{
  "id": 15171194,
  "title": "I replaced Samsung's app drawer with a custom launcher, and my Galaxy is finally usable",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/i-replaced-samsungs-app-drawer-with-a-custom-launcher-and-my-galaxy",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-17T10:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/replaced-samsung-app-drawer-custom-launcher-galaxy-finally-usable/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The author of this article recently replaced the Samsung Galaxy's app drawer with a custom launcher called Niagara Launcher. This decision has made the phone significantly easier to use for daily tasks. The Samsung Galaxy's default interface, while functional, can become cluttered with too many apps, making it difficult to find and organize them.\n\nNiagara Launcher offers an alphabetical list along the edge of the screen, allowing users to quickly navigate to specific apps by tapping the first letter. This feature is particularly useful for less frequently used apps, as users only need to know the app's name to find it. For example, the author uses Niagara to easily access apps like Spotify, Uber, and their bank's app.\n\nThe launcher also keeps frequently used apps on the favorites list for easy access. It suggests frequently launched apps below these favorites and allows users to dismiss suggestions if they prefer complete control over the list. The app also offers a balance between aesthetics and functionality, as it allows users to set a background wallpaper without sacrificing app functionality.\n\nOne-handed navigation is another benefit of Niagara Launcher. Users can navigate through apps using the alphabet from either side of the screen, making it more convenient for those who prefer using their phone with one hand. Additionally, the launcher displays notification previews and allows users to swipe right on an app to access its notifications and shortcuts.\n\nHowever, not all of Niagara Launcher's features are available for free. Users who want to add widgets to pop-ups, customize app pop-ups, or display full notifications inside pop-ups will need to purchase Niagara Pro. Despite this, the free version offers many useful features that significantly improve the Samsung Galaxy's usability.",
  "summary": "I am using the OG Niagra launcher.",
  "key_points": [
    "Replaced Samsung app drawer with Niagara Launcher for easier navigation.",
    "Alphabetical list along screen edge allows quick app access by first letter.",
    "Free version offers useful features, but Niagara Pro unlocks advanced customization."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}