Andy Walker / Android Authority
Saying that Nova Launcher had a profound impact on the Android we know and love today would be an understatement. The launcher endured over a dozen operating system versions and opened up a universe of customization to users. Not only that, it also made app search and discovery a huge part of its functionality, forcing competing launchers to up their game. These smarts are largely thanks to Sesame Shortcuts.
Although Nova Launcher’s death knell has already sounded, my recent thoughts have turned to Sesame Shortcuts’ dim future. But, for now at least, you can still integrate the powerful search app in your new Android launcher. Here’s how to do it, why you might want to think twice about it, and what you should consider before doing it.
Do you use Sesame Shortcuts? 225 votes Yes, I still do through Nova Launcher. 25 % Yes, I still do through another launcher. 5 % I used to, but not since Nova Launcher was bought. 8 % I used to, but stopped due to the lack of support. 10 % I used to, but I find it unneccessary and ineffective now. 10 % No, I have never used Sesame Shortcuts. 42 %
Open Sesame
Andy Walker / Android Authority
So, what exactly is Sesame Shortcuts? Built initially as a separate universal search app, it was eventually integrated into Nova Launcher, first as an add-on and eventually as a core part of its search experience. It also has a lesser-known but similarly tight partnership with Hyperion Launcher. Despite these collabs, Sesame remains downloadable and usable as a standalone product.
Sesame Shortcuts’ big selling point is its deep API integration with the apps installed on your phone. This allows searches through Sesame to reach deeper than traditional launcher search. In practice, this means jumping into a specific Spotify playlist, Slack channels, subreddits, Twitch channels, and Tasker recipes directly from the search bar.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
This functionality is customizable, too. For example, Sesame doesn’t detect any shortcuts for Arc Search or Banana Browser, but I can create a custom shortcut with a searchable and launchable URL through Sesame. I could point this shortcut to YouTube, giving me a quick way to watch content using the browser’s advanced video player. You can also hide shortcuts you never use, or disable an app’s entire shortcut offering to eliminate its appearance on the search bar.
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