Over the weekend, Nova Launcher received an updated to version 2.1, bringing with it a few features that really are quite notable. For most, the important feature addition is the ability to change individual application icons in the app drawer. This is highly important when the icon pack you are using does not skin a particular icon, making the theme a bit off when viewed. 

In addition, there is an entirely new user interface for wallpaper and icon picking, controlled by swiping left and right through different packs. It is a very nice update, so if you haven’t yet, go grab it. And if you have never tried Nova before, then you are missing out.

Down below you can see a video I made detailing the newest changes to Nova Launcher.

Play Link

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Nova Launcher Updated, Customize Individual Drawer Icons and New Wallpaper Picker Interface is a post from: Droid Life

Apex Launcher, one of the most popular apps on Android, received a major update this afternoon to version 2.0. In the update for the free version, users will see options to tweak vibration durations, an improved wallpaper picker, a re-organized settings menu, updated translations, and various fixes and other improvements. If you own the Pro version ($3.99), you’ll have access to folders in the app drawer, integration with Apex Notifier, and style options for notification badges. Again, it’s a solid update for one of the top launchers in the game. 

Full changelog:

• Folders in the app drawer (pro)
• Integration with Apex Notifier※ (pro)
• Notification badge style options (pro)
• Default on for external notifiers (pro)
• Added vibration duration option
• Improved activity picker and wallpaper chooser
• Re-organized and improved settings menu
• Disabled auto update checks by default
• Removed permissions for notifications
• Various fixes and improvements
• Updated translations
• Apex Notifier is an extension app that also supports DashClock (Android 4.2+).

Play Links:  Apex Launcher | Pro ($3.99)

Apex Launcher Sees Update to Version 2.0 – Badge Style Options and Folders in the App Drawer Included is a post from: Droid Life

It has been way too long since we last asked our community members what their favorite Android launcher was. Since the last time we asked, there are a few newcomers to the game who have certainly taken some of that marketshare away from the big dogs. Apparently the last time we asked, Nova Launcher wasn’t even on the scene, so that should definitely change things up.

If you answer “Other”, please let us know in the comments which launcher you are using.

Wednesday Poll: What Android Launcher Are You Currently Using? is a post from: Droid Life

Happy 2013 to all of you! To kick it off, Nova Launcher received a nice update in Google Play, which will greatly benefit Prime users. For starters, users can now select custom icon sizes, apply swipe actions to any desktop icon, infinite scroll in the app drawer, as well as lower memory usage which will help keep your device speedy.

To see the full list of new features and fixes, check below. 

What’s in this version:

• Custom Icon Size (Prime)
• Swipe actions on any desktop icon (Prime)
• Custom wallpaper cropping
• Increase maximum desktop grid size
• Infinite Scroll Drawer Setting
• Alphabetical list drawer style
• Small Icons Dock Setting
• Force wallpaper scrolling on USA SGS2
• Aggressive Desktop Setting (Keep in memory)*
• Lower memory usage
• Improve scrolling performance
• Fixes, optimizations and tuning

Here is to a happy new year!

Play Link: Nova | Prime

Nova Launcher Updated to 2.0 – Custom Icon Sizes, Larger Grid Options, and More is a post from: Droid Life

So, you got a fancy new Android phone for the holidays! Congratulations! Now that you’re all set up, the only thing left to do is find the best apps and start having some fun. Google Play offers thousands of different applications and games to choose from, so without getting lost looking through countless pages of apps, allow us to drop some knowledge on you.

These are our top 10 recommendations to get you started with Android. 

1.  Chrome (free):

Earlier this year, Google released Chrome for Android and changed the way folks were using their Internet browsers. With Chrome, your mobile device and desktop computer’s tabs/browsing history can be perfectly synced, allowing for a fantastic browsing experience while on the go. Were you looking up that perfect spot for lunch on your desktop and forgot the name while on your way? Chrome has you covered. It’s free on Google Play and is always the first app we suggest to new Android users.

2.  Falcon Pro ($0.99):

Our love for the Falcon Pro app for Twitter is well known in these parts. We even did a full review on the app just to inform the masses of its existence. What makes the app so great is the user experience. The app is built amazingly well and offers up a very smooth, yet easy-to-navigate experience. It features swipe controls that help you go through your different feeds, which allows you to only see and read what you want. When it comes to Twitter apps, Falcon Pro rules the roost.

3.  SwiftKey 3 Keyboard ($1.99):

For Android users, having a third party keyboard can be a major plus. There are a lot of different options out there and we have found that SwiftKey 3 (especially the new beta, Flow) takes the cake. As for me, I type extremely fast, so I need a keyboard whose auto correct I can actually rely on. The app also offers up a ton of customization options such as themes, layout options, and more. To top that off, it offers usage statistics that show you your typing efficiency and things of that nature. Definitely worth the price.

4.  Instagram (free):

Instagram makes our list given that we feel it to be the “perfect social network.” None of those silly status updates – just pictures that give you a peak into the lives of those you care about. And of course, you can follow some celebs if you are so inclined. You can always check out Facebook, Google+, and Tumblr as well.

5.  Nova Launcher (free):

Custom launchers are one of the many things that makes Android great. If you aren’t happy with the stock home experience, you can change it! What makes Nova our go-to launcher is that we simply love the performance and customization options. Once applied, it gives you the ability to use custom icons, adjust grid sizes, change home screen transitions, manipulate the app drawer, and so much more. If there was something in your stock home experience that you weren’t enjoying, Nova likely has a fix. Also, if you’re looking for a good custom icon pack, check our Lustre and Tersus from Google Play.

6.  Snapseed (free):

Snapseed is relatively new to Android, but it has already become one of our new favorites. Previously only available for iOS devices, it is award-winning photo editing software that puts many other “filter apps” to complete shame. With swipe controls that put you in command of some powerful editing tools, you can turn your silly smartphone pictures into works of art. Once you are done editing your pictures, you can easily share them to your favorite social network or save them to your device. What makes it even better is that it is completely free.

7.  Games (Granny Smith, Need for Speed: Most Wanted):

Okay, we couldn’t narrow it down to just a single game, so we will give you two to get started. For starters, if you know anything about us, you will know we love Granny Smith. We named it our top game of 2012 and for good reason – it’s addictive! To start, it’s nice and easy and then evolves into a game that can become frustrating and extremely difficult, all while being completely enjoyable to play. It’s priced at $1.99, but is a game that we can’t get enough of. Secondly, we have Need For Speed: Most Wanted. To put it simply, it’s the best driving game on Android. Period. For having tilt controls and some touchscreen controls, the game plays extremely well. The graphics are insanely sweet, but it does come paired with a high $5.99 price tag. Act quick and you can still get it on sale for $0.99.

8.  AppSales (free):

This app is fantastic. It’s sole purpose is to save you money on the apps you want. Everyday, AppSales is updated to show which apps on Google Play are currently on sale. From using this app, I’ve easily saved $10 on apps/games, which is a win in my book. Definitely install this one if you’re big into buying content for your device.

9.  Beautiful Widgets ($2.50)

Beautiful Widgets has been around since the beginning, and it’s always on our list of recommendations for new Android users. With the newest updates the app has received, it has blossomed into an amazing widget application, with a literal ton of different options to choose from. Once one of the widgets is applied to your homescreen, you can see the time, current weather reports for your location or another location, dates, and access your alarms all from your homescreen. There isn’t a single option you can’t customize, which allows users to make a widget that fits their device and lifestyle with relative ease. The app runs a couple of dollars, but it could be some of the best money you spend in a long time.

10.  Dropbox (free):

Being able to have all of your important files/media on the go is important to everyone, not just Android users. With Dropbox, you have a safe place to store your important photos, videos, work files, and everything else that you don’t want stored on your device. Dropbox is one of the must-have apps for any Android user.

Honorable Mentions:

The below listed apps didn’t make our top 10, but they certainly deserve a mention. Some are apps for getting work done, and the others are games that will help you waste that extra time you have. Either way, these are just a few more apps that we can’t live without as Android users.

1.  Flipboard (free)
2.  Pattrn (free)
3.  Grand Theft Auto: Vice City ($4.99)
4.  Adobe Reader (free)
5.  Zombiewood (free)
6.  Google Currents (free)
7.  Sound Search (free)
8.  Ingress (free)

If you have any apps that you want to share with the community, feel free to list them below in the comments section. Have a good time with your new device!

Top 10 Apps For Your New Android Device is a post from: Droid Life

We here at DL support third party launchers. One of our all time favorite launchers, Nova Launcher, has a beta version that received a major update over the weekend. In fact, there is such a long list of features that I will have to use a page break. Here I go. 

Some of the more intriguing things we see in the changelog are re-sizable icons, quite a few “under the hood” improvements, and folder background transparency options. Feel free to scroll through and see what is new.

2.0beta3 Dec 16, 2012

• Fix expand notifications on 4.2
• Fix dock as overlay
• Fix dock infinite scroll
• Fix disabled wallpaper scrolling
• Big Grid lab now works for dock size
• Fix folder bg not saving
• Fix FCs

2.0beta2 Dec 15, 2012

• Public Beta
• Icons and folders:
• * Icon resizing (Prime)
• * Swipe up action on desktop icon (Prime)
• * Use app icon as custom icon
• * Swipe to open folder, tap for custom action
• * Disc background for folder icons
• * Folder background transparency
• * Support iconmask and shader in icon themes
• * Updated Nova Action icons
• * Bigger grid size options
• Drawer Settings:
• * Isolate tabs
• * Infinite scroll
• * Remember position
• * List style
• * Auto close
• Dock:
• * Auto close
• * Use small icons
• Wallpaper:
• * Crop to portrait/landscape or full
• * Wallpaper scrolling on USA SGS2
• Under the hood:
• * Aggressive Desktop (Keep in memory)
• * Merge Android 4.2 changes
• * Faster load times
• * Reduce memory usage
• * Default on for UI Lock, widget async and widget cache
• * Expandable “Advanced” in Settings menus
• * Custom activity background instead of banded gradient

If any of the things you see on here sound like fun, then you can download the apk and install it as you would any third party app. If you feel like waiting for it to hit Google Play, you won’t have to wait too long for that to take place.

Download: 2.0Beta3.apk

Via: XDA

Cheers Justin, Albert, Corey!

Nova Launcher Beta Updates to Version 2.0+, Contains Massive Changelog is a post from: Droid Life

Today, a new 3rd party launcher called Action Launcher is making the rounds. It’s from the creator of Tweet Lanes, one of the more popular Twitter apps available. This new launcher runs $4 in Google Play, a price similar to Nova Prime or Apex, only it has about a tenth of the features. Now, that may not be a bad thing for those looking to dive into an ultra minimal and fast launcher. Let’s talk about it.

Action Launcher’s main selling point, is the removal of the classic app drawer button and the inclusion of a new app panel on the left side of your first home screen. The developer decided that the traditional app drawer was too slow and set out to find a way to make accessing your apps even faster. With this left panel, a quick swipe accesses your list of apps which has been alphabetized. You can quickly jump to a specific letter and then access the app you desire. As you’ll see in the video, it is indeed a fairly fast way at choosing an app.

From there, the developer introduces a new style of folder called a “Cover.” A cover is way for you to create a folder that acts as both a single action or holds a number of apps or actions. For example, you could have your Chrome icon open Chrome with a single tap or open as a folder with bookmarks to your favorite sites thanks to a double-tap.

Other than that, the launcher doesn’t have much else to offer. There is no icon support or many of the other tools you have grown accustomed to in some of the more established launchers.

If you are looking for something new and a bit out of the ordinary, then feel free to give it a shot.

Play Link ($3.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Action Launcher Arrives on Google Play for $4, a Minimal Launcher to Say the Least is a post from: Droid Life

Nova Launcher received a much-needed update last night to make it compatible with Android 4.2. The default icon set was changed to the new 4.2 set, a new Quick Settings action was added, and a bunch bugs were squashed. I’d say that it’s nothing major, but in reality, it sort of is major as it allows the app to work on the newest version of Android. Go get it!

Play Link

Cheers Justin and everyone else who sent this in!

Nova Launcher Updated for Android 4.2 – Includes New Icon Set, Fixed Bugs is a post from: Droid Life

One of the cool things we can do with our Android devices straight out of the box is download a custom launcher and then apply icon packs that will drastically change the way an application’s icon appears. Take the above screenshot for example – I have Nova Launcher installed and have Kovdev’s Tersus icon pack applied. It gives each icon a uniformed square and minimal look. It’s clean, pretty, and super easy to do. 

There’s a few steps to this process. First, you will need a 3rd party launcher such as Nova or Apex. As a note, most icon packs only support either Nova, Apex, Go Launcher, ADW, LauncherPro, and a few others. When downloading an icon pack from Google Play, you can check its compatibility in the description. Download a third party launcher of your choice and let’s get started on applying an icon pack.

Downloading and applying icon packs:

During this post, we’ll be using Nova Launcher which is our favorite. You can download it here on Google Play.

1.  Find the icon pack you want to install on Google Play.

You can see a long list of them here, but we always recommend Kovdev’s work. It’s clean and there are plenty of options to choose from.

2.  Download and install the pack you have chosen.
3.  From the homescreen, locate the Settings menu of the launcher you are using.

Since we’re using Nova, this may be slightly different from the launcher you’re using. The Settings menu is located in the top right of the app drawer while it is open. Check pictures above for clarity.

4.  Hit “Look and Feel.”
5.  Under “Icon Theme,” choose the icon pack you have downloaded.

It will then automatically apply all of the existing icons and matching apps together. And that’s it. It’s a simple and easy way to customize your device to the way you want.

Applying a single icon from a pack:

But Tim, what if I don’t want a full pack? I just want a single icon applied, how do I do that? Fantastic question and here is how to do it!

1.  Decide which icon you want to customize.
2.  Move it to a homescreen.
3.  Longpress on said icon.

Again, we are using Nova, so the instructions may differ given which launcher you are using.

4.  Hit “Edit.”
5.  Then press on the application’s icon.
6.  You will see a menu. Hit “Icon Pack.”

From here, you will see each icon that resides in the pack. You can choose whichever icon you want to use for that app on a homescreen. It will not change the app’s icon in the app drawer, but only on a homescreen where you applied it.

7.  Once selected, hit “OK.”

If you have any questions, let us know down below.

*The rest of the Android Beginners’ Guide is a one-stop shop for all of those new to Android.

How to: Apply Icon Packs With a 3rd Party Launcher [Beginners' Guide] is a post from: Droid Life

For anyone that uses the Apex or Nova third party launchers, you can go pick up their updates in Google Play this morning. For Nova, there are a ton of fixes and it also adds in some Jelly Bean goodies and “Project Butter” improvements. As for Apex, it’s pretty much the same. Lots of fixes, Jelly Bean improvements, but it also adds the ability to force the tablet UI on your homescreens.

As a note, there are reports that the Apex Launcher update has something wrong with it and is force closing a lot. You can rest assured that the developer is working on a fix and will release an update as soon as humanly possible.

Nova Launcher | Apex Launcher 

Cheers Joseph!

Apex Launcher and Nova Launcher Receive Updates, Jelly Bean Enhancements and More is a post from: Droid Life

Last night, the Nova Launcher beta received an updated to version 1.3 beta 3, which merges the already speedy launcher with the Jelly Bean base. A couple of the features that the Jelly Bean stock launcher has brought to the table is the ability to automatically move icons and widgets when placing something new on a homescreen, along with the ability of re-sizing widgets automatically. You’ll notice some slight speed and performance enhancements which is always something to be happy about. 

If you’re running the market version of Nova, go into Nova Settings and hit “check for updates.” In the top right you will see the three dot settings button – select that then choose the beta option. The new application will download and you can simply install over the current Nova and you won’t lose any settings.

Play Link

Cheers Adam!

Nova Launcher Updated to Beta 3, Merges with the Jelly Bean Hotness is a post from: Droid Life

If you need more Jelly Bean on your device, Nova Launcher’s beta apk has been updated that includes a few goodies that might help your addiction. This is not the same launcher apk that is on Google Play, but these changes will most likely find their way onto the official app once they go through testing. In the beta, you can choose between the stock ICS or JB Google Search bar, custom widget list picker (requires root or actual JB), and some other fixes across the board. 

Changelog:

• Search Bar Style of JB or ICS
• Adjust padding so labels are more likely visible in landscape
• Built-in stock jellybean icon theme
• Custom widget list picker (requires Root or JB)
• Fix FCs
• Jellybean:
• Fixes for backup/restore of widgets
• Fixes for Play Store widgets
• Support new system animations
• Fixes for Nexus 7
• Fix empty folders

If you want to give the new features and fixes a go, download and install as you would any other third party application.

Download: NOVA Launcher Beta APK

Via: XDA

NOVA Launcher Beta Updated with Jelly Bean Goodies is a post from: Droid Life

When Friday rolls around each week, we tend to see a bunch of app updates hit the Play store as teams finish up projects before heading into the weekend. This week is no exception, as new releases of Facebook, Tumblr, Adobe Flash and AIR, Total Commander, and Nova Launcher all showed up within the last 24 hours. Most of them were released to squash bugs, but with apps like Nova and Tumblr, we get some new goodies to talk about. 

Nova Launcher gave users the ability to change the theme (accent) color throughout, brought widget overlapping, more icon theme support, faster widget loading, and improved performance. Tumblr introduced a new photo viewer design, faster image loads, and visual enhancements. Adobe AIR’s page mentions having stylus support, but Adobe’s app pages are rarely up-to-date so it’s difficult to tell if that is new or not.

Oh, and a couple of days ago, Google Wallet saw an update that introduced support for “new device form factors.” Whatever that means.

Play Links:  Nova Launcher | Tumblr | Total Commander | Flash | AIR | Facebook

Android App Updates: NOVA Launcher, Adobe Flash, Adobe AIR, Facebook, Tumblr and Total Commander is a post from: Droid Life

Nova Launcher and WidgetLocker received updates today to include support for “unread counts” on icons for Gmail, SMS, missed calls, Google Talk, etc. TeslaCoil, the makers of these two, created an app that works with them called TeslaUnread that allows your most commonly used apps to show unread counts from your home screen or lock screen. The app has to be used with either Nova or WidgetLocker in order to work, but it’s free, so you shouldn’t mind having to install it. As you can see in the photo above, it even works with custom icon packs.

Along with the support for TeslaUnread, the Nova update included new gestures, reverse wallpaper scrolling, support for GO Launcher icon packs, and a bunch of other fun things.

Play Links:  Nova Launcher | WidgetLocker | TeslaUnread

Nova Launcher and WidgetLocker Updates Introduce Unread Counts, Other Goodies Too is a post from: Droid Life

Nova Launcher, one of the top Ice Cream Sandwich-friendly launchers received a significant update today. Along with a new logo, the update brought with it transparency settings for your app drawer, throwback vertical scrolling, ability to add new groups or folders in drawer tabs, bulk adds of items to the desktop, widgets for the dock, special tablet optimizations and more. We haven’t seen a release this significant since the early beta days, so be sure to jump on this. We should point out that some of these features are only available to the newly named “Prime” version which will run you $4. 

Full changelog:

1. (v1.1.1 fixes a startup FC introduced in 1.1 and other minor issues)
2. Custom app drawer tabs and folders (Prime)
3. Vertical scroll in app drawer
4. Configurable drawer transparency
5. Bulk add to desktop or folder
6. 1×1 widgets in dock
7. Tablet optimizations (Dock, full screen app drawer)
8. System shortcuts for app drawer (Works with AOKP Navbar)
9. Activities shortcut
10. Many optimizations and bug fixes

Play Link

Nova Launcher Update Introduces Custom Drawer Tabs, Transparency, Bulk Adds to Desktop, Tablet Fun and More is a post from: Droid Life