Nova Launcher 5.0 brings Google Pixel-like features to everyone

By Florin T.

Dec 13, 2016, 5:40 PM

Nova Launcher 5.0 brings Google Pixel-like features to everyone

Today, the folks behind Nova Launcher (one of the most popular Android launchers out there) released a stable version 5.0 of the skin, making it available to download from Google Play.

Nova Launcher 5.0 comes with various notable features that were previously available only in the beta versions of the launcher. For example, we're getting a "swipe to open app drawer" option, which is somewhat similar to what Google's Pixel and Pixel XL are offering. Note that you may have to manually enable this option by going to Nova Settings -> App & widget drawers -> Swipe to open.

Other new features: Pixel style search bar, Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts, new search view (including tabs for Frequent, Recent and New/Updated apps), a "timeout" screen lock method, and double-tap-swipe gestures. All these novelties have also been included in Nova Launcher Prime (the $4.99 version of the skin that offers a slew of premium features).

Nova Launcher 5.0 is available for free via the first source link below. If you want to get the beta variant of the launcher (and try out new features before they're released to everyone), you can sign up to become a tester at the second source below.