RIP Nova? Android’s best home launcher is in big trouble

I have been a loyal user of Nova Launcher on my Android devices for almost ten years. It stands out as my favorite launcher due to its flexibility and extensive customization options. However, recent decisions made by the company that acquired Nova two years ago have raised concerns about the app’s future.

The developer, Kevin Barry, introduced the first version of Nova Launcher in late 2014, which quickly gained popularity within the thriving Android community. Nova follows the standard sliding home page layout found in most Android navigation systems, but it sets itself apart by offering users a plethora of customization choices.

Known for its swift performance, regular introduction of new features such as integration with Google’s Discover news feed through a separate program, and endless ways to personalize your home screen, Nova has remained a top choice for many passionate Android users.

As the demand for new features and support for various operating system versions and phone models grew, Kevin Barry expanded his development team and monetized Nova through the Nova Prime upgrade. This $5 one-time add-on provides users with even more options and advanced features, with over five million downloads to date.

In 2022, Barry sold the Nova app, along with his own job and that of his colleagues, to Branch Metrics. According to Ars Technica, Branch is an analytics company that assists corporate clients in creating and monitoring links to their websites, apps, and other entry points. Branch now holds the copyright for Nova Launcher, as indicated on the app’s About page.

Recently, the official Nova Launcher Twitter account announced that Branch had laid off more than ten employees working on Nova as part of a company-wide downsizing. A former community manager provided further details on Discord. Kevin Barry is now once again the sole developer of Nova, a decade after its inception, but now working under new ownership.

Dedicated users have observed a decline in Nova’s usual quality over the past year. Issues and bugs that were typically resolved promptly are now persisting for extended periods, and significant updates are being released at a slower pace. Recent reviews on the Google Play Store highlight common bugs like disappearing icons, frozen home screens, and faulty searches.

With limited resources and manpower following Branch’s cutbacks, Barry is now responsible for upholding Nova Launcher on his own. Despite encountering more bugs myself and lacking support for my folding device, Nova remains my preferred option over other launchers, including Samsung’s folding-friendly OneUI launcher.

However, I have concerns about Nova’s future under the current ownership. I hope that another Android developer, inspired by Nova and other community-driven launchers, can step in to continue its legacy. Alternatively, Kevin Barry may choose to move on from Nova under Branch’s control and embark on a new project, as transitions like these are not uncommon in the tech industry.