Nova Launcher added Facebook and Google Ads tracking

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Reaction to Nova’s New Tracking / Ads

  • Many long-time, paid Nova users express disappointment and a sense of “enshittification” after the addition of Facebook Ads, Google AdMob, and more analytics/Crashlytics.
  • Concerns center on privacy (Facebook/Google tracking from the launcher), potential future in-launcher ads, and degraded performance (lag, freezes, battery drain reported by some).
  • Several users note auto-updates pulled in the new version overnight despite new permissions, blaming Play Store behavior.
  • Some feel this confirms earlier fears after the acquisition and layoffs; others view it as a reminder not to rely on proprietary software.

Sticking With Old Versions and Security Concerns

  • A number of users plan to stay on Nova 7.x or early 8.x and simply block network access (especially on GrapheneOS) or never update again.
  • One thread asks whether older Nova builds have serious security flaws; response is essentially “fine for now, but could be risky later.”

Why Use Third-Party Launchers at All

  • Common reasons: remove forced search bars, higher icon density, advanced gestures (e.g., double-tap to sleep, swipe actions), app drawer tabs, folder tricks (tap vs swipe), and heavy widget use.
  • Others are satisfied with stock Pixel/Samsung/Lineage/Graphene launchers and question the need for alternatives.

Alternative Launchers Discussed

  • Nova-like / icon grid

    • Lawnchair (FOSS): most-mentioned replacement; praised for similarity and openness, but complaints about defaults, some widget sizing issues, and missing tweaks.
    • Octopi: repeatedly recommended as the closest/better Nova successor; supports swipe actions, flexible widgets, donation unlocks; a few widget edge cases noted.
    • Action, Smart, Hyperion: considered by some; mixed reviews on bloat, cost, and search behavior.

  • Search-focused / minimalist (often FOSS)

    • KISS, Kvaesitso: strongly recommended simple, privacy-friendly, search-first launchers.
    • Niagara: loved for its unique list UI and productivity, but criticized for data collection.
    • Others: Yantra, TUI ConsoleLauncher, PieLauncher, Minimo, YAM, Fossify, AIO/Aiolauncher cited for various niche preferences.

Meta and Trust Issues

  • Frustration that promised open-sourcing of Nova was reportedly blocked by its owners.
  • Some users suspect shilling for commercial launchers and say they now default to FOSS recommendations only.