Google Launcher

Google has a whole lot on its plate right now especially with the expected release of a sequel to the Pixel series which it testified was a rush job after the release of the flagship device in 2016 the device according to Google could have sported a whole array of features including the fingerprint scanner but did not.

The tech company which is looking at launching its new Android wearable OS soonest as indications exist that it might be launching the new wearable OS before the end of the second quarter of the year will, however, be taking one of its principal applications of the market.

The guess would have been wrong because Google has decided to discontinue the beloved Google Now Launcher which spells doom for the Android devices. Android devices may from now on look ugly as Google will be discontinuing support for the launcher come March 1, 2017.

As sad and unbelievable as the news may be, it is true as it is contained in an email correspondence between the manufacturer and Android Police.

However, the tech company is extending an olive branch as it will be allowing phone maker to bring the Google Now features into their launchers using the “Search Launcher Services.”

Knowing the power of launchers and the beauty it adds to the smartphone especially its power to change the default design on the phone which most time is ugly; Google is deciding to put down one of the best launchers at a terrible time.

With the death of the Google Now launcher, smartphone companies like Samsung and HTC who have relied on the launcher to cover up their ugly interfaces will be challenged to come up with something better although it honestly will prove to be a demanding task conquering the standards of the already known launcher.

The Google launcher application with more than 50 million downloads on the Play Store allows users access Google’s information cards including updates from Google Maps, weather and more.

Google, however, seemed to have hinted the end to the Google Now launcher when it discontinued the Nexus series and upon launching the Pixel, series unveiled its new proprietary Pixel Launcher which comes as a stock application on the device. The major snag, however, is that the Pixel launcher is not available for download as a third party application.

As from March 1, 2017, Android users will be pushed to opt for other third party launchers including the Nova Launcher and the Action Launcher although they both do not give the luxury provided in the Google Now launcher.

The absence of the launcher on other Android smartphones may, however, be a move by the smartphone company to ensure and lure customers to move to the Pixel series of smartphones which will continue for the nearest future to run on the Google-powered launcher applications.

However, it is officially great to say we will miss the Google Now launcher and RIP to the application.