Nova Launcher has long been a favorite among Android users, known for offering a customizable experience that goes beyond what stock launchers provide. The app has consistently received updates, with the latest major version 8, adding several new features, updated in May.
However, recent news has left many users disappointed. Branch Metrics, the company that acquired Nova Launcher, has reportedly laid off the entire team responsible for developing the launcher since its inception.
In 2022, analytics firm Branch Metrics acquired Nova Launcher, bringing the app’s founder Kevin Barry and other key team members on board with full control over the project. While there were initial concerns about the app’s future under Branch Metrics, no major changes were seen—until now. However, in a recent official announcement on Nova Launcher’s Discord server, Cliff Wade, Nova’s director of customer relations, confirmed that the company has laid off the entire core team, including himself, Rob, and several other key members of the Nova Launcher team.
This announcement comes as a real surprise, especially considering that right after the acquisition, Barry had assured users that “Branch is different” and that he would continue to lead Nova’s direction and decisions. However, a lot can change in two years, and while Barry is still with Branch, it’s unclear how the company will move forward with him and what the future holds for Nova Launcher.
Wade did not discuss Branch’s future plans for Nova Launcher or its users. However, in response to a comment on the social media platform X, Rob mentioned that Nova still has one full-time staff member—founder and developer Kevin Barry—who now divides his time between Nova and other projects. This shift is expected to significantly slow down development, affecting support emails, the community, public relations, and more. Rob added, “App updates are planned, but that’s all I know.”
According to Rob, Nova Launcher’s Version 8.1 is still planned, but the future of Nova without its core members remains uncertain. Let’s hope for the best as the app moves forward with these changes.
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