14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most popular Android launchers, Nova Launcher, is now exactly 5 years old. In order to celebrate the impressive milestone, developers have decided to push a major update that brings lots of new features, but also some improvements.
The update has already been pushed to Google Play store and is now available to all Nova Launcher users, not just to those using the beta version of the Android launcher.
Among the most important new features included in the update is the ability to swipe to open drawer. This new gesture command has been exclusive to Pixel Launcher, but starting today it's available to Nova Launcher users as well.
Furthermore, developers added a new Pixel style search bar, along with a new search view that contains tabs for Frequent, Recent and New/Updated apps.
Nova Launcher 5.0 brings a new “Timeout” screen lock method, as well as new double-tap-swipe gestures for those who want to handle their Android phones even faster.
Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts made it into the update
Another major new feature included in the update, Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts, will probably be very important to most Nova Launcher users. The official changelog also mentions that users can now dock backgrounds to draw under navbar.
Last but not least, Nova Launcher users can now use the quick start to easily change major settings. Simply head to Nova Settings / Backup / Quick start to make the necessary changes whenever you need.
If you're already enrolled into the Nova Launcher beta program, some of these new features might feel familiar to you, but that's because the developers have been testing them for several weeks now.
For newcomers, the new Nova Launcher 5.0 is now available for download for free via Google Play store. The launcher should be compatible with just about any device out there, as long as it doesn't run an obsolete version of Android.
