Nova Launcher Archives

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Survey suggests Nova Launcher remains one of Android’s darling apps

Nova Launcher was sold by its original founders in 2022 and experienced a period of dormancy under new ownership. In January, a new developer acquired the app, leading to a resurgence. The introduction of ads in the free version and new trackers has raised user concerns. Recent polls show that 63.2% of respondents use Nova Launcher, with 35.8% expressing loyalty to the app. Nearly 60% of respondents believe Nova Launcher is still the best Android launcher, while 30.5% think it has maintained its premier status. Some users have switched to other launchers, and 5.4% believe Nova was never the best.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Android app launcher Nova Launcher is back

Nova Launcher has been acquired by a Swedish company named Instabridge, which aims to maintain and improve the app while preserving its core identity. Instabridge has committed to keeping Nova stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained. They plan to explore sustainable business models, including potential ad-based options for the free version, while ensuring that Nova Prime remains ad-free. Existing Prime users will continue to have access to their features, and the price of Nova Prime has been set to .99. Instabridge is also evaluating the possibility of making Nova open source and intends to keep data collection minimal and transparent.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.

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.