Nova Launcher 5.0 rolls out with new Pixel-style search bar and more

Nova Launcher is turning five years old, so it seems appropriate that the popular Android launcher app rolls out a new 5.0 version to users today. This release adds quite a few new features for folks to try out.

One of the launcher’s developers, Cliff Wade, offered up some quick change notes on his Google+ page. One of the new features is a Pixel-style search bar, and like the Pixel Launcher, users of the Nova Launcher can now swipe to open a drawer. The 5.0 version adds a new search view, featuring tabs for Frequent, Recent and New/Updated apps. There’s also support for Android 7.1 Nougat’s launcher shortcuts, along with a new “Timeout” screen lock method, a new quick start feature to change major settings faster and much more. Some of these feature have already been made available for people who have tried out the beta version.

Wade says it may take a few hours for the 5.0 update to make its way through the normal Google Play Store. Keep in mind that you can unlock a number of extra features with the Nova Launcher Prime app that’s also available for $4.99.