Don’t like the home screen that comes with your Android phone? The Google Play Store is filled with alternative “launcher” apps which replace the home screen and app drawer.
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular, and it’s also one of the oldest. The app turned 5 years old this week, and developer Cliff Wade announced the release of Nova Launcher 5.0 to celebrate.
Among other things, the new app borrows some ideas first introduced by Google with the Pixel Launcher for the new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
Nova Launcher is known for its many customization options, so if you don’t like the new features, you don’t need to use them. But here are some of the things that are new in Nova Launcher 5.0:
- Swipe to open the app drawer (Pixel-style)
- Pixel-style search bar
- Support for Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts
- New double-tap swipe gestures
Nova Prime is available as a free download, but some features are only available if you buy the Nova Launcher Prime upgrade for $4.99.