Nova Launcher’s new owner might offer a version with ads

It is complicated to create, maintain and monetize a launcher. I would like to see them fully develop Nova as a true open source project, but I also understand that this might not fit with their business. I think the community would be happy to see just a removal of open source Nova 8.1 code.

I have already completed the prep work for this. Clean up code, remove some dependencies, remove API keys, etc. The branch legal department approved it, and I’m sure Instabridge Legal just reviewed everything for the acquisition. Most of the work is done. They just need to make a decision. Now is the time to do that, too. Nova 8.1 is already a bit dated, so users will be eager to see what they can do with Nova 9. But until they release an open source version of Nova, it’s going to dominate the community discussion.

Even if Nova 9 remained closed source, it would show the community that Nova is in good hands after all this uncertainty. It seems like they are confident in their vision for Nova, so open source 8.1 wouldn’t be a threat. And that would go a long way with the community.