If you’ve ever explored the realm of Android customization, chances are you’ve encountered Nova Launcher, a stalwart in the world of third-party launchers. With a legacy stretching back to 2011, during the era of Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich, Nova Launcher has garnered tens of millions of downloads. However, the winds of change have swept through its development, leading to an unexpected conclusion.
Founded by Kevin Barry, Nova Launcher has been his brainchild for over a decade. In 2022, the app transitioned into the hands of Branch, a metrics company, which initially sparked hopes for a revitalized future. Yet, as 2024 unfolded, the situation took a turn for the worse, culminating in significant layoffs that left Barry as the sole steward of the beloved launcher.
In a heartfelt blog post titled “So Long,” Barry announced his departure from Branch and the cessation of active development on Nova Launcher. He expressed gratitude for the community that has supported the project over the years, stating:
“I’m the founder and original developer of Nova Launcher. I’ve been the only one working on Nova for the past year. I needed to let you know that I have left Branch and am no longer involved with Nova Launcher.”
Barry elaborated on his efforts to prepare Nova for an open-source release, detailing the meticulous work involved in cleaning up the codebase and ensuring compliance with licensing requirements. Despite his dedication, he was ultimately instructed to halt these efforts, leaving the future of Nova Launcher uncertain.
While there is no definitive statement from Branch regarding the potential for Nova to be passed on to another developer, it appears that the version of Nova Launcher users have come to know and love has reached its conclusion.
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