Nova Launcher is one of the most famous launchers among Android users. This is because it gives a much better user interface than the in-built stock launchers. It also offers a variety of customizable features. Starting from an overall theme in order to transitions, icon packs, gestures, as well., Nova Launcher permits you to modify your device’s interface in any way that you like. Although a lot of launchers exist in the market, only a few of them are as versatile as well as efficient as Nova Launcher. It not only improves the look of your device, however, also makes it faster. Just read this article to know all about How to Enable Google Feed in Nova Launcher. Let’s start!
The only shortcoming of Nova Launcher is basically the missing Google Feed integration. Most of the stock launchers come along with a Google Feed page out of the box. By swiping to the leftmost home screen, then you will be able to access the Google Feed. It is basically a collection of news as well as information based on your interests curated specially for you. Google Feed, which was earlier known as Google Now, gives you stories and news snippets that might also be appealing to you. Take for, example, the score of a live game for the team that you follow as well as an article about your favorite TV show.
You can also even customize the kind of feed that you guys would like to see. The more data you provide Google regarding your interests, the more relevant the feed becomes as well. It is a real bummer that using Nova Launcher would really mean doing away along with Google Feed. But, there is no need to lose hope just yet. Tesla Coil Software has now created an app called Nova Google Companion. That will solve this issue. It will permit you to add the Google Feed page to Nova Launcher.
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How to Enable Google Feed in Nova Launcher
Before you guys begin downloading the companion app, you have to download or update Nova Launcher to its latest version. Tap here to download as well as update Nova Launcher. When you have the latest version of Nova Launcher installed on your device, then you can proceed with downloading the Nova Google Companion.
If you guys won’t find the app on the Play Store since it is essentially a debuggable client and thus, against Google’s policy. Because of this reason, you have to download the APK file for this app from APKMirror.
Download Nova Google Companion from APKMirror
Just take note that while you are downloading this file, you guys will receive a warning that the app might be harmful in nature. Ignore the warning and continue along with the download. In order to install this APK, you have to enable the Unknown sources setting for your browser. This is because by default Android system does not permit any app installations from anywhere apart from the Google Play Store. You have to follow the steps given below to enable Unknown Sources:
Steps | Google Feed in Nova Launcher
- Just open the Settings on your phone.
- Now, click on the Apps option.
- Then scroll through the list of apps and open Google Chrome.
- Now, under Advanced settings, you guys will find the Unknown Sources option. Tap on it.
- Here, just simply toggle the switch on to enable the installation of apps downloaded via the Chrome browser.
Now, you can also proceed to install the app without even any obstruction. Simply head over to your File Manager and look for the Nova Google Companion (then it would most likely be in the Downloads folder). Just simply tap on the APK file and follow the on-screen instructions in order to complete the installation.
When the app is successfully installed, you have to disable the Infinite Scrolling feature for Nova Launcher. This is because for Google Feed to work, it actually has to be the leftmost screen, and it would not be possible if infinite scrolling was actually still enabled. Just follow the steps given below to do this:
- Click and hold on to an empty space on the screen until the home screen editing options are displayed.
- Now tap on the Settings option.
- There, choose the Desktop option.
- Now after that, simply toggle the switch off for the Infinite scroll feature.
- Restart your Nova Launcher after this actually. You guys will find this option under the Advanced tab in the Settings.
Whenever your device starts, you will actually receive a message that Nova Launcher will be using the Nova Google Companion app. In order to add the Google Feed page to your home screen. In order to see if it works or not, just simply scroll to the leftmost pane. And you guys should find the Google Feed page just as you would find it in a stock launcher.
How can you Customize Google Feed Pane? | Google Feed in Nova Launcher
This is a really cool thing about Nova Launcher as well. It permits you a variety of customization options, and Google Now is no exception. You have to follow the steps given below in order to explore the various customization options provided via Nova Launcher:
- Click and hold on to an empty space on the screen until the home screen editing options are displayed.
- Now, click on the Settings option.
- Here, just click on the Integrations option.
- You will now find a number of customization options starting along with a simple toggle switch to enable or disable Google Now page.
- The next option is basically called Edge swipe. If you guys enable it, then you will be able to open Google Feed via swiping in from the edge of any home screen page as well.
- You will also find the option to select between the two transition options.
- Also, this is where you will actually find updates for the Nova Google Companion.
Google Now pane was the only thing that was really missing from Nova Launcher. However, with the help of the Nova Google Companion, the problem is now solved once and for all. The transition effect is really smooth, and the user experience is great. In no way does it feel that it is actually a work of a third-party app. It also works exactly the same way as an in-built feature, and we now hope that soon the Google Now as well as Nova Launcher integration becomes official.
Conclusion
Well, That is all from my side. If you want to know more about this article or have any queries. Then feel free to ask me anything in the comments section below.
Have a Good Day!
Also See: How Do I Restore the Old YouTube Layout
