Google Now Launcher to be phased out this quarter

by Florin Troaca / Feb 03, 2017, 1:30 PM

Google Now Launcher to be phased out this quarter

Fans of Google Now Launcher, we have upsetting news: Google is reportedly getting ready to discontinue the launcher. We can't say we're truly surprised by this, since Google Pixel phones are using the new Pixel Launcher, and the Nexus line (which shipped with the Google Now Launcher out of the box) is being phased out.

According to an email sent to Google Mobile Services partners and obtained by Android Police, Google intends to remove the Now Launcher from Google Play this quarter (by the end of March). However, everyone currently using the Google Now Launcher will be able to rely on it even after its removal from Google Play. Google says it'll continue to support the launcher, with updates being made available via the Google Search app.

As of March 1, new devices that want to use Google Now Launcher will no longer be approved. But manufacturers (including Motorola) that have Google Now Launcher as the default option on their devices won't be out of options. They can integrate Google Now cards and any other Google services into other launchers.

It's unclear if all this means that Google plans to make the Pixel Launcher available to non-Pixel devices. We'll let you know when we have more details on this. Meanwhile, you can still download the Google Now Launcher from Google Play via the second source link below.

sources: Android Police, Google Now Launcher (Google Play)

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20 Comments

1. Mxyzptlk unregistered

RIP Nexus. I hate that Google is killing off everything that is Nexus related.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 1:44 PM 3

4. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

No you don't, stop trying to act like you're a relate-able human being and go back to the bridge you crawled out from under.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 2:19 PM 12

5. Bankz

Posts: 2550; Member since: Apr 08, 2016

lol, easy bro.. he snatched your girlfriend or something?

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 2:45 PM 8

7. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Yeah, she said he came up a little "short."

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 4:09 PM 5

11. sgodsell

Posts: 7607; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

Mxyzptlk, if you every used any Nexus or Android in general. Then you would have known that Google's Now, has grown up and and is call Google Assistant. However Assistant is more, and is the AI on the front end. Besides everything that Google Now did is baked into Assistant. Therefore there is no need for Google Now.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 6:37 PM 2

18. Mxyzptlk unregistered

What do you mean if I ever used? I'm using a Nexus right now. Google Assistant isn't on the Nexus devices. You tried the same thing meanest tried and he ended up being in denial.

posted on Feb 04, 2017, 12:14 PM 0

20. sgodsell

Everyone who has seen your account on PhoneArena knows that all you have is Apple and praise it to the maximum. While you always cut up And our and Google. Now as far as Google's Assistant is concerned. It going to come to devices running Nougat, period. It's software, with a AI background.

posted on Feb 04, 2017, 3:08 PM 0

9. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Get the butthurt report form out because someone is really butthurt.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 4:09 PM 0

21. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

Just choose your favourite third party launcher and stick with it. The first thing i do with any new Android phone is to download Nova Launcher Prime and restore my layout backup. Not a big fan of custom OEM interface so i prefer this approach.

posted on Feb 05, 2017, 8:16 PM 0

10. Subie

Posts: 2442; Member since: Aug 01, 2015

Well, since they technically already "killed off" the Nexus brand this would then make sense. Hopefully though they will make the Pixel launcher or something else available for those who want to use it.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 4:14 PM 0

2. Seany

Posts: 94; Member since: Sep 28, 2012

Google Now launcher is looking a bit dated now in my opinion. Pixel launcher looks more modern and fresh

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 1:53 PM 0

3. middlehead

Posts: 474; Member since: May 12, 2014

I don't use it, but this still annoys me. I just switched my brother from a Windows phone to a G5 and put the Google launcher on it for him, and by the time he really gets used to the damn thing it'll be obsoleted.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 2:16 PM 1

6. aznhachi

Posts: 212; Member since: Apr 12, 2016

I'm using it right now glad to hear that Google will support the launcher even though will be remove from Play Store soon

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 3:19 PM 1

8. MrElectrifyer

Posts: 3960; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

Meh, was never interested in it, especially as it's focused around a data-mining service I'll never use...

12. jeroome86

Posts: 2314; Member since: Apr 12, 2012

I run this on my Note 3. Really like using it.

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 7:22 PM 0

13. gdawilson

Posts: 299; Member since: Jul 21, 2014

I can't remember the last time I used it... . I've been using Nova Launcher, back on my Nexus 4, and on my Nexus 5x for the last year or so. Doesn't affect me. I just don't want Google Assistant on my phone

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 7:38 PM 0

14. chenski

Posts: 789; Member since: Mar 22, 2015

Doesn't matter, my 6p runs like a champ with nova prime

posted on Feb 03, 2017, 8:51 PM 0

16. medtxa

Posts: 1655; Member since: Jun 02, 2014

google now launcher no one care, pixel launcher with oversized icon. I really like peek launcher now.

posted on Feb 04, 2017, 8:33 AM 0

17. irossdrummer

Posts: 371; Member since: Jan 17, 2015

I really want a good WORKING Pixel launcher. I downloaded a "leak" apk of the Pixel Launcher but it wouldn't even let me resize widgets that i can on Touchwiz! Ridiculous!!