The Nova Launcher Version 5.0 is now live, just in time for its anniversary. The Android launcher gained popularity because of its endless options for customization.

The new version is equipped with a ton of functions, some of which are very similar to Google Pixel. The Nova Launcher Version 5.0 introduces a Pixel-style search bar, Android 7.1 shortcuts, "swipe to open drawer" command, and more.

Fan Favorite Android Launcher

The Android launcher by TeslaCoil Software has over 10 million downloads based on data from Google Play Store. It has earned the name the "unofficial" fan favorite due to the overwhelming number of users that prefer it from other launchers available in the market today. For one, it's easily available for download, and anyone can get the app for free. To celebrate its fifth year, the Nova Launcher is introducing new options that were previously available only to a few beta users.

"In celebration of our 5th birthday today, we give you Nova Launcher 5.0 with all sorts of goodness," Cliff Wade, one of Nova Launcher developers, said. Wade made the announcement on Google+, where he listed what the Nova Launcher Version 5.0 has to offer.

"A La Pixel" Features

Interestingly, Nova developers highlight its similarity to Google Pixel. Wade even said that the "swipe to open drawer" was created "a la Pixel launcher" style. The app also offers a whole lot of options for personalizing icons and tabs. For example, it can now sort apps by categories, namely, Frequent, Recent, and New/Updated apps.

The Nova Launcher Version 5.0 incorporated a number of new commands to make the system more accessible. There's the Timeout screen lock method, quick start, and double-tap-swipe gestures that help users activate the launcher and change its setting faster. With the new version, dock backgrounds can be drawn from under the navigation bar. It also supports Android 7.1 Nougat shortcuts.

Earlier this year, Nova introduced a feature that force-scales icons into a uniform and normal size. Meanwhile, a clever hacker is also using it to uncover the hidden display settings of Samsung Galaxy S7 units.

Anyone can download the Nova Launcher Version 5.0 for free to enjoy its new offerings, although some beta users were already able to test the Pixel-like options ahead of everyone else. To unlock extra functions, a premium version of the launcher is also available on Google Play Store for $4.99.

What do you think of Nova Launcher's new features? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below.