Latest Nova Launcher Beta Supports Swipe For Accessing Google Now

One of my friends prefers to use the Google Now Launcher (GNL) on his unrooted Android device. His sole reason for using GNL is the swipe to access Google Now feature. Up until now this feature couldn't be used in any launcher (other than GNL, of course!) on unrooted devices. So if users wanted to access their Google Now feed by a simple swipe, they had to resort to using GNL. For customisation freaks like me and my friend, we hate GNL because it lacks customisation options. Third party launchers like Nova offer a ton of options to tweak your home screen as per your choice and liking. But the lack of ability to access Google Now with a swipe in Nova Launcher was a bummer for my friend and he had to continue using GNL just for that one feature. I have some good news for both you and my friend, the latest beta build of Nova Launcher supports swipe to access Google Now.

Before you get all excited, since this is a beta build of Nova Launcher, it is susceptible to bugs. I'm not saying this just for the sake of it, but I actually faced problems when I was testing out the latest Nova beta. At times the swipe to access Google Now feature did not work. That's why it's important to note that since this is feature is still under testing, it's not perfect. You might run into problems while using this feature. Another reason which might doom your excitement is that you can use swipe to access Google Now in Nova Launcher only if your Android device runs Marshmallow 6.0 or newer.

How to access Google Now with a swipe in Nova Launcher

Getting to the important part, you will have to grab the APK file of Nova Launcher 5.3-beta1 from here (you can also use the Play Store for this) and Nova Google Companion from here (you can't find this on the Play Store). It's worth noting here that you don't necessarily need to have Nova Launcher Prime for this tutorial. You should ensure you have enabled Unknown sources before attemting instalation of the apps. You can enable this option by going to Settings > Security and then tapping on the check mark beside Unknown sources.

Install the APK file of Nova Launcher beta and then install the APK file of Nova Google Companion. Hold on, once you have installed the APK file of Nova Google Companion, open it. You will be greeted by a pop-up like the image below.

Now simply press the home button and you should be able to access Google Now's feed by swiping to the right on the first home screen.

Source: Android Police

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.