- Nova Launcher reduced to a one-man operation following layoffs by parent company Branch Metrics, leaving only founder Kevin Barry to continue development.
- Future of Nova Launcher uncertain, with customer support and major updates likely to be scaled back, as work on Nova 8.1 moves forward with reduced scope.
Our Take
The drastic reduction in the Nova Launcher team signals a challenging road ahead for the popular Android customisation app. While Kevin Barry’s commitment to continuing development is commendable, the loss of resources and team support will undoubtedly impact the app’s evolution. The situation underscores the broader challenges facing niche software in an increasingly consolidated tech environment.
— Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter
What happened
Nova Launcher, a long-standing favourite among Android users for its customisation features, is facing an uncertain future after significant layoffs reduced its team to just one member—its founder and original developer, Kevin Barry. The layoffs were part of broader cuts made by Nova’s parent company, Branch Metrics, which reportedly laid off over a hundred employees across the company, including nearly the entire Nova Launcher team. The team, which once comprised twelve members, is now down to Barry alone.
Despite the drastic reduction in team size, work on Nova Launcher continues, with Barry confirming that he has completed some work on the upcoming Nova 8.1. However, he noted that the scope of this update has been significantly reduced compared to initial plans. The app remains available, but with no resources for customer support or public relations, its future updates and development pace are expected to slow down considerably.
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Why it’s important
The layoffs at Nova Launcher highlight the volatility within the tech industry, particularly for niche apps that rely on small, dedicated teams. As a product, Nova Launcher has been a staple for Android users seeking extensive customisation options, especially when the default launcher doesn’t meet their needs. The app’s popularity has been driven by its flexibility and the continuous innovation of its development team. However, with the team now reduced to a single person, the potential for significant new features and robust customer support has been drastically diminished.
This development is also indicative of the challenges faced by third-party Android apps in a landscape where Google’s own offerings have become increasingly dominant. The reduced scope of future updates suggests that Nova Launcher may struggle to keep pace with changes in Android, and its long-term viability is now in question. For users and developers alike, the situation serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of software development in an industry where ownership changes and resource allocation can quickly alter the trajectory of a beloved product.
