GoKawiilRobert Triggs / Android Authority
TL;DR Nova Launcher v8.6.8 beta includes a built-in AI assistant that provides contextual insights based on your calendar, contacts, and app usage. There’s also an included AI chatbot.
Code indicates a recurring “Nova Plus” subscription tier is coming, offering higher AI limits and faster responses, separate from the legacy “Nova Prime” purchase.
The launcher is shifting from a customization tool to a proactive agent, with hints of a “Nova Mobile” phone plan management feature.
Earlier this year, Nova Launcher was acquired by Swedish company Instabridge. While the new owners claimed they wanted to be responsible stewards, they also emphasized the need for a “sustainable business model.” We are now seeing what that might look like: a pivot toward “Nova AI.” New beta versions reveal that Nova is transforming from a simple launcher into a data-hungry, proactive agent. To power its upcoming features, the launcher is preparing to request deep access to your personal life, including your private SMS conversations, physical location, call history, and more, and gating some of these features behind an upcoming Nova Plus subscription tier.
Nova AI Nova Launcher v8.6.8 beta includes several strings that point to an upcoming AI feature called “Nova AI” tied to a “Nova Plus” subscription tier.
Code Copy Text <string name="ai_sdk_empty_title">Nova AI</string> <string name="nova_ai_account_header">Account</string> <string name="nova_ai_activation_retry_later">"We couldn't activate Nova Plus yet. Please try again in a moment."</string> <string name="nova_ai_activation_welcome_subtitle">Sign in to get started.</string> <string name="nova_ai_activation_welcome_title">"Let's set up your AI."</string>
While we are unable to determine the exact version when these strings were introduced, they are present in the mentioned beta release, and we can spot the groundwork even in Nova Launcher v8.5.6.
The primary feature for Nova AI is a built-in conversation assistant that doesn’t require a separate app — it lives in your launcher.
Code Copy Text <string name="nova_ai_chat_sign_in_headline">Nova AI</string> <string name="nova_ai_chat_sign_in_intro">"Nova AI is built into your launcher — no separate app needed. Sign in with Google to get started. It's completely optional."</string>
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