Niagara Launcher, one of the best Android launchers, finally incorporates the backup feature.

Niagara Launcher, known for being one of the most popular applications on the Google Play Store, has received a significant update that many users had requested. This new version, called the “Winter Update,” introduces a backup feature that allows users to save their settings for future restoration. This is particularly useful for those who switch phones, reset their devices, or experiment with different configurations.

The backup feature is integrated into Android's backup system, automatically saving settings to Google Drive. The backed-up items include user favorites, app swipe actions, and blacklisted apps, among others. This new feature will be launched in both the free and pro versions of the application, before it was acknowledged that Android's cloud backups can be unreliable. To initiate the backup process, users need to access the app settings and navigate to Advanced > Backup and Restore. The app will generate a lightweight file that can be sent to a new device via messaging apps or safely stored as a backup.

Additionally, Niagara Launcher is introducing a novel wellness feature called Usage Breaker, exclusive to Niagara Pro users. This experimental feature helps users become aware of the time they spend on apps in order to reduce unnecessary screen time. Users can select apps they use more than they would like, and after a set period on one of these, they will receive a friendly reminder about the duration of their current session, encouraging them to reflect without interrupting their activity. Unlike other app timers, the Usage Breaker focuses on generating awareness and providing gentle reminders rather than blocking their use.

Niagara Launcher stands out for those who appreciate minimalism and one-handed usability, displaying a list of applications organized alphabetically that enhances accessibility. This interface reduces reliance on widgets and app icons, allowing for a cleaner home screen. Interested users can try the new features by downloading the current beta version of Niagara Launcher, which will be available through an update on Google Play in the coming weeks.