Nova Launcher Faces Uncertainty After Major Layoffs at Branch Metrics
In a significant shake-up, Branch Metrics, the company that acquired Nova Launcher two years ago, has laid off over 100 employees across various teams, including many key contributors to the Nova Launcher project. This decision comes as a heavy blow to the Nova community, which has grown to rely on the app for its customization capabilities.
Cliff, the Community Manager for Nova Launcher, shared his heartfelt resignation on the official Discord channel, expressing his immense sadness at leaving the company after nearly nine years. His message reflects both nostalgia for the past and hope for the future.
Cliff stated, “After 8 years, 9 months and 5 days, I am no longer employed by Nova and/or Branch Metrics. It has been an incredible journey filled with memorable experiences.” He praised the Nova user community for their support and engagement over the years, highlighting the joy that interactions with users have brought him.
Alongside Cliff, others, including Rob, who contributed greatly to the team’s achievements, were also affected by the layoffs. The outpouring of gratitude from Cliff emphasizes the profound impact that the role has had on both his and his family’s life.
While Cliff’s departure raises concerns about the future of Nova Launcher, Rob has reassured users that development will continue, albeit at a slower pace. Kevin, the original creator of Nova and the sole full-time developer remaining at Branch, is committed to maintaining updates for the app, despite the reduced resources. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent changes but expressed determination to keep pushing forward.
The community can expect more updates as the dust settles from the layoffs, and Cliff has indicated he will provide news on the future of the Discord server soon. In the meantime, he is actively seeking new opportunities in customer support to continue the work he has cherished over the last decade.
While this is undoubtedly a challenging moment for the Nova Launcher team and its users, there remains a spirit of resilience within the community. Cliff’s closing thoughts remind all of us that while today’s news is difficult, the future holds the promise of new beginnings.
Stay tuned for more information as developments unfold, and let us continue to support the talented individuals who have enriched our experiences with Nova Launcher. If you have any leads for remote customer support positions, consider reaching out to Cliff to help him in his next chapter.
