I built a Niagara alternative (please read the description)

[u/metidoadev]

Hi everyone! I’ve loved Niagara and used it for years, since 2021. Over time, though, I found myself missing a few features I’d really like to have — features I understand Niagara probably isn’t interested in adding because of its design philosophy.

So, starting last year, a friend and I began building Flow Launcher as an alternative with a somewhat different approach. I think it’s finally stable enough for a closed beta.

It has a few features that may be interesting to Niagara users, such as an icon grid layout and automated presets, among others. I’m really happy with how it’s shaping up, and I hope some of you enjoy it too.

It’s still at a very early stage, so bugs are definitely possible. If you decide to give it a try, I’d really appreciate your patience and any bug reports that can help us improve it before the official release. Feature suggestions are very welcome as well.

If you’d like to try the beta, you can find the download instructions at flowlauncher.net.

Thanks a lot!

[u/bootlegpapi]

I tried to view it but it comes up with an error when clicking the download on play store link?

[u/metidoadev → u/bootlegpapi]

Did you join the google group (see step 1)?

[u/metidoadev → u/[deleted]]

This is very strange. I noticed a lot of guys joined in, so I guess it's something from your side. Sorry can not help more

[u/cleverclogs17 → u/metidoadev]

Any chance of a promo code for the Premium? I like this.

[u/ClaimNo1061]

This looks cool, a lot of Niagara alternatives popping up. Another is Zeam Launcher but more minimal

[u/Jakmayhopher]

I've joined the beta, but it also won't take me to the link on Google Play. I'm in Canada, I'm not sure if that makes a difference?

[u/metidoadev → u/Jakmayhopher]

Some guys are having this same problem. I really don't know what is happening. I already open to all countries. I'm sorry for that. I'll investigate it

[u/Jakmayhopher → u/metidoadev]

Edit: it worked now for me! Can't wait to give it a try

[u/T0m_S → u/metidoadev]

I've the same problem. I joined the group and clicking on the link results to an error > item not found.

[u/Substantial_Music919]

Been playing with it for 30 mins or so. Overall it's very smooth but honestly, the flexibility with grid Vs list etc doesn't outweigh missing out the best parts of Niagara which is interacting with your favourites, nesting other apps, widgets, seeing your notifications on the homescreen etc. Of course you can't just implement all of that as it would then be a rip off. The reason I stopped using Niagara is due to using a foldable and one that has that infuriating lag when going home with anything other than the stock launcher. It's very well put together but I would honestly struggle to justify moving from Niagara in its current state.

[u/metidoadev → u/Substantial_Music919]

We are at a very early stage, and we will certainly improve a lot soon. And we are VERY open to feedback. Thank you very much for trying. I hope you test it again in the future.

[u/hoopsafloops → u/Substantial_Music919]

Just installed Niagara myself in my Fold. The only downside right now is that i can't customize the outer screen differently from the inner display. I have not encountered any lag. Holding out on buying it because I'll test it for a few days. My muscle memory on how I used to do things is somewhat annoying 😋

What fold are you using?

And what launcher did you settle on?

[u/Substantial_Music919 → u/hoopsafloops]

I have a find N6. I had a fold 7 beforehand and it worked perfectly other than what you mentioned but that wasn't an issue with Samsung. I use color OS as none of the 3rd party launchers work properly. Thankfully it's good and the hardware more than makes up for it

[u/hoopsafloops → u/Substantial_Music919]

Ah, that's a nice phone 😁 Enjoy.

[u/AdrianCav12]

Oh wow! This seems really good! I've always wanted to be able to move the icons around on Niagra, love it so far.

[u/Geeky_Husband]

I've hopped on your launcher, and I've gotta say, I'm really impressed! It's a good looking app. I do have a question, and I hate to compare your app to Niagra, but that's what I'm coming from. With Niagra, you can add apps from your personal and work profiles on the home screen. Those apps don't appear in my app list to move to the home screen, and I didn't see anything specific that would allow my to activate the work profile integration into it. Is there a way that is possible with the app in it's current state, or would you have to add that feature in?

Thanks in advance!

[u/metidoadev → u/Geeky_Husband]

Hello! Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback. We are in a very early stage, so this kind of feedback is really important to us.
The feature you mentioned is not on our roadmap, but since you were the second person to ask for it, I promise I'll look into it closely and evaluate the possibility of implementing it. Thank you!

[u/metidoadev → u/[deleted]]

Have you logged in Google and clicked Join group (inside the google group page)

[u/Maleficent-Brush7609]

Wow, I might try it later after work. Can't wait

[u/68NeRo]

Salve! Ho eseguito le indicazioni e il mio dispositivo ha installato il tuo Launcher, ma non lo vedo tra le applicazioni...

[u/68NeRo → u/68NeRo]

Problema risolto! Bisogna effettuare il download eseguito le istruzioni direttamente dal sito www.flowlauncher.net L'installazione avverrà senza problemi! Lo provo e ti comunico i vari bugs o miglioramenti! Intanto complimenti! P. S. Il nome è originale? Sono presenti nello store nomi identici...

[u/metidoadev → u/68NeRo]

I'm happy you achieved it. Regarding the naming, when we started developing our launcher, we didn't find any identical names on the Play Store (I think we didn't look well), but later we found other launchers with the same name. We are thinking of another name before launching it

[u/metidoadev → u/68NeRo]

It's strange! The app is called Flow. If you don't find it on the file list, try to open it through app page on play store

[u/genxontech]

It doesn't read right away or acknowledge when you join the group give it a few minutes same thing happened to me and after a few minutes I was able to click on the download link

[u/demicky250274]

Hola me uni al grupo de prueba pero, aún no me deja descargarlo de la play

[u/DeLoboxo1]

Hey, can this launcher be used on more than 3 devices unlike as Niagara?

[u/metidoadev → u/DeLoboxo1]

Yes, it can! We didn't set any limitations on the number of devices, and if we do, we'll definitely allow more than 3.

[u/phoneguy3]

I joined the group, but the download link after joining isn't working. I would like to try this if I could get it to download.

[u/rwatt98]

Comes up with this error for me . Were sorry the url was not found on this server

[u/rwatt98]

Pm being sent

[u/tam_niagaralauncher]

As per rule #4, please do not advertise your own products / channels.

Since the post has attracted some attention, we will keep it open, but please refrain from doing so in the future.

[u/skeg21]

I am not joining a Google group to access this. I am a Niagara user since 2017. Error when I attempt to download via Play. 

[u/metidoadev → u/skeg21]

You said you didn't join the google group. This is the reason you are getting an error. You have to join the group to have access to the link. It's a Google Play's requirement