embracing Android was much less dramatic.
Niagara’s rise as a launcher app is among the most attention-grabbing tech tales I’ve heard. What’s much more fascinating is that it has lengthy been a most well-liked launcher app for many who love minimalism regardless of being “feature-complete.”
That is not my phrase. Peter Huber, the mind behind Niagara Launcher, mentioned in a Medium post in 2021 that the launcher app was “function full.” Nonetheless, that was extra like a touch that the elemental imaginative and prescient was full.
Niagara Launcher turned extra helpful and practical after 2021 with the addition of helpful new options like Utilization Breaker and an upgraded search. So, it is affordable to imagine extra is within the pipeline.
Nonetheless, including new options additionally dangers making it a bloated launcher. I imagine that is one main motive why the builders behind it are particular about what they need to add and take their time.
One misstep can undermine the minimalistic identification it is constructed over time. Nonetheless, this doesn’t suggest the most secure method to preserve its sanctity intact is to keep away from or delay significant adjustments.
What I counsel is introducing a plugin system. If Obsidian can do it, then why not Niagara?
A plugin function can take Niagara Launcher to the following stage
There isn’t any hurt in giving customers extra decisions
All my minimalist associates agree with me that minimalism doesn’t suggest much less is at all times higher. Take Niagara’s vertical checklist, for instance.
It is central to the launcher’s identification, however that does not should be the one manner.
I would not thoughts assist for an app drawer as an non-compulsory function. Once I’m tired of the vertical app checklist, I’d love to change to an app drawer for a change.
I’d additionally love to make use of customized names for pop-up folders. This may not be something radical. It’d make extra sense as a default function than as an non-compulsory one.
That is my opinion, and Niagara would not should do it as a result of I’d find it irresistible.
That is the place a plugin system turns into helpful. It lets the workforce introduce options as non-compulsory and take person suggestions with out altering the general default app expertise.
If it seems to be one thing extra customers use and love, make it a part of the default setup.
That is totally different from the beta program. A plugin system ought to embrace options as steady as these obtainable within the default setup to present customers a real understanding of what they’ll do.
What I need is a separate widgets web page. I’d love to check whether or not including a single web page impacts the launcher’s identification. Once more, a plugin system would solely hedge the chance of failure.
Customers like me will transfer on if we do not prefer it, and so will Niagara.
A plugin system is Niagara’s finest guess to have extra with out turning into extra
It is a false notion that minimalism cannot coexist with extra options. I might argue that one should not come on the expense of the opposite.
The trick right here is to do it with out harming the present expertise.
I am unable to anticipate a model of Niagara Launcher that would not prohibit me from utilizing extra options within the title of minimalism. As a substitute, it will know preserve them away.
I strongly imagine a plugin system is the very best guess — one constructed by the neighborhood, I imply. I would not even take into account making an attempt different launcher apps if it occurs.
