Niagara Launcher, known for its minimal and distraction-free home screen, is ramping up its development with some exciting new features.
The app, which offers a simple, alphabetized app drawer and quick access to widgets, has been updated to include backup support and a new tool aimed at improving screen time management.
Backup Support for Easy Setup on New Devices
One of the most requested features, backup support, is now available in Niagara Launcher. Users can now easily transfer their custom setups to a new device without having to start from scratch.
The backup feature, found in the Niagara Settings under Backup and Restore, allows you to create a configuration file that can restore your settings on another device.
This feature is available for both free and Pro-tier users, though it is still in its early preview stage. Unlike Android’s integrated cloud backups, Niagara’s backup system is independent, as the developers found the native solution unreliable.
Managing Screen Time with Usage Breaker
Another major addition is the Usage Breaker, a tool designed to help users manage their screen time more effectively. With this feature, you can select apps that you find distracting, and after using them for a set period, you’ll receive a reminder encouraging you to take a break.
The developers hope this feature will provide a more conscious approach to screen time management, unlike Android’s app timers, which often allow users to bypass limits easily.
Peter Huber, the creator of Niagara Launcher, shared his thoughts on this feature with Android Police, saying, “Right now, I view these features as a sort of sandbox—our goal is to gather feedback and assess their effectiveness. If they’re well-received but demand more precise control, they could potentially outgrow the scope of a launcher.”
More Development Ahead
The team behind Niagara Launcher, mostly made up of students, is set to dedicate more time to the app as they approach graduation.
The winter update is currently rolling out through community channels like Discord, and will soon be available on the Play Store.
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