Google is discontinuing Google Now Launcher app!

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By DT News Desk

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Google is reportedly discontinuing its Google Now Launcher app. The app is essentially an Android layout format that presents all your apps in a stock-Android fashion. While a handful of manufacturers use vanilla Android version, most third-party manufacturers including HTC, Sony, and Samsung use a custom Android skin to differentiate the experience. According to a leaked email, Google is alerting Google Mobile Services (GSM) partners about removing the Google Now Launcher from the Play Store in the coming weeks.

According to the email, OEMs who have been using the Google Now Launcher still have a few options after the removal. The email explains that the Search Launcher Services library for OEMs, which had been in testing and accessible only to Sony, is now available to other manufacturers as well. OEMs can now integrate the Google Now panel on whichever launcher they want. The OEMs are encouraged to develop their own launchers by using the Launcher3 from AOSP and add the search services or build a new launcher integrating the experience, Android Police notes.

Google-Now-Launcher-emailAdditionally, it is to be noted that existing users will continue to receive support but new downloads will not be available. While it will be still updated via the Google app, the listing will go away by the end of the first quarter of this year. So this leaves users with the only other launcher app by Google- Pixel Launcher. As the name suggests, the Pixel Launcher is the home screen experience for the Pixel and Pixel XL phones by Google. While the Pixel Launcher is listed on Google Play Store, it is not compatible with all the phones except Pixel phones. Users can turn to third party launchers like Nova and Aviate.

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Written with input from BGR

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