I'm not sure if it's in the regular version yet, but the beta version of Nova Launcher has app shortcuts.I want to use Nova so bad but I need for it to support the new app shortcuts. I need that!! They are so awesome. For that reason I'm being stubborn and not switching from stock (for now).
Ok, I changed my mind and I'm back on Nova launcher lol! I forgot how much you could customize it. I have it configured with the stuff I like from the Pixel launcher but with better (IMO) margin spacing. I was drinking the Google cool laid too much, Nova or any launcher you like is always better.
Hi qnet, can you shed some light as to whether nova hampers the speed or fluidity of the pixel?
Does the stock launcher allow the icons to be changed?
No that's why I'm using Action Launcher and making it like Pixel.
You can make an identical look to the Pixel launcher with Nova Launcher. There are tutorials on Youtube
Hi qnet, can you shed some light as to whether nova hampers the speed or fluidity of the pixel?
Launchers are a pretty subjective topic depending on who you ask. Your best option is to try them yourself. People love Nova for the gestures among other things. I'm not a big gesture guy, 3 finger swipes, 2 finger swipes, not my cup of tea. So while Nova is a great launcher, just look at the customer ratings, but it doesn't mean it's a one size fits all or everybody.Also which is better Nova or Action??? I have Nova Prime....
The only thing I wish Nova Launcher would do now, is either stop or change the selection in settings for the persistent search bar/icon. Now that the Google search icon & weather is just on the home page and not persistent anymore, I wish Nova would make it the same. Right now in Nova Launcher, if you want the Google search icon and weather, it still puts it across all screens like the old google launcher used to.
I am sticking with the Pixel Launcher for now. I miss message counts but that's not a deal breaker for me.
Ok, listen, after trying the Pixel Launcher for a week I was liking it for the most part but the things I missed from the Nova Launcher were more important for me than the looks and the new stuff the Pixe Launcher brings to the table, so I decided to just combined both and I modified my Nova Launcher Beta to look just like Pixel with all the Nova feature I love.
So download latest Nova Launcher 5.0 Beta 8 and latest Tesla Unread plug in and just restore this backup, https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9PQEWVD_htQekRTQS1BQnFPZnc/view?usp=drivesdk, and you'll be set. NOTE-you'll need the Nova Launcher Prime for the gestures to work.
You'll keep Google search widget plus the Weather integrated to the clock, just like the original. The Shortcuts (long press) on all the ones that have it. Swipe up for apps, same app drawer background and stroller, same everything.
Things you will have with this and not with the PIXEL Launcher;
Gestures;
Swipe up for Google Now (cards) replacing the swipe right to access it.
Swipe down one finger Notifications shade, Swipe down 2 fingers Quick Toggles/Notification
Swipe up 2 fingers Nova Settings
Double Tap for Screen off (5 seconds trick for allow fingerprint to unlock and not force passwords)
Unread Count badges
Missing;
Swipe right to Google Now (replaced with swipe up)
Little arrow above the dock to press and pull up the Apps drawer without swipe up.
Just remember to change Folders settings - Folder preview for the look you like better. I hated the huge size of folders on the Pixel Launcher.
With the tons of customization you get with Nova, for me is a No Brainer even if you want to keep the Pixel Launcher look, with this you'll have just that plus tons of other things missing in PIXEL Launcher.
The only thing I wish Nova Launcher would do now, is either stop or change the selection in settings for the persistent search bar/icon. Now that the Google search icon & weather is just on the home page and not persistent anymore, I wish Nova would make it the same. Right now in Nova Launcher, if you want the Google search icon and weather, it still puts it across all screens like the old google launcher used to.
Can't you make it a widget on whichever screen you prefer?
You can actually put that little arrow for the Swipe up to open app drawer indicator like on the pixel launcher ... It is in the desktop tab under indicators ... Just make sure to toggle on "swipe to drawer indicator"