LessPhone
Productivity
android launcher
SHOW HN2019
How HN took it
7 positive, 5 neutral or asking, 2 mixed, 11 critical, out of 25 comments about the project. Thread score -0.14.
Idea: 3 for, 3 againstDesign: 1 for, 2 againstDocs: 0 for, 3 againstPricing: 1 for, 1 againstPerformance: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Helps cut distraction and phone overuse
From 2 comments
This looks like the way to go for people like me who have used everything from uninstalling apps (then resorting to the browser) to installing usage trackers. Just eliminating…
fekunde on HNI use this in combination with turning off Google's automatic News page on the phone to drastically reduce my *get on the phone for something specific and proceed to get…
postscapes1 on HN
Few permissions required
From 1 comment
I've been looking for ways to cut down my phone use. FocusMe[0][1] is one of my favorites on Android for blocking apps and URLs, Cold Turkey[2] for the same on computers. As for…
broahmed on HN
Objections
Dark mode behind paywall
From 1 comment
I wanted to give this a shot a long time ago, but putting dark mode behind a paywall was the only thing keeping me from using it. I do not enjoy getting my eyeballs fried every…
nsilvestri on HN
Not closed-source-friendly; prefers open source alternatives
From 2 comments
Personally prefer an open-source, no-phone-home launcher. I settled on Lawnchair [0], a clone of Pixel's launcher that's highly customizable and pretty much works on all major…
ignoramous on HNDoes anyone an opensource equivalent of this? I do not like closed source apps anymore.
throwaway876198 on HN
Unnatural UX compared to standard launchers
From 1 comment
Personally prefer an open-source, no-phone-home launcher. I settled on Lawnchair [0], a clone of Pixel's launcher that's highly customizable and pretty much works on all major…
ignoramous on HN
Slow and hot on some devices
From 1 comment
I installed it today, following that comment, and 20 minutes later... my pocket was burning :D. I spent the next half an hour trying to reboot it and remove the launcher since it…
johnchristopher on HN
Requests
Support Google Voice as default dialer
From 1 comment
I can't set Google Voice as the default Phone or SMS app, which is obviously Google's fault, but it means I can't really justify using this launcher the way it is. If there was a…
reificator on HN
Support music player apps like Spotify
From 1 comment
I like the idea of this, but I have one non-negotiable - I have to be able to use Spotify on my phone. I have yet to see a minimalist solution that allows me to use my music…
perfect_wave on HN
Questions
Is there a paid tier with more apps?
From 1 comment
So, only three apps allowed ? More in the paid version ?
johnchristopher on HN
Alternatives named
Lawnchair, Niagara, Before Launcher, KISS Launcher
From 4 comments
Personally prefer an open-source, no-phone-home launcher. I settled on Lawnchair [0], a clone of Pixel's launcher that's highly customizable and pretty much works on all major…
ignoramous on HNI like this idea. I went looking for an Android launcher for this purpose. I settled on "niagra". It doesn't really limit anything, but it allows me to hide the app menu…
bvinc on HNI am the same way with Google Music, and I was experimenting with the various minimalist launchers. The one I found is "Before Launcher", which lets you pick 6 apps to have on…
bussierem on HNI don't know if it's the same, but KISS launcher has been amazing for me. I have only like 4 or 5 utility stuff on the small favorites bar and everything else is hidden. If I…
siphon22 on HN
FocusMe and Cold Turkey for blocking
From 1 comment
I've been looking for ways to cut down my phone use. FocusMe[0][1] is one of my favorites on Android for blocking apps and URLs, Cold Turkey[2] for the same on computers. As for…
broahmed on HN