Nova Launcher Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

These are the 5 best Android apps I use that aren’t on the Play Store

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app that prioritizes user privacy and offers flexibility with 50 different weather data sources. It features customization options, including theme modifications, icon packs, and 13 resizable widgets. Seal is a free app that allows users to download audio and video files from various websites, powered by yt-dlp. It enables users to save full videos or extract audio, with options for downloading YouTube videos with subtitles and thumbnails. Kvaesitso is a minimalist launcher that allows users to search for apps, settings, contacts, files, and calendar events from a single search bar. It features vertical scrolling, custom shortcuts, app tagging, and various customization options without ads or paywalls. Aurora Store is a front end for the Play Store that lets users browse, download, and update apps without a Google account. It includes features like Manual Download for older app versions and a Spoof Manager for accessing restricted apps, but does not support paid apps or in-app purchases. HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard app that functions offline, prioritizing privacy while offering typing suggestions, themes, customizable layouts, and clipboard history. It provides a reliable typing experience without unnecessary features.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Your favorite Android apps might hide dozens of trackers — here’s how to find them

Exodus is an open-source application developed by Exodus Privacy that scans Android devices for tracking and analytics libraries embedded within other apps. It allows users to filter results based on the number of trackers or permissions, helping them understand the tracking landscape of their installed applications. While not all trackers compromise user privacy, some are used for targeted advertising, and Exodus enables users to identify and block unwanted trackers using third-party ad-blocking tools. Popular apps, such as a sports scoring app, may contain numerous trackers, prompting users to reconsider their usage. Nova Launcher introduced additional trackers after being acquired, raising privacy concerns among users. Exodus has limitations, as it may not identify every app, particularly open-source or locally developed ones, and users may consider additional tools like TrackerControl for enhanced tracking identification and blocking. Not all users prioritize tracking concerns, but privacy-conscious individuals can benefit from Exodus's insights into app tracking practices.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

How I found the Android launcher that finally rivals the Google Pixel experience

The Pixel Launcher is built on three foundational features: visual consistency through Material You, simplicity with a minimalistic interface, and fluidity with smooth animations. However, it has limited customization options compared to other launchers. Lawnchair is an open-source project that enhances the Pixel experience by restoring customization options removed by Google, such as hiding widgets, supporting icon packs, and allowing user-defined grid layouts. Lawnchair maintains a clean interface while offering extensive control over app visibility and layout, effectively addressing the limitations of the Pixel Launcher. Lawnchair 15 provides a refined version of the Pixel experience, making it accessible to users of non-Pixel devices.

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.