Nova Launcher’s New Owner Considers Introducing Ad-Supported Version
Nova Launcher is undergoing significant changes following its acquisition by Instabridge, a Swedish company specializing in Wi-Fi connectivity apps. This acquisition comes after the original founder Kevin Barry announced his departure from Branch Metrics, the previous parent company, last year.
Instabridge’s Plans for Nova Launcher
Instabridge has emphasized that Nova Launcher will remain operational. The company stated, “Nova is not shutting down,” asserting their commitment to maintain its stability and compatibility with modern Android systems. The immediate goal is to ensure that Nova Launcher continues to be actively maintained.
Ad-Supported Version Considerations
Instabridge is assessing the potential introduction of an ad-supported version of Nova Launcher. Recent updates to the software revealed the presence of trackers related to Facebook Ads and Google AdMob, suggesting that ads could soon be visible to users. Reports from Reddit indicate that some users have already started seeing these advertisements.
- If implemented, the ad-support will not affect Nova Launcher Prime, which will remain ad-free.
- Instabridge promises to keep users informed about any decisions regarding ads and monetization.
Open Sourcing Nova Launcher
Another focal point for Instabridge is the potential open sourcing of Nova Launcher. Kevin Barry, when he departed, had been working towards making the code available to the community. Despite assurances from a former Branch CEO regarding the plan to open source Nova, the process involves various considerations such as licensing and security.
Instabridge has acknowledged the complexities involved in open sourcing responsibly. While no definite updates are available yet, they have pledged to maintain transparency as they evaluate this direction.
As changes unfold, the community’s reaction remains to be seen. Users have expressed their concerns, yet Instabridge seems poised to breathe new life into Nova Launcher while balancing modernization and user needs.
