A favourite launcher replacement amongst Ausdroid’s writers is TeslaCoil Software’s Nova Launcher, and it’s easy to see why. Released shortly after Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, Nova Launcher feels like a stock AOSP-based launcher, but it has enough extra features and speed to make it a viable alternative to many of the OEM-provided launchers on today’s flagships.
Today’s update to version 2.1 adds a load of new features to Nova Launcher, and while we’ll give you a quick rundown, the best way (as always) to experience these new features is to update your app if you’ve already installed it, or to download the free version and give it a spin.
The new features include:
- A new entry in the settings menu, called new apps. This allows you to switch on/off auto adding of new apps, and where to place them. Very cool.
- New features for shortcuts, allowing you to change icons for shortcuts easily, apply themes to your launcher including icons and wallpapers.
- Besides these more significant changes, there’s also the usual bug updates and performance improvements.
Check the apps out below and let us know what you think.
[app]com.teslacoilsw.launcher[/app]
[app]com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime[/app]
I’m using Nova on my HTC One but there’s this very annoying thing where… if I unlock the phone and it goes straight to the homescreen, there’s a momentary flash as if it’s trying to very quickly layer Nova on top of Sense. It doesn’t do this when returning from an app to homescreen, or when unlocking straight to an open app… I’ve never used launchers so unsure if this is a known ‘thing.’
Nova launcher is awesome. Every time I try it other launchers, I always end up crawling back to Nova. 😛
Agreed.
Love this launcher. I’ve had it since they first came onto the market.
WIsh they had nice screen previews like Apex does 🙁
Yeah, they could even take a leaf out of the free version of Apex.
Haha bit late to the game, this update is nearly two days old.