Nova Launcher Development Comes to a Full Stop

[phillynewsnow]

They say “all good things must come to an end,” but we never thought that it would be really the case with Nova Launcher—hailed by many an Android user as one of the best custom launchers on the platform, it looks like work on the app has now fully ceased, without any mention of future developments.

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This follows the exit of app founder Kevin Barry, who was the sole personnel left after massive layoffs last year greatly reduced the team working on the launcher. Back in 2022, Nova Launcher was acquired by data analytics firm Branch, which left many users worried about the app moving forward. Part of a recent statement from Barry reads:

… 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.

For the past several months I have been preparing the Open Source release of Nova Launcher. This work included cleaning up the codebase, reviewing licenses, removing or replacing proprietary code, and coordinating with legal to ensure a proper release…

Barry also cited early statements made by Branch founder Alex Austin assuring Nova users that the app’s code “will be open sourced and put in the hands of the community,” although he has since been asked to stop working on the launcher and any open-sourcing efforts moving forward.

First launched in 2011, Nova was one of the more fleshed-out custom launchers for Android, giving users freedom to modify their Android home screens and app drawers with custom gestures, icon packs, themes and more.

The post Nova Launcher Development Comes to a Full Stop appeared first on Phandroid.




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