Presets and/or Modes Integration

Part of the philosophy of your launcher is to create a minimal experience and limit distractions. You have features that allow for this (including a reminder notification to keep you off an app if open for too long).

The recent addition to Modes in Android will add value to your launcher in different ways by providing customization for the user experience. If this is not possible, then I propose integrating some form of “Preset” feature, where the user can quickly swap between pre-made favorites, widgets, and hidden apps with a button press.

How this feature can work

I am unable to detail how Modes API functions and therefore the limitations it creates for altering home screen/launcher settings. With that said, the concept is that the user is able to configure Niagara alongside a created Mode on their Android settings (e.g. Modes and Routines from Samsung, or just Modes) so that based on certain conditions like time of day, location, or manual press, the Niagara’s selection of favorites, widgets, and theme adapts to the user’s choice.

If integration with Modes/Modes & Routines is not possible, a preset menu, which is probably more feasible, can be shown to the user. This preset menu can live at the very top of the app list when interacting with the alphabet menu. The alphabet app drawer presents to the user pop-up folders/categories and Niagara settings, which intentionally minimizes the clutter of the alphabet scrollbar. However, the very top of the app list menu has sufficient blank space that can be used to display a tab-like experience to switch between presets that the user can configure and name themselves.

The user, from the Niagara Settings, can create a “Preset,” or save their current selection as a preset,” and name it. The name of the presets and the list of subsequent ones will be displayed in this empty space of the app drawer menu, where only 3 presets are shown at a time, and anything beyond can be scrolled horizontally to be found.

The presets feature will allow the user to return to previous customization settings that are to their liking, and can return to them at any time. The ideal use of this feature is that the user creates different sets of favorite apps, hidden apps, and themes to accommodate the use of their Android phone throughout the day, increasing productivity and minimizing distractions from apps that are not used as often during different times throughout the day (e.g. work, exercise, etc.).

Extra-suggestion: Disable App Icons Options

Additionally, while not related to this proposal, I think an option to disable app icons all-together from the “choose icon pack” menu can be useful! Some issues just want plain text, and “dots” is only available for Niagara Pro users. I believe a “no app icons” option is a compromise that allows free users and those who want plain text for the apps to meet their needs.

Viability of Presets for Niagara

Space is available at the top of the app list menu to accommodate a scroll-able tab-like menu where presets can reside for the user. Within Niagara’s Settings, the user can create, select, and arrange their widgets, favorite apps, pop-up folders, hidden apps, and theme settings to go along with their preset.

This feature is independent as it does not require the user to be a “power user” of your launcher; however, it can improve the versatility of Niagara by minimizing distractions and quickly switching between sets of favorite apps and hidden ones throughout the day.

Conclusion

Niagara by default tries to optimize and suggest favorite apps based on usage, but it cannot interactively change the list of favorites for the user because it would be an inconvenience; however, if the user is able to create presets for these apps, they can quickly switch between favorites throughout the day to meet their needs and reduce distractions further. Integration with the Modes feature from Android 16 will provide a wider range of support, but it might not be as applicable or easy to code. Nonetheless, this feature will contribute to Niagara’s intended limitations of usability for focused use and minimal distractions.