- Beta 8.1.3 adds changes to Nova Now, new cards, and compatibility improvements.
- Former developers point out that the code is old and does not imply a return to active development.
- Limited rollout on the Google Play beta channel; not listed on the official website.
- It is advisable to review permissions and privacy, especially in Spain and the EU.
After months of silence and the departure of its founder from the parent company, a new build of Nova Launcher has appeared on the Google Play beta channel. Although the version 8.1.3 The community has been surprised; the move does not necessarily imply a return to active development.
The download is being rolled out gradually to some users and, for now, it's not listed on the official website for manual download. Sources close to the project indicate that many of these changes are... They prepared it more than a year agoThis opens up the debate about its safety and maintenance, also for those who use the launcher in Spain and the rest of Europe.
What changes in 8.1.3?
The package includes improvements focused on the Nova Now experience and on the compatibility with recent Android versionsHighlights include design tweaks and customization options that modernize cards and search.
- Customizing colors in Nova Now.
- New cards and redesigns: Refreshed Media, new Time card and updated Calendar.
- Saved and searchable history of web suggestions, with an option to disable it.
- Permissions notice when starting Nova Now for the first time.
- Polished Spotify integration.
- Fine-tuned compatibility with recent Android versions and general stability improvements.
Along with these new features, the current team has refined the Spotify integration and added a permissions notification when opening Nova Now for the first time. These are useful changes, although the project's own context... It calls for prudence.
Availability, security, and project context
The update is being rolled out to a limited number of testers in the Google Play beta channelIt is not listed on the stable channel and, at the time of publishing this note, no APK is offered on the official Nova Launcher website.
If you want to try accessing it from Spain, go to the app's page on Google Play, scroll down to the testing section and tap on «Unirse"If there are places available, the beta will appear in a few minutes."
Former developers have clarified in community channels that almost all the work on this build was done earlier and that the original team is no longer at Branch Metrics. This means that 8.1.3 seems more like a delayed deployment that a project restart.
That same staff member warns that they cannot guarantee how analytics and data are managed. For users in the EU, it is advisable Review permissions and privacy settings, since the processing of information must be aligned with the GDPR.
- Check permissions in Android Settings (location, phone, storage).
- Open Nova Now and disable history saving if you don't need it.
- Check integrations (feed, search, media such as Spotify) and limit data sharing.
- Back up your settings before updating and test the performance.
According to community reports and specialized media, the build appeared without prior announcement on the beta channel, reinforcing the idea that we are dealing with a on-time delivery rather than a sustained roadmap.
The landscape of third-party launchers is more demanding today: Google and Samsung's interfaces have improved, and Android imposes changes that complicate maintenance. Even so, Nova remains... reference for advanced users because of its level of control and its backups.
Those who prefer to play it safe can consider active alternatives like Lawnchair, Niagara, or Hyperion, keeping in mind that if Nova receives proper maintenance, even could extend its useful life on our mobiles.
The picture this update paints is clear: there are tangible improvements in Nova Now, compatibility, and stability, but everything points to old code released late and an uncertain project transition. Between limited availability and privacy concerns, the sensible thing to do is update only if necessary, and in any case, thoroughly review permissions and settings after installation.
