Source – 9to5google.com
Nova Launcher, a prominent Android home screen replacement app, has experienced a significant reduction in its development team. Almost the entire team has been laid off, leaving only Kevin Barry, the founder of Nova Launcher, as the sole full-time developer.
Development Set to Continue Amid Team Reductions
Kevin Barry has confirmed that development on Nova Launcher will persist despite the reduction in staff. Barry, who started the project alone before expanding to a full team, will continue to lead the development efforts. However, the pace of progress is expected to slow significantly. Rob Wainwright, one of the developers recently laid off, acknowledged in the project’s Discord channel that the reduced workforce will inevitably impact the development speed. Barry has already indicated that the upcoming major version of the company will have a scaled-back scope compared to earlier plans.
Branch’s Recent Layoffs Affect Nova Team
Nova Launcher was acquired by Branch, a mobile analytics firm, in July 2022. However, the Branch has recently announced layoffs affecting over 100 employees across its operations, including most of the Nova Launcher team. According to Cliff Wade, the customer relations lead for the company, the workforce for the app previously comprised about a dozen individuals. The widespread layoffs at Branch have led to a substantial downsizing of the Nova team, impacting the app’s development trajectory.
Legacy and Future of Nova Launcher
Despite the team cuts, Nova Launcher will remain functional for current users. The app, known for its highly customizable features, has been a staple in the Android launcher community for years. Barry reflected on the situation, noting that the company was initially a solo project and that its success grew with the addition of a larger team. As development continues under Barry’s sole leadership, users can expect updates to proceed, albeit at a slower pace due to the reduced team size.
