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.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: