Nova Launcher Returns to Its Roots After Mass Layoffs – Android

Kevin Barry, the app’s founder, was left alone at the helm after mass layoffs hit the development team.

Branch, a mobile data analytics company that acquired Nova Launcher in July 2022, has made widespread layoffs, affecting more than 100 employees across its business. Nova Launcher’s head of user relations, Cliff Wade, revealed that the Nova team, which previously numbered around a dozen people, has fallen victim to these cuts.

Despite the shock, Barry confirms That growth will continue, albeit at a slower pace. He admitted that he will need to “tighten the scope” of the next major release of Nova compared to the original design. Rob Wainwright, one of the ousted developers, confirmed via the Discord community that updates will continue, but at a reduced rate.

For years, Nova Launcher has been a standard in the Android community, offering extensive home screen customization capabilities. The app gives users the ability to completely change the look and feel of their devices, overcoming the limitations of manufacturers’ default options. Its popularity led to its acquisition by Branch, a move that initially seemed to herald even greater growth.

However, recent developments have brought Nova Launcher back to its roots. Reflecting on the situation, Barry reminded the community that he was the sole developer behind the app for many years. “The original Nova team, for many years, was just me,” he wrote in a post, striking a note of optimism for anxious users.

Despite the difficulties, Nova Launcher remains effective for all existing users.