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Time and time again, the developer TeslaCoil reminds me that the little cash I invested in Nova Launcher was money well spent. Today, Nova Launcher saw an update in the Play Store to version 1.3.3 and this will be your go-to homescreen replacement if you’re looking to give your Android device that stock Jelly Bean look.
While there was the usual bug fixes that accompany most updates, Mr. TeslaCoil was thoughtful enough to included the all new Android 4.2 icons from the very latest version of Jelly Bean (that was fast). Now you’ll notice a new camera and clock icon when apply the built-in stock Jelly Bean theme. Schnazzy.
New Themeing Option
The feature I’m most excited over is the new enhanced themeing option. Before 1.3.3, you’d have to apply the entire stock Jelly Bean theme and hope for the best. Depending your device, there were still a few icons that were left behind, taking up residency on your homescreen in all their custom manufacturer UI ugliness.
Always keeping an open ear to customer feedback, TeslaCoil has added a personal request of mine that allows for the themeing of individual app icons using the built-in Jelly Bean icon pack. Now, you’ll no longer have to go through the trouble of downloading a separate stock Jelly Bean icon pack just to theme those fugly Sense or TouchWiz icons to the “stock look.”
Simply long press an icon (but don’t move it) and release. Select Edit > Icon Pack > Stock Jelly Bean and choose from the list of built-in stock icons. Easy peasy.
Again, this is perfect for those icons from manufacturer UI’s that aren’t detected when trying to apply the entire theme to your device. Even better, you can change icons like QuickPic to a stock Gallery icon look. No, potentially malicious icon downloading necessary, and that makes me a happy camper.
The 1.3.3 update also added fixes for Android 4.2, which is good news for the few people with Nexus 4’s, or those running 4.2. custom ROMs. You can download Nova Launcher for free from the Google Play Store. Don’t forget, you can supercharge the app by picking up the Nova Launcher Prime for the price of a happy meal.
I still prefer Apex Launcher. And it’s just a few little reasons. One, Nova launcher backs up and restores every thing. Sometimes I just want to restore my settings and redo my entire desktops, but with Nova Launcher you can’t choose to restore just settings or both settings and desktop.
Also, the other little thing is you can have the widget tab in the drawer without connecting the drawers. What I mean is if I want the actual widget tab, it will continue on from my apps tab. So I’d scroll pass apps ending in Z then it would continue on the Widgets. I don’t want that. I want to click the tab if I want widget. If I turn it off, then I have the widget menu from pressing and holding on the desktop.
It’s always the little things. LoL!!
For me, Apex fits better on my N7. I don’t know if that’s changed or not. I still have no plans of changing.
I prefer Apex too but it needs an update to work on 4.2. Currently does nothing but F/C.
Quite a disappointment that it fc’s on 4.2 I’m hoping they fix it soon
Fixed
wow….good for them, and us ! :)
Good stuff… I started with Apex but I get better speed from my phone using Nova (stock Rezound). The speed gain was enough that I have put off rooting because I don’t need to overclock.
the new themeing thing isn’t new… its been around for awhile
If I pick from the stock jellybean the icons are really blurry lmk if that’s just my device
nope, doing it for me as well. (Acer A500)
@JohnSevaldsen:disqus @google-c32f9286f786dce7eaf5688045cdab43:disqus Interesting. Both of you guys are using tablets, correct? Drop the developer an email at: [email protected]
Nope I’m using a phone I emailed the developer thanks p. s. Nice hair did you give it a name?
HA! Not yet xD
I use Go Launcher, very versatile & customizable.
I used to use Go Launcher…then I upgraded past Gingerbread.
BAAHAAA….
Just updated! :D Thanks for the tip. I rarely chk for updates!
Also, a tip. For users looking for some clean icons. Check out ADW Elegent Theme in the market
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jaguirre.elegant&hl=en
Is this ADW only? Or can i use the icon pack with Nova?
This is why I stay with Nova. The Dev is just fantastic when if comes to updates and issues.
Unfortunately it still lags like crazy on JB GS3 with the wallpaper scroll enabled. Turned off it runs pretty smooth, with the exception of some lags here and there. Overall a pretty decent update though.
It runs fine on my TBolt :/
Lucky! It ran buttery smooth on ICS but really began to skip frames and lag with the update.
After trying a few launchers I also have really come to appreciate the stable flexibility of Nova Launcher. I recommend this launcher for those who launch.
What a great launcher. Not sure why more ROM developers don’t use it by default.
What wallpaper is that in the right hand picture? Always on the lookout for interesting wallpapers to use.
It’s in the stock 4.2 wallpaper pack