Andy Walker / Android Authority
I’ve used almost every major Android launcher in recent years, some for a few days for testing purposes and others for years as the backbone of my smartphone’s home screen. These launchers range from the now-deprecated Nova Launcher to hot new properties like Octopi Launcher. Through it all, I’ve settled on Niagara Launcher thanks to its minimalist, productivity-focused design, which I’ve thoughtfully integrated into my daily workflow. However, as readers know, I’m always ready to reevaluate my choices and consider better alternatives. Today, I’m exploring AIO Launcher. Although I’ve seen many users recommend this app across various online forums, I haven’t spent much time exploring all its features. And wow, there’s a lot to uncover here.
Not a smooth transition
Niagara Launcher AIO Launcher
At its core, AIO Launcher is unlike any other home screen on the market. It’s decidedly different from traditional products like Nova Launcher and Smart Launcher, but I can’t quite compare it to other niche launchers. The best way to describe it is as an amalgamation of Kvaesitso’s endless scrolling home screen and Niagara Launcher’s app drawer, but this isn’t a bang-on description.
The best way to describe AIO is an amalgamation of Kvaesitso’s endless scrolling home screen and Niagara Launcher’s app drawer.
For the most part, the launcher’s home screen consists almost entirely of built-in widgets, appealing to a former widget-crazed part of myself. Judging by that sentence alone, you’d think that AIO is a mess of shapes, text, and icons, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The developer focuses on functionality and productivity above all else. However, this does the rest of the launcher a grave disservice. It walks the line between function and form and does a splendid job.
I won’t pretend that AIO is an approachable app, though. Booting into its info-heavy, compartmentalized home screen is rather overwhelming. Getting to know this product is something you have to dive into with both feet and an open mind.
How I set up AIO Launcher for my needs
For me, an Android launcher should do two things really well. First, it should be an efficient trunk route through which all other avenues of your phone can be accessed. Second, it needs to look good and offer some aesthetic congruency and harmony. AIO accomplishes both in various offbeat ways, but unlike many install-and-go solutions, you do have to work to build the ideal home screen.
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