I vividly keep in mind the early days of the superior CyanogenMod customized ROM, which basically turbocharged a median Android cellphone’s software program to present it a great deal of further options and settings. With the unlucky loss of life of CyanogenOS in 2016, I turned my consideration to Nova Launcher in my faculty days. Ever since, I’ve put in the launcher on virtually each Android cellphone that I bought my arms on and customised the interface to my coronary heart’s content material.
Nevertheless it appears the twilight of these days looms giant over Nova Launcher. In 2022, the corporate behind this superior Android launcher was acquired by an analytics firm named Department. A day in the past, Department laid off all the Nova Launcher group besides Kevin Barry, creator of the well-loved launcher.
“Nova nonetheless has one full time employees member and a developer who splits their time between Nova and different initiatives, however these two are going to be stretched extraordinarily skinny with code, lots of of assist emails, the neighborhood, PR, and so forth.,” wrote Rob Wainwright, engineering veteran and neighborhood lead for the Nova Launcher undertaking.
At this time is a tragic day. Although we’re opponents, we’ve gotten to know the Nova group over time and have all the time had mutual respect. @CliffWade and @apex2504 are very proficient, and it’s laborious to see why they have been let go. We want Cliff, Rob, and everybody affected the very best. https://t.co/6OllqykCKt
— Sensible Launcher (@SmartLauncher) August 8, 2024
In a message posted on the official Discord channel, Barry talked about that the flip of occasions was disappointing, however he nonetheless plans to wrap up work on a brewing construct that may quickly ship as an replace for current Nova Launcher customers. Nonetheless, it appears poor cost-cutting led to the brutal restructuring, which reportedly resulted in over 100 layoffs at Department.
“I’m not even indignant on the firm for doing what firms do: scale back price,” Wainwright posted on BlueSky. “I’m disenchanted that these weren’t adequately thought of and sadly I don’t actually see a path ahead with out the total core group.”
The place Nova Launcher goes from right here stays unsure. Ardent followers are visibly disheartened by the shift, and plenty of have already began discussing viable options in Reddit threads. Nonetheless, one can count on the tempo of updates and have additions to dry up dramatically transferring forward. Extra importantly, listening to suggestions and resolving bugs goes to develop into a nightmare, contemplating the shortage of manpower.
Regardless of being considerably opponents, it’s miserable to listen to this. @CliffWade, @apex2504, and everybody affected, I want you all the perfect in your future endeavors. https://t.co/08M0sEsDiU
— Niagara Launcher (@NiagaraLauncher) August 8, 2024
Many are hoping that the group behind Sensible Launcher laps up the laid-off employees and hopefully kick-starts work on another, however that appears unlikely. Cliff Wade, who labored with the Nova group for about 9 years, talked about on Reddit that it wasn’t “going to occur” as a result of the Sensible Launcher group isn’t ready to afford the expertise price.
Nevertheless it’s not simply enthusiastic customers who’re mourning Nova Launcher’s predictably darkish future. Rivals like Niagara and Sensible Launcher additionally shared uplifting messages relating to the upheaval. Nova was a well-liked selection primarily due to its sheer scope for deep customization and comfort. Now, the app’s future is distressingly grim.
