Google Now Launcher getting discontinued 10 years after launch

After almost a decade, the Google Now Launcher is getting discontinued for all devices. The company has confirmed that Google Now Launcher (GNL) will completely shut down by April end. The details about the launcher getting discontinued have been picked from the new version of the Google app by 9to5Google. 

The company shared a message informing the users that GNL will stop working on all Android devices by the end of this month. GNL’s ability to offer quick access to Google Now cards made it unique, but what led to the discontinuation of the service?

Google app bids farewell to the Now Launcher

Google introduced the Now Launcher in 2012, and after a decade, the app is ready to bid farewell. Before coming to all Android devices, the Google Now Launcher was exclusive to Nexus and Google Play Edition devices. But the launcher was rolled out for devices from other OEMs soon. Users were required to download a separate app from the Play Store to use GNL as their primary launcher. 

The search giant introduced the launcher for smartphones running Android 4.1 or above. However, in 2017 Google stopped offering GNL as the primary Launcher for Android devices. The company urged OEMs to develop their own solutions. 

While GNL enjoyed several years of existence, the advent of Pixel smartphones shifted Google’s attention to the Pixel launcher. It resulted in a reduced frequency of updates for the Now Launcher. 

Third-party launchers are the way to go forward

If you still want to use the Now Launcher, it’s best to refrain from updating the app, as doing so might lead to the permanent closure of the launcher. Moreover, you can also consider transitioning to third-party launchers. They not only offer more advanced features but also provide support for a longer duration.

Continuing its infamous habit of shutting down services, Google also recently shut down Currents. It is a work-focused version of Google Plus, the company’s social media service. The service was introduced in 2019 but got discontinued after three years because of its low usage. The search giant plans to replace it with Chat and Spaces, which were recently added to Gmail.

Besides, Google has started rolling out topic filters for its desktop search results. It will allow users to refine their search results and get more relevant information.