If you’re an Android user, chances are you’ve installed a launcher app on your device at some point in time, whether it’s to get rid of the unsightly user interface offered by manufacturers or to spice things up. And if you’ve used a launcher, you’ve likely heard of Google Now, which offers a relatively stock and clean experience. It arrived almost a decade ago and is now set to be discontinued in April.
The latest beta of the Google app (v14.14) revealed devices with Google Now will receive a prompt “Your launcher will change to your device’s default launcher”. This means all the devices using the Google Now launcher will automatically switch to the default launcher after the update.
The shutdown of the outdated launcher is unlikely to affect many people since phones that still have it are likely approaching their expiration date. However, if you wish to maintain the current setup, do not update the Google app.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Google Now was initially referred to as the Google Experience Launcher (GEL). But during the wider release in 2014, it was given the name Google Now Launcher (GNL) and was made available to all Android 4.1+ devices via the Play Store. Its major highlight was quick access to Google Now cards while providing a clean user interface.
Back in 2017, Google informed its partners that the Google Now Launcher (GNL) would be phased out since the main feature it offered, access to Google Now, was made available to other OEM launchers. Meanwhile, Google had switched to using the Pixel Launcher for its own phones. Although the GNL did receive some updates through the Google app, it was no longer a top priority for the company as they shifted their focus to developing the Assistant feature.
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