Nova Launcher 3.3 brings Lollipop-style app drawer cards

Unlike the other major mobile OS, that prefers to keep things kosher, Android allows for an unlimited amount of user customized creations. Don’t like the icons? Download an app and change them (or buy an LG G3). Don’t like the design? Download an app and change it! Change is for the better, and that’s why software like Nova Launcher exist.

A personal favorite of mine for ages now, Nova Launcher is essentially based on the stock Android look, with added bonuses: you can do everything from customize the number of rows and columns on the home or application screen to changing system icons to altering the hue of colors. The premium (paid) version has even more features. It’s the closest thing a non-rooted user can do to achieve the favorite visual experience.

Nova Launcher has just been updated to version 3.3, and with the update comes the completion of the stock Lollipop (visual) user experience – you can now view the pages in the app drawer as cards, essentially mimicking the stock experience. Please note this feature needs to be manually activated by selecting Nova Settings, Drawer, and “Show pages as cards”. The feature was previously available in the beta version, but it has now been formally released.

For all those who are disappointed with the continued persistence of KitKat on their device (read: your OEM of choice is mum on the update matter), Nova Launcher is a great temporary fix. While it won’t substitute the Lollipop menu design or under-the-hood changes, it could convince you you’re using the latest and greatest, at least on the surface.