Nova Launcher Archives

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

These 5 apps died this year, and I already miss them dearly

Five notable Android apps that have recently shut down include: 1. Pocket - Launched in 2007 as Read It Later, it was acquired by Mozilla in 2017 and announced its shutdown in July 2025. 2. Omnivore - A read-it-later app that ceased operations at the end of 2024 after being acquired by ElevenLabs. 3. Syncthing for Android - The official app stopped receiving updates in late 2024 due to issues with Google Play's publishing requirements. 4. Kiwi Browser - This browser was archived in January 2025, with its features integrated into Microsoft Edge Canary. 5. Nova Launcher - Launched in 2012, it was acquired by Branch in 2022 and declined thereafter, with no open-sourcing of its code as anticipated.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Five beloved Android apps we loved and then lost

This year, several essential Android applications have been abruptly retired, creating a significant void for users. Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later and acquired by Mozilla, was a popular tool for saving articles but has now shut down, leaving users without a true replacement. Omnivore, an open-source read-it-later tool favored by academics, lost its original vision after being acquired by ElevenLabs, which shifted its focus to AI-enhanced reading. Syncthing's official Android app was withdrawn due to non-compliance with app store policies, despite the technology's capabilities. Kiwi Browser, known for allowing desktop-style Chrome extensions on Android, was archived to develop an extension store for Microsoft Edge, losing its independent essence. Nova Launcher, a highly customizable home screen application, ceased updates after its acquisition by Branch, disappointing its dedicated user community. The losses of these applications highlight the challenges faced by smaller teams in maintaining their products amidst changing regulations and corporate acquisitions.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

QuickStep App: Android’s Default Launcher Guide

The QuickStep App is the default launcher on many Android devices, managing the home screen interface and app interactions. It allows users to open and switch between apps, customize the home screen, add widgets or shortcuts, access the app drawer, and use gestures for quick actions. QuickStep is pre-installed, integrates with the system for smoother performance, is battery efficient, and receives consistent updates from Google or device manufacturers. It is essential for maintaining an easy-to-use interface, faster multitasking, smoother animations, and reducing app crashes. Users should not uninstall QuickStep, as it is a core system component, although they can set a different launcher as default. To optimize the QuickStep experience, users are advised to keep their Android updated, use gesture navigation, organize apps, customize widgets, and avoid clutter.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Nova Launcher is officially dead, and Android users aren’t taking it well

Nova Launcher is ceasing operations, as announced by its founder Kevin Barry in a blog post on September 6. Barry has left Branch, the company that acquired Nova Launcher in 2022, which has led to significant layoffs, leaving only Barry by 2024. The app has not received updates for about 1.5 years, with the last version released in May 2024. Barry intends to open source Nova Launcher but was instructed by Branch to stop his work on the app and the open sourcing initiative. Users on social media, particularly Reddit, expressed their sadness over the shutdown, noting the app's popularity and their loyalty to it.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Nova Launcher, one of the most popular Android home screen replacements, is basically dead

Nova Launcher, a popular third-party launcher for Android, was founded by Kevin Barry in 2011 and has received tens of millions of downloads. In 2022, it was acquired by Branch, a metrics company, but faced significant layoffs in 2024, leaving Barry as the only developer. Barry announced his departure from Branch and the end of active development on Nova Launcher, stating he had been the sole worker on it for the past year. He attempted to prepare Nova for an open-source release but was instructed to stop these efforts, leaving the future of the launcher uncertain. There has been no definitive statement from Branch about transferring Nova Launcher to another developer.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

Nova Launcher is shutting down for good

TeslaCoil Apps is a mobile application development company known for its user-centric applications that combine aesthetics with performance. Its flagship product features an intuitive interface, customizable options, and regular updates based on user feedback. The company emphasizes collaboration and creativity in its development process and actively engages with its community through forums and feedback sessions. TeslaCoil also participates in local events to reinforce its commitment to social responsibility. The company plans to expand its product offerings and explore new markets as it aims to revolutionize the mobile application landscape.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

The best Android apps available right now

1Weather is a weather app with a clean interface, customizable widgets, and severe weather alerts, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Bitwarden is a free password manager offering unlimited storage and two-factor authentication, with premium options for enhanced features. ChatGPT is an AI service from OpenAI that allows users to perform various tasks, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Focus Go is a simple gallery app that organizes images into folders and offers a fast search and filter system, available for free. Google Drive provides 15GB of free cloud storage and integrates with Google apps for productivity, with optional in-app purchases. Google Keep is a note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes across devices, available for free. Google Maps and Waze are leading navigation apps, offering features like offline maps and real-time traffic data, both available for free. Google Gemini is an AI tool for managing tasks and accessing information, available for free. Google Voice offers a second phone number for personal and professional use in the US, available for free with optional purchases. Microsoft SwiftKey is a customizable keyboard app with predictive text features, available for free. Mozilla Firefox is a mobile browser with extensive add-on support, available for free. Nova Launcher is a customizable launcher app for Android, available for free with an optional premium version. Pocket Casts is a podcast management app with a user-friendly interface, available for free with optional in-app purchases. Poweramp is an offline music player with extensive features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Solid Explorer is a file manager app with a clean design and powerful features, available for a free trial and optional premium version. Tasker and IFTTT are automation tools, with Tasker catering to power users and IFTTT offering a more accessible approach, with prices starting at .49. Textra is an SMS app with customizable themes and multi-device messaging sync, available for free with optional Pro unlock. TickTick is a task management app that combines tasks, reminders, and calendar events, available for free with an optional premium plan. YouTube and YouTube Music are content apps providing vast libraries of video and music, available for free with optional premium subscriptions. Zedge offers wallpapers, ringtones, and notification sounds for device customization, available for free with optional premium content. ExpressVPN is a secure VPN service with fast speeds, 256-bit encryption, and servers in 94 countries, offering unlimited bandwidth.

AppWizard

June 15, 2025

How to change app icons on any Android phone

App icons on stock Android cannot be changed directly, requiring third-party tools and icon packs for customization. To change app icons on an Android phone, users need a shortcut maker app or a third-party app launcher, along with an icon pack. To change icons individually, users can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher. The process involves installing the icon pack, setting up the launcher, long-pressing the app icon, selecting the pencil icon, choosing the icon pack, and selecting the desired icon. To change all app icons with an icon pack, users can install Nova Launcher, long-press a blank area on the home screen, go to Settings, navigate to Look & feel, tap Icon style, select Icon theme, and choose the icon pack. Some icon packs allow direct application if compatible with the device or launcher. With Android 12's Material You, users can theme icons based on their wallpaper by enabling the Themed icons option in the Wallpapers and style section. Samsung users can acquire icon packs through the Samsung Galaxy Theme Store by selecting the Themes option, browsing for icon packs, and applying them. However, these packs may not theme every icon in the app drawer. Good Lock's Theme Park extension allows for more customization by creating personalized icon packs. Users can download Good Lock and Theme Park, select Create New in the Icon tab, choose icon shapes and colors, and apply the new icon pack. Certain applications, like Textra and Pulse SMS, allow users to change the app icon natively. While some tools enable renaming apps, system-wide renaming is not possible without root access.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.

AppWizard

August 17, 2024

This is the best Nova Launcher alternative

Nova Launcher, once a popular app launcher for Android, has seen a decline in its user base following its acquisition by Branch in 2022 and subsequent layoffs in August 2024. A new alternative, Kvaesitso, has emerged, gaining popularity for its minimalist design and streamlined user experience. Kvaesitso features a single vertical scrolling page, a favorites widget for frequently used apps, and a tagging system instead of traditional folders. It allows users to access a broader app list by swiping down and offers customizable gestures. While it includes widgets, they are organized vertically on one page, differing from Nova's multi-page layout. Kvaesitso is open-source and free to use, but it is not available on the Play Store, requiring updates from platforms like F-Droid or Obtanium. Other alternatives to Nova Launcher include Hyperion Launcher, Niagara Launcher, and Lawnchair, each offering unique features and customization options.