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Kevin Barry, the founder and sole developer of Nova Launcher, has officially departed from the application’s parent company, raising questions about the future of the popular Android launcher.

Background on Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher has long been a staple in the Android ecosystem, known for its customizable features and user-friendly interface. Launched in 2012, it quickly gained traction among Android users seeking to personalize their devices. The app allows users to modify their home screens, app drawers, and icons, providing a level of customization that many stock launchers do not offer. Over the years, Nova Launcher has been downloaded millions of times and has garnered a loyal user base.

In 2022, Nova Launcher was acquired by Branch Metrics, a mobile analytics company. This acquisition raised hopes among users that the launcher would receive new features and updates. However, the transition has not gone as smoothly as many had anticipated. Following the acquisition, a significant number of employees associated with Nova were laid off, leading to concerns about the app’s future and its ongoing development.

Recent Developments

This past weekend, Kevin Barry announced his departure from Branch Metrics, marking a significant turning point for Nova Launcher. Barry had been the last remaining developer actively working on the app after a series of layoffs affected the Nova team. His exit follows a request from Branch to cease work on both Nova Launcher and a planned initiative to open-source the application.

Currently, users attempting to access Nova Launcher’s official website are met with a 404 error, although the app remains available for download on Google Play. This situation has left many users concerned about the future of the launcher, especially given Barry’s pivotal role in its development.

Implications of Barry’s Departure

Barry’s departure raises significant questions about the future of Nova Launcher. The initial promise made by Branch Metrics under former CEO Alex Austin indicated that if Barry were to leave, the code for Nova Launcher would be open-sourced and made available to the community. However, with both Austin and Barry no longer with the company, the likelihood of this happening appears uncertain.

Community Reactions

In light of these developments, the community has begun to express its concerns. Cliff Wade, Nova’s former customer relations lead, commented on the situation, stating that the new leadership at Branch has shifted focus away from Nova Launcher. “It’s just some app that they own but no longer feel they need or want,” Wade said. His remarks underscore a growing sentiment among users that the company may not prioritize the launcher moving forward.

Wade further expressed skepticism about Branch’s commitment to open-sourcing Nova Launcher. “I don’t believe Branch will do the right thing any time soon with regards to open-sourcing Nova. I think they simply just don’t care and don’t want to invest time,” he stated. This sentiment has resonated with many users who are concerned that without sufficient pressure from the community, Branch may not take the necessary steps to honor previous commitments.

Community Initiatives

In response to the uncertainty surrounding Nova Launcher, users have initiated a change.org petition advocating for the project to be open-sourced. This grassroots effort aims to rally support from the community and apply pressure on Branch Metrics to fulfill its earlier promises. Wade described the petition as a “great start” to mobilize users who care about the future of Nova Launcher.

The petition reflects a broader trend in the tech community where users increasingly demand transparency and accountability from companies regarding the software they use. Open-sourcing Nova Launcher would not only honor the commitments made by previous leadership but also empower the community to contribute to its development, ensuring that the app continues to evolve in line with user needs.

Future of Nova Launcher

The future of Nova Launcher remains uncertain as the community awaits a response from Branch Metrics. The absence of Barry, who has been instrumental in the app’s development, leaves a significant void. Users are left wondering whether the company will prioritize the launcher or if it will fade into obscurity as leadership shifts focus elsewhere.

Potential Outcomes

There are several potential outcomes for Nova Launcher in the wake of these developments:

Open-Sourcing the Code: If Branch Metrics honors its commitment to open-source Nova Launcher, it could lead to a revitalization of the app. Community developers could contribute to its improvement, ensuring that it remains relevant in an ever-evolving Android landscape.
Continued Neglect: If Branch chooses not to prioritize Nova Launcher, the app may receive minimal updates or support. This could lead to a decline in user engagement and satisfaction, ultimately resulting in a loss of its once-loyal user base.
Forking the Project: Should Branch refuse to open-source the code, it’s possible that community developers could fork the project, creating an alternative version of Nova Launcher. This scenario would allow users to continue enjoying a similar experience while circumventing the limitations imposed by Branch.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The perspectives of various stakeholders are crucial in understanding the implications of Barry’s departure. Users, former employees, and industry analysts have all weighed in on the situation:

Users: Many users have expressed disappointment and frustration over the lack of communication from Branch Metrics. They feel a sense of ownership over Nova Launcher, given its long-standing presence in the Android community.
Former Employees: Former employees like Cliff Wade have voiced concerns about the company’s direction and its commitment to the app. Their insights provide a glimpse into the internal dynamics at Branch and how they may affect Nova’s future.
Industry Analysts: Analysts have noted that the situation highlights a broader trend in the tech industry where acquisitions can lead to neglect of established products. They emphasize the importance of community involvement in ensuring the longevity of software projects.

Conclusion

The departure of Kevin Barry from Branch Metrics marks a pivotal moment for Nova Launcher. As the last remaining developer, Barry’s exit raises significant questions about the app’s future and its potential for open-sourcing. The community’s response, including the initiation of a petition, reflects a growing desire for transparency and accountability from the company.

As users await clarity from Branch Metrics, the future of Nova Launcher hangs in the balance. Whether the app will be open-sourced, neglected, or forked remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the community’s passion for Nova Launcher is unwavering, and they are prepared to advocate for its future.

Source: Original report