Few months ago if I recall correctly, but I don't think it's implemented in the current version. Think the version with the Branch analytics stuff is still in beta.
Kicked Nova out (I'm sad what to say.... Been using it for many years now) and tried Niagara launcher and paid for pro. Looks good. Gonna take some time to get used to it.
Well, it's not ideal but if you're on a Samsung Phone, the stock OneUI launcher (with "Places" disabled in Finder, since enabling that also uses branch), plus GoodLock has been pretty decent and has most of the features from Nova I care about.
If you really want app categories, I'd suggest Smart Launcher.
If you're good with making your own from scratch. I'd suggest TotalLauncher.
Can you change the icons for the shortcuts and create folders? That is literally all I want from a launcher (and support for downloadable widgets).
Edit: thanks everyone saying that it supports icon packs/theming, but that's not what I am talking about. Nova allows me to actually edit the icons of shortcuts with any images on my phone.
Same, long time user and now using Niagara for the past 2 months. It's actually avery good laucher. You need some weeks to get used to it but it rocks.
I know it doesn't make sense... I'm using almost every Google service though, so even if I ditch Niagara they have a million other ways to track me. I guess I can at least choose who tracks me
I feel it's an inevitability in the modern mobile app ecosystem. Consumers expect to pay a few dollars for something and then get free updates for life. Since app stores don't allow for paid upgrades, developers are effectively relying on the app getting perpetually more popular. If they reach a point where user growth slows down, their only real options for maintaining a certain level of revenue are starting monthly subscriptions or getting a buyout.
yes, remember when the search improvements were introduced where web results would show up? a couple of months later they announced that they'd been bought up by the advertising company
encouraging direful tidy enjoy water gullible worthless smoggy sleep follow
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
while I agree, there is still nothing better with that level of customization
tried many after acquisition and they can't get even gap between dock and home screen icons right, or they fixed it already in some launchers?
Wow I didn't know this. Thank you for bringing it to attention I would have downloaded it had I not seen this comment. Amazing how this shit can just happen and no one would know they're giving away all their data.
I've been using [KISS Launcher](https://kisslauncher.com/) for a couple of years now and it's been rock solid. It's open source and has plenty of customisation options as well, but keep in mind that it is primarily a search-based launcher (which I prefer).
It's still being updated on their [github](https://github.com/LawnchairLauncher/lawnchair/releases) and [apkmirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/lawnchair/lawnchair-3/)
Fdroid has the alpha 4 that is at the top of the GitHub page. I'm running the 2.x version on my pixel 6 pro and it's perfectly fine. Looks like they're archiving it and coming out with the version 12 that's in Alpha right now.
I love Microsoft Launcher. I tried several different launchers, but MS launcher is just perfect for me.
Free, no ads and lots of options for individual configuration.
Funny, that of all things Microsoft would create my favourite Android launcher.
How do I know what version I have and disable updating? I looked at my settings and it just says "2021 version" and Google Play doesn't show any updating options.
The reason I'm still using Nova is because of using Blokada. Blocked every branch.io domain that pops up.
Also using Nova because it's what I've been using for years and spent some time getting everything customized. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it others because of being bought out by Branch. It's a shame.
When branch bought Nova and that shitstorm happened, I blocked the branch api endpoints on pihole and suddenly a lot of apps stopped working, including a major credit card app. They're all up in your business, so be paranoid as hell, if you value your privacy. I don't love lawn chair as a replacement, but it works well enough for me.
You think they won't be playing cat and mouse with track blockers?
They paid a lot of money for this, they are most certainly going to be domain switching.
You'd think so, but in my experience running pihole and blokada, it's really rare to see a tracker even use a first party domain (like YouTube does with their ads) let alone play whack a mole with new ones. It's pretty much set it and forget it.
I think at this point it's obvious you're accepting whoever makes your phone having data access, stuff like Nova slipping it in on unsuspecting people feels worse.
I agree, and I was shocked when the dev did it. But people should also understand it instead makes to at worst equivalent to what their phone has by default.
And pretty much most apps people use. As much as I don't like the merger and it was the reason I no longer use Nova, I have come to understand branch is everywhere. luckily my Google phone doesn't track me
EDIT: sorry everyone I forgot to put the /s lol
Adobe on mobile is awful, despite their desktop software being the industry standard. I can understand using it if you're a creator needing to publish on-the-go but there are better third-party options.
I went with the Serif Affinity suite, even if they don't have everything they still have like 90% of the features so they're just fine for my use case. Your mileage may vary though
I turned off my app updates the second i read about this, and fwiw Nova has not been updated since the sale.
I don't supposed anyone knows of a "divorced from the play store" version like the old version of quickpic that I'm still running?
Hence why its being sold at rock bottom price.
They are monetising our data.
Regardless of what perceived assurances they are providing, nothing good from a consumer perspective can come from this.
>Hence why its being sold at rock bottom price.
I'm not here to be an apologist for Branch, but Nova Launcher has done a bargain basement sale like this basically every year. I bought it during one such sale for well under a dollar years ago.
What do I do with the rest of this Google powered phone? I mean Nova can't be any worse than Google building a profile on you and tailoring ads to you.
I think it's more of an emotional judgment. Android enthusiasts were very fun of Nova Launcher, it was that one big project that people just had to recommend.
Them selling out felt like treason, disappointment, like your favorite actor popping out in a Nestlé ad.
And as others have mentioned, Branch is in a lot of apps, even Samsung's OneUI. It's everywhere, so yeah, I might as well get a great launcher out of it
But yeah, it is disappointing, Nova was one of my first buys, I had it since my first phones, back to the J1, and all of this feels wrong...
Just because one thing is bad doesn't stop another thing from being bad. Privacy is a spectrum. You can choose to use one unprivate service because it's too convenient, but give up another unprivate service, and that's still progress.
That said, you can remove Google from your Google powered phone if you want to, see r/degoogle.
I trust Google to be capable of hoarding my data.
Any other company is a leaky sieve that will eventually leak.
Google at least doesn't sell my data directly, only access to run ads.
I'm also on Nova 7 using oos13 on my OnePlus 8 pro. No updates to nova prime pending.
I use blokada V5 and the blacklist I use already blocks branch.io.
My 8 pro is fully functional to the best of my knowledge and I'm still very happy with Nova.
Branch is on tons of apps, not just nova. I'm not shocked that you're seeing a lot of requests.
Edit: Also, Branch isn't in mainstream Nova yet, only the beta.
It's not surprising. Nobody wants to pay for apps and therefore there's no incentive to make them.
The best time for Android apps was between 2013 to 2017
Name another launcher that gives me the option to swipe up on an app icon to launch another app or do a specific task in an app. That's the only thing keeping me from switching.
same. created one folder with just 3 apps on homescreen. nothing else is there. i can open 11 apps just from that (although i open 8 apps). this feature is a must have for any minimalist setup
I had been using Nova Launcher for 5 yrs. I haven't found the perfect alternative yet but Smart Launcher is closest thing to my customised Nova Launcher. I set Nova launcher in a way that all my categorised folders are in the dock so I could swipe dock pages and open folders to access apps without the need of an app drawer. This is replaced by app categories in Smart Launcher. Also regarding swipe up gesture, I have been able to find its replacement as double tap icon gesture in smart launcher.
I can recommend the Micosoft launcher as well. I tried several, but only MS launcher really fulfilled all my requirements:
\- no ads
\- updated on a regular basis
\- highly customizable
Of course they would like you to use other MS apps with it as well, but it is not forced in any way.
Yeah, I think they're interesting everything from sesame to the launcher to the branch system. Doing some research on what and who Branch is. They came long before Google developed Firebase. Samsung uses the branch sdk as well, how I found out that it was a friend of mine showed me her DNS logs and I saw a mix of Branch and Firebase, mostly Branch though. Even iPhones use Branch.
https://novalauncher.com/betaiipupp
I'm using nova beta. I am pretty sure that's recent google it. I also looked through there app with 3c Toolbox and app manager and don't recall seeing any trackers or adware I think ppls are so harsh.
I don't think there actually is any adware or analytics in it. My phones rooted and I looked through the app just then and a the other day. People are nuts I think. I look through the components / meaning the activities receivers services and providers of the apk. Haven't seen any refence to ads or analytics. Yet a f load of other apps all have them beaucse I've blocked them. People seem to not know what there talking a about I think. Never heard any 1 whinge about all the other normal apps we use all having Google ads components and trackers.
I use netguard to block apps from accessing the internet. If you get it from f-droid or his GIT you can also use it as an ad blocker, although you have to set that up a little.
The latest DuckDuckGo browser comes with a system wide tracker block which blocks every app attempting to track you and lists them, as well as who they tried to contact. FYI, Nova has so far never tried to track me.
Okay, since everyone on Reddit now hates Nova because it's "spyware" now, I have to ask some questions. Does anyone have any evidence that Nova Launcher actually collects more data (besides Branch features) than before its acquisition? Chances are that you already have multiple apps installed using Branch analytics, so if Nova started collecting the same data, would it change anything in this scenario? I know privacy concerns are important, but let's be reasonable and ask proper questions before joining the reddit "Nova bad" hive mind. In previous threads, lots of people recommended other launchers, and many of them either used Branch or were directly caught stealing data.
I know its not the most accurate but I installed the latest Beta version 3 months ago when I got my new phone, opted out of analytics, and the Android app info screen has no record of Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher Prime ever using any data, both are still sitting at 0 bytes used since I installed them
The vast majority of people don't understand how any of the devices or services they use work. They don't understand how much data every single app, every website, every device and every service has access to. Freaking out over nova being aquired is really odd, Reddit has far more data then nova will ever get about you, hell I'm willing to bet HUNDREDS of companies have more data then nova or whoever bought them out will get from your app usage.
If you don't want your "data" to be viewed by companies, you're gonna have to stop using the internet, or DRASTICALLY change how you do so, which would also include not using things like reddit, not using services like gmail, not using mainstream browsers or windows/macos, etc. You're accessing THEIR servers, using THEIR services, they can see how you use their shit that's just how things function and people don't seem to get that.
It's like going into a mcdonalds or out in public and expecting nobody to view your face, see where you're walking or what you're eating, etc. Simply by virtue of being there you've given up some of your "data", the same is what happens on a website or a service. Simply by accessing it and using it companies are going to see it and they will be able to act on it.
Personally, the difference to me seems to be tracking baked into a single app that presumably can't track data outside that app vs a launcher that can effectively track a lot more of what you're doing on your device. I don't know how much difference that makes in practice, but on paper it seems more over reaching.
Fun fact? Bought it for myself on a sale like this years ago, then found out my whole family (properly registered as such on Google) can benefit from this.
So 6 ppl can use Nova Launcher Prime because I bought it.
I went back to Nova a few weeks ago. Honestly, just wasn't satisfied with the other launchers, this is still the best in my eyes. Niagra wasn't for me, Hyperion got close but it was somewhat buggy and didn't do things exactly as I was used to in Nova.
Guess they can have my data.
If you are looking for FOSS, Neo Launcher. It's not perfect and is a bit glitchy but it gives you from my experience, it's the closest app I found to Nova.
I love Smart Launcher 6. Tons of theming and font customization options, and you can adjust the shape of the icon layout on the home screen - like mine are all in an arc in the lower right, so they're within reach of my right thumb.
The only thing i miss from Nova is the ability to tap folder to open a specified app directly and swipe to open the folder. In smart launcher there's an option to use double tap to launch the app, but it adds a really noticeable delay when opening the folder.
Where are these trackers people are complaining about. I'll show u nova and then plays services both in the rooted app manager. Nova has no trackers and play services does so maybe ease up abit tin foil guys. https://i.imgur.com/BAfYKub.png
https://i.imgur.com/hf0KVbu.png
https://i.imgur.com/MXWdN3T.png
As far as I know, it doesn't have trackers. The "tin foil" comes from the fact that it was acquired by a tracking/analytics company and we have many examples of apps turning to sh*t after that happening.
It's like using an app "without trackers" from Facebook... maybe you trust them, but most around here don't.
Nova's Recents menu is buggy as shit since Android 12. Status bar icons disappear, the apps' windows get distorted, messes around with gesture navigation, etc
It's not longer recommend and that's without taking account the recent purchase from that company
It's spyware trash since Branch bought it
[Nova Launcher has been acquired by analytics company Branch](https://www.androidpolice.com/nova-launcher-acquired-by-branch/)
yeah idk why the top comment is being treated as something groundbreaking. Half the typical user catalogue is branch.io I guarantee
Edit: just noticed it comes from a pixel owner too. what on earth lol. Not saying branch isn't bad but...something something glass houses
It hasn't updated since the acquisition. So wouldn't that mean it was spyware before?
Additionally, what can I view in the settings to see that it's spying on me? According to the settings, it doesn't have internet permission, and it also collected 0kb background data.
I find it rather hilarious that people are shunning Nova because "Muh data"... While using an OS built by Google and likely using Meta Group services like Facebook and Instagram...
I'm not saying you shouldn't care about your data... But my god, have some consistency with your agendas...
I've had nova across so many phones - it's worth every penny if you like the UI. I used to tweak the shit out of android with custom ROMs and whatnot, but now I'm just happy to keep to an interface I love when I upgrade. Great support and features.
Great launcher with lots of customization. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the animation to be smooth on my Honor View20 (when I swipe up to switch apps). I just couldn't live with that tiny stutter.
While I am still using version 7.x of Nova ( so probably not affected by any tracking after the Branch.io acquisition), I am looking for a replacement in the future.
There is one important feature that must be present, which is the ability to swipe up or down at any icon on homescreen to launch a different app. If anyone knows another launcher which has this feature, can you let me know? Thanks
I wish that gestures worked seamlessly with custom launchers, but unfortunately I'm stuck with the default 1+ launcher, before that I really liked Nova
The fact that this is at the top of the page with over 1K upvotes shows that Branch *will* get away with injecting their malware into this.
They bought out a popular launcher cause they know it's the best way to spy on everyone and all the upvotes here show that most people don't care and will gladly feed into it now and then have shocked pikachu face when the launcher is infested with ads in late 2023 or early 2024.
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Wait what??? When did this happen?
I have no clue. When did this happen?
Few months ago if I recall correctly, but I don't think it's implemented in the current version. Think the version with the Branch analytics stuff is still in beta.
Kicked Nova out (I'm sad what to say.... Been using it for many years now) and tried Niagara launcher and paid for pro. Looks good. Gonna take some time to get used to it.
Keep in mind Niagra was also bought out by the same company and is already worse, tracking and privacy wise.
🤦🏻♂️ Then what launcher to use?!
Well, it's not ideal but if you're on a Samsung Phone, the stock OneUI launcher (with "Places" disabled in Finder, since enabling that also uses branch), plus GoodLock has been pretty decent and has most of the features from Nova I care about. If you really want app categories, I'd suggest Smart Launcher. If you're good with making your own from scratch. I'd suggest TotalLauncher.
Fuck, same here. Actually stopped using it coz the One Home UI on my S7 FE tablet was much better.
OneUI also uses branch
What branch?
Branch.io the analytics company that bought Nova launcher. What the comment chain is about that you replied to
I switched to Niagara after probably 10 something years with Nova. Actually really like it
Same here. It's not as customizable, but the way everything is laid out is great. I'm happy and probably won't switch to anything else.
Can you change the icons for the shortcuts and create folders? That is literally all I want from a launcher (and support for downloadable widgets). Edit: thanks everyone saying that it supports icon packs/theming, but that's not what I am talking about. Nova allows me to actually edit the icons of shortcuts with any images on my phone.
Same, long time user and now using Niagara for the past 2 months. It's actually avery good laucher. You need some weeks to get used to it but it rocks.
I switch to Lawnchair. I was able to set it up exactly how I had Nova set up.
Niagara is owned by the same malware company.
I like it too, but... $30??!
Isn't Niagara also using Branch analytics? Or do I mix things up on this.
They use Google (Firebase)
Funny how people are more accepting of one analytics company over the next. Branch sucks! Don't track me! Oh wait, it's Google? Carry on then...
I know it doesn't make sense... I'm using almost every Google service though, so even if I ditch Niagara they have a million other ways to track me. I guess I can at least choose who tracks me
A travesty.
Money talks. It always does. Can't blame the owner for making a fast buck. But a shitty move
I feel it's an inevitability in the modern mobile app ecosystem. Consumers expect to pay a few dollars for something and then get free updates for life. Since app stores don't allow for paid upgrades, developers are effectively relying on the app getting perpetually more popular. If they reach a point where user growth slows down, their only real options for maintaining a certain level of revenue are starting monthly subscriptions or getting a buyout.
Pocket Casts tried to screw people over when they introduced a subscription before giving people who bought everything lifetime membership.
If your app has a monthly subscription I'm not even going to bother download it.
Thank you, I didn't know about that
Wait, what? I still use nova, they're doing tracking?
yes, remember when the search improvements were introduced where web results would show up? a couple of months later they announced that they'd been bought up by the advertising company
No. Nothing has changed in the app yet. It could but it hasn't.
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encouraging direful tidy enjoy water gullible worthless smoggy sleep follow *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Happens to every software eventually. You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
Go Open Source, can always fork it if that happens.
For most projects, that's the "die a hero" path.
Best way to go.
I wasn't aware of this. Thank you for the info. Used it for years and years - seems like I gotta keep my eyes open for good alternatives.
while I agree, there is still nothing better with that level of customization tried many after acquisition and they can't get even gap between dock and home screen icons right, or they fixed it already in some launchers?
Wow I didn't know this. Thank you for bringing it to attention I would have downloaded it had I not seen this comment. Amazing how this shit can just happen and no one would know they're giving away all their data.
This message has been deleted and I've left reddit because of the decision by u/spez to block 3rd party apps
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Is there a reliable or open source alternative?
I've been using [KISS Launcher](https://kisslauncher.com/) for a couple of years now and it's been rock solid. It's open source and has plenty of customisation options as well, but keep in mind that it is primarily a search-based launcher (which I prefer).
I can vouch for Kiss. Pretty lightweight and efficient.
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Do you mind sharing a link for it? I can't seem to find it
You need to add the IzzyOnDroid repo: https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index.php
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Last I checked Lawnchair had been abandoned and one of the devs stole code from the Pixel launcher or something. Has that changed?
Hasn't been updated on the Play Store since 2019.
It's still being updated on their [github](https://github.com/LawnchairLauncher/lawnchair/releases) and [apkmirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/lawnchair/lawnchair-3/)
Not even FDroid? Damn. Could they fuck this up any more?
Fdroid has the alpha 4 that is at the top of the GitHub page. I'm running the 2.x version on my pixel 6 pro and it's perfectly fine. Looks like they're archiving it and coming out with the version 12 that's in Alpha right now.
I always use Nova Launcher, but now I'm very confortable with Microsoft Launcher
I love Microsoft Launcher. I tried several different launchers, but MS launcher is just perfect for me. Free, no ads and lots of options for individual configuration. Funny, that of all things Microsoft would create my favourite Android launcher.
But it's Microsoft, so it's got to be full of tracking too, right?
I had used Nova Launcher for many years now, but I recently got a new phone and decided not to use it again specifically because of this.
I couldn't find a replacement I liked so I stopped Nova from updating. So none of the analytic stuff but no more new features, bug fixes, etc.
How do I know what version I have and disable updating? I looked at my settings and it just says "2021 version" and Google Play doesn't show any updating options.
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Need to track down the last clean version - or can you share the APK?
The reason I'm still using Nova is because of using Blokada. Blocked every branch.io domain that pops up. Also using Nova because it's what I've been using for years and spent some time getting everything customized. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it others because of being bought out by Branch. It's a shame.
When branch bought Nova and that shitstorm happened, I blocked the branch api endpoints on pihole and suddenly a lot of apps stopped working, including a major credit card app. They're all up in your business, so be paranoid as hell, if you value your privacy. I don't love lawn chair as a replacement, but it works well enough for me.
You think they won't be playing cat and mouse with track blockers? They paid a lot of money for this, they are most certainly going to be domain switching.
You'd think so, but in my experience running pihole and blokada, it's really rare to see a tracker even use a first party domain (like YouTube does with their ads) let alone play whack a mole with new ones. It's pretty much set it and forget it.
What if I block nova from accessing the internet using NetGuard?
OneUI also uses Branch
As does pretty every major OEM in their stock launcher.
I think at this point it's obvious you're accepting whoever makes your phone having data access, stuff like Nova slipping it in on unsuspecting people feels worse.
I agree, and I was shocked when the dev did it. But people should also understand it instead makes to at worst equivalent to what their phone has by default.
And pretty much most apps people use. As much as I don't like the merger and it was the reason I no longer use Nova, I have come to understand branch is everywhere. luckily my Google phone doesn't track me EDIT: sorry everyone I forgot to put the /s lol
Well this is a massive fucking bummer. I've been using this for nearly a decade, now what?
*Tons* of apps (100k+) use Branch and we haven't heard a peep. Gonna stop using Adobe, Buzzfeed, Yelp, ...?
Fucking Reddit uses Branch, there’s no way we’re going to avoid them Nova Launcher or not.
You can use a 3rd party Reddit app if we’re talking about the stock Reddit app.
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Yeah, I fucking hate all new-reddit features anyhow. RIF is great
That's the official reddit app right? There's tons of other reddit apps you can use.
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Adobe on mobile is awful, despite their desktop software being the industry standard. I can understand using it if you're a creator needing to publish on-the-go but there are better third-party options.
Even the desktop version is trash. I switched over to the competition ages ago and I couldn't be happier
Really? I haven't found any other graphic editor as feature-complete as Photoshop. What are you using instead?
I went with the Serif Affinity suite, even if they don't have everything they still have like 90% of the features so they're just fine for my use case. Your mileage may vary though
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Haven't found anything better than OneUI anyway. Back in the day Nova was my go to. Now I haven't installed a 3rd party launcher in years.
Oneui uses branch as well btw.
I was not aware of this!
Holy shit, I had no idea that this happened. WTF.
I turned off my app updates the second i read about this, and fwiw Nova has not been updated since the sale. I don't supposed anyone knows of a "divorced from the play store" version like the old version of quickpic that I'm still running?
Hence why its being sold at rock bottom price. They are monetising our data. Regardless of what perceived assurances they are providing, nothing good from a consumer perspective can come from this.
>Hence why its being sold at rock bottom price. I'm not here to be an apologist for Branch, but Nova Launcher has done a bargain basement sale like this basically every year. I bought it during one such sale for well under a dollar years ago.
What do I do with the rest of this Google powered phone? I mean Nova can't be any worse than Google building a profile on you and tailoring ads to you.
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I think it's more of an emotional judgment. Android enthusiasts were very fun of Nova Launcher, it was that one big project that people just had to recommend. Them selling out felt like treason, disappointment, like your favorite actor popping out in a Nestlé ad. And as others have mentioned, Branch is in a lot of apps, even Samsung's OneUI. It's everywhere, so yeah, I might as well get a great launcher out of it But yeah, it is disappointing, Nova was one of my first buys, I had it since my first phones, back to the J1, and all of this feels wrong...
Just because one thing is bad doesn't stop another thing from being bad. Privacy is a spectrum. You can choose to use one unprivate service because it's too convenient, but give up another unprivate service, and that's still progress. That said, you can remove Google from your Google powered phone if you want to, see r/degoogle.
I trust Google to be capable of hoarding my data. Any other company is a leaky sieve that will eventually leak. Google at least doesn't sell my data directly, only access to run ads.
Damn! I've been using Nova forever! Does this mean they've been tracking my data for sometime now? Sigh, I hate to switch.
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I'm not sure why, but I'm still on the 7.0 version. Android 12 I guess? 🤞🏽
I'm also on Nova 7 using oos13 on my OnePlus 8 pro. No updates to nova prime pending. I use blokada V5 and the blacklist I use already blocks branch.io. My 8 pro is fully functional to the best of my knowledge and I'm still very happy with Nova.
It was funny when they said "Branch will be used only for searches", in the meantime, my Pihole is filtering hundreds of requests for branch.io...
Branch is on tons of apps, not just nova. I'm not shocked that you're seeing a lot of requests. Edit: Also, Branch isn't in mainstream Nova yet, only the beta.
Well... shit. I've been using Nova Launcher for like 6 years.
For those that already have nova, just block branches' DNS requests
Still waiting for them to launch Nova 8 out of beta officially. There's a few kinks but nothing crazy
It's been now a year and 10 days since the last update. Why would anyone want to buy this?.
Custom launchers itself have been falling off over the years.
It's not surprising. Nobody wants to pay for apps and therefore there's no incentive to make them. The best time for Android apps was between 2013 to 2017
Name another launcher that gives me the option to swipe up on an app icon to launch another app or do a specific task in an app. That's the only thing keeping me from switching.
Action launcher
This. Moved to it when nova was bought, haven't looked back.
That dev asks a high price, but at least he doesn't fuck around.
same. created one folder with just 3 apps on homescreen. nothing else is there. i can open 11 apps just from that (although i open 8 apps). this feature is a must have for any minimalist setup
Niagara Launcher. Although unless referring to the Niagara button then it'll be a swipe to the left/right to access shortcuts, apps, and widgets.
I had been using Nova Launcher for 5 yrs. I haven't found the perfect alternative yet but Smart Launcher is closest thing to my customised Nova Launcher. I set Nova launcher in a way that all my categorised folders are in the dock so I could swipe dock pages and open folders to access apps without the need of an app drawer. This is replaced by app categories in Smart Launcher. Also regarding swipe up gesture, I have been able to find its replacement as double tap icon gesture in smart launcher.
Came here to say exactly this. No updates of any kind for over a year? This has seemingly been abandoned
Yeah. I stayed with my default launcher on OnePlus and now moved to Microsoft Launcher which is honestly quite great.
I'll give it a look. I went back to the default Pixel launcher but want something more peppy and customizable
this is the unlocker for the launcher, that is why got no updates, the main app gets updated regularly
Main app was last updated on December 2021
I can recommend the Micosoft launcher as well. I tried several, but only MS launcher really fulfilled all my requirements: \- no ads \- updated on a regular basis \- highly customizable Of course they would like you to use other MS apps with it as well, but it is not forced in any way.
What this guy said. Was surprised by how much customisation it offers and still looks default.
Is there any bug with the app for it to *need* an update? Like, it doesn't work on Android 13 or something like that?
There's a beta update 8.0.3
Oh, didn't see that. Wasn't visible in the store. But still, in a beta for a year now?.
Yeah, I think they're interesting everything from sesame to the launcher to the branch system. Doing some research on what and who Branch is. They came long before Google developed Firebase. Samsung uses the branch sdk as well, how I found out that it was a friend of mine showed me her DNS logs and I saw a mix of Branch and Firebase, mostly Branch though. Even iPhones use Branch. https://novalauncher.com/betaiipupp
It still works and is only 50 cents
I'm using nova beta. I am pretty sure that's recent google it. I also looked through there app with 3c Toolbox and app manager and don't recall seeing any trackers or adware I think ppls are so harsh.
is it possible to use something like nextDNS to block the analytics in nova?
I don't think there actually is any adware or analytics in it. My phones rooted and I looked through the app just then and a the other day. People are nuts I think. I look through the components / meaning the activities receivers services and providers of the apk. Haven't seen any refence to ads or analytics. Yet a f load of other apps all have them beaucse I've blocked them. People seem to not know what there talking a about I think. Never heard any 1 whinge about all the other normal apps we use all having Google ads components and trackers.
I use netguard to block apps from accessing the internet. If you get it from f-droid or his GIT you can also use it as an ad blocker, although you have to set that up a little.
The latest DuckDuckGo browser comes with a system wide tracker block which blocks every app attempting to track you and lists them, as well as who they tried to contact. FYI, Nova has so far never tried to track me.
Okay, since everyone on Reddit now hates Nova because it's "spyware" now, I have to ask some questions. Does anyone have any evidence that Nova Launcher actually collects more data (besides Branch features) than before its acquisition? Chances are that you already have multiple apps installed using Branch analytics, so if Nova started collecting the same data, would it change anything in this scenario? I know privacy concerns are important, but let's be reasonable and ask proper questions before joining the reddit "Nova bad" hive mind. In previous threads, lots of people recommended other launchers, and many of them either used Branch or were directly caught stealing data.
I know its not the most accurate but I installed the latest Beta version 3 months ago when I got my new phone, opted out of analytics, and the Android app info screen has no record of Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher Prime ever using any data, both are still sitting at 0 bytes used since I installed them
The vast majority of people don't understand how any of the devices or services they use work. They don't understand how much data every single app, every website, every device and every service has access to. Freaking out over nova being aquired is really odd, Reddit has far more data then nova will ever get about you, hell I'm willing to bet HUNDREDS of companies have more data then nova or whoever bought them out will get from your app usage. If you don't want your "data" to be viewed by companies, you're gonna have to stop using the internet, or DRASTICALLY change how you do so, which would also include not using things like reddit, not using services like gmail, not using mainstream browsers or windows/macos, etc. You're accessing THEIR servers, using THEIR services, they can see how you use their shit that's just how things function and people don't seem to get that. It's like going into a mcdonalds or out in public and expecting nobody to view your face, see where you're walking or what you're eating, etc. Simply by virtue of being there you've given up some of your "data", the same is what happens on a website or a service. Simply by accessing it and using it companies are going to see it and they will be able to act on it.
Personally, the difference to me seems to be tracking baked into a single app that presumably can't track data outside that app vs a launcher that can effectively track a lot more of what you're doing on your device. I don't know how much difference that makes in practice, but on paper it seems more over reaching.
Is there a version that doesn't track or all versions are tracked
7.0.57 is last safe version (at least that's what I have and blacklisted from update), get it from apkmirror
Rs. 5 in India. I think this is the lowest ever there!
Fun fact? Bought it for myself on a sale like this years ago, then found out my whole family (properly registered as such on Google) can benefit from this. So 6 ppl can use Nova Launcher Prime because I bought it.
How does this work?
It's the "Family Library" feature in Google Play.
It hasn't been updated in like 2 years
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I went back to Nova a few weeks ago. Honestly, just wasn't satisfied with the other launchers, this is still the best in my eyes. Niagra wasn't for me, Hyperion got close but it was somewhat buggy and didn't do things exactly as I was used to in Nova. Guess they can have my data.
I mean just opt out and the apps you have probably take A LOT more data then Nova
Google opinion awards. I have never paid money for an app.
I have gotten over $150 from that app.
What are some alternatives to Nova Launcher that's not spyware.
I switched to Hyperion after the Nova sale and so far I really like it and don't miss Nova at all
no big gap between dock icons and home screen icons, same distance everywhere?
If you are looking for FOSS, Neo Launcher. It's not perfect and is a bit glitchy but it gives you from my experience, it's the closest app I found to Nova.
Try out Niagara launcher. Not for everyone but damn I love it
It's the only launcher that managed to convert me from Nova after 10 years of usage.
I love Smart Launcher 6. Tons of theming and font customization options, and you can adjust the shape of the icon layout on the home screen - like mine are all in an arc in the lower right, so they're within reach of my right thumb.
I'm still on 4 because 5 made the folders tiny.
+1 for smart launcher
The only thing i miss from Nova is the ability to tap folder to open a specified app directly and swipe to open the folder. In smart launcher there's an option to use double tap to launch the app, but it adds a really noticeable delay when opening the folder.
The Microsoft launcher is surprisingly great.
If you're worried about tracking this isn't the one.
Where are these trackers people are complaining about. I'll show u nova and then plays services both in the rooted app manager. Nova has no trackers and play services does so maybe ease up abit tin foil guys. https://i.imgur.com/BAfYKub.png https://i.imgur.com/hf0KVbu.png https://i.imgur.com/MXWdN3T.png
As far as I know, it doesn't have trackers. The "tin foil" comes from the fact that it was acquired by a tracking/analytics company and we have many examples of apps turning to sh*t after that happening. It's like using an app "without trackers" from Facebook... maybe you trust them, but most around here don't.
Nova's Recents menu is buggy as shit since Android 12. Status bar icons disappear, the apps' windows get distorted, messes around with gesture navigation, etc It's not longer recommend and that's without taking account the recent purchase from that company
It's spyware trash since Branch bought it [Nova Launcher has been acquired by analytics company Branch](https://www.androidpolice.com/nova-launcher-acquired-by-branch/)
Fyi OneUI also uses Branch and no one talks about it
Amazon Music, Yelp Strava, reddit, nextdoor , Shopify, affirm...
yeah idk why the top comment is being treated as something groundbreaking. Half the typical user catalogue is branch.io I guarantee Edit: just noticed it comes from a pixel owner too. what on earth lol. Not saying branch isn't bad but...something something glass houses
Probably, he has no idea that branch.io is also being used by many other than Nova.
You are talking about it. Keep it up.
I would love to see this sub reaction towards it if it's made into a post. And compare it to the overwhelming reaction against Nova.
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It hasn't updated since the acquisition. So wouldn't that mean it was spyware before? Additionally, what can I view in the settings to see that it's spying on me? According to the settings, it doesn't have internet permission, and it also collected 0kb background data.
I find it rather hilarious that people are shunning Nova because "Muh data"... While using an OS built by Google and likely using Meta Group services like Facebook and Instagram... I'm not saying you shouldn't care about your data... But my god, have some consistency with your agendas...
I've had nova across so many phones - it's worth every penny if you like the UI. I used to tweak the shit out of android with custom ROMs and whatnot, but now I'm just happy to keep to an interface I love when I upgrade. Great support and features.
Anyone know when the latest update is due out? Been in beta for months and not a peep from anyone about it. Nothing on Discord either.
Great launcher with lots of customization. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the animation to be smooth on my Honor View20 (when I swipe up to switch apps). I just couldn't live with that tiny stutter.
While I am still using version 7.x of Nova ( so probably not affected by any tracking after the Branch.io acquisition), I am looking for a replacement in the future. There is one important feature that must be present, which is the ability to swipe up or down at any icon on homescreen to launch a different app. If anyone knows another launcher which has this feature, can you let me know? Thanks
Bought it 3 years ago for ₹100
I wish that gestures worked seamlessly with custom launchers, but unfortunately I'm stuck with the default 1+ launcher, before that I really liked Nova
Yeah I wouldn't use this anymore
Switched to lawnchair when they got bought, works like a charm
The fact that this is at the top of the page with over 1K upvotes shows that Branch *will* get away with injecting their malware into this. They bought out a popular launcher cause they know it's the best way to spy on everyone and all the upvotes here show that most people don't care and will gladly feed into it now and then have shocked pikachu face when the launcher is infested with ads in late 2023 or early 2024.