The layoffs had been introduced by former Nova Launcher workforce members on social media. Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade, each veterans of the Nova workforce, shared the information on X and Discord, respectively. Based on their messages, Department Metrics laid off over 100 staff throughout the corporate, together with virtually everybody on the Nova workforce aside from its founder and unique developer, Kevin Barry.
What does this imply for Nova Launcher?
It is nonetheless too early to say for positive what the layoffs will imply for Nova Launcher’s future. Formally, former workforce members have expressed confidence that Kevin Barry will proceed to develop the app. Nevertheless, it is arduous to not be involved concerning the affect of shedding a lot of the workforce.One instant consequence is the lack of buyer help and PR. With solely Kevin Barry left, Nova Launcher is now successfully a one-man present. Moreover, improvement is more likely to decelerate considerably. Kevin has said that he is already engaged on Nova 8.1, however it is going to have a “lower scope in comparison with what was deliberate.”
A Historical past of Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher has been a well-liked alternative for Android customers for a few years. It affords a excessive diploma of customization, permitting customers to personalize their residence screens and app drawers. The app has additionally been praised for its efficiency and stability.
Department Metrics acquired Nova Launcher in 2022. On the time, there was some skepticism about the way forward for the app beneath new possession. Nevertheless, Department Metrics assured customers that they had been dedicated to supporting Nova Launcher and its improvement.
Kevin Barry’s assertion
In response to the layoffs, Kevin Barry launched a press release on the Nova Launcher weblog. He assured customers that he’s nonetheless dedicated to the app and that he’ll proceed to manage its route and improvement. He additionally acknowledged the contributions of the previous workforce members and thanked them for his or her arduous work.
I’ve at all times been the lead and first contributor to Nova Launcher and that hasn’t modified. I’ll proceed to manage the route and improvement of Nova Launcher.
Kevin Barry, Nova Launcher creator
It stays to be seen how the layoffs will affect the app’s improvement in the long run. Hopefully, Kevin Barry will have the ability to proceed engaged on the app and produce Nova 8.1 to customers as beforehand promised.
