Nova Launcher's New Owner Considers Adding Ads to Free Version, But Promises Paid Experience Remains Ad-Free.
In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Android community, it has been revealed that Instabridge, the new owner of Nova Launcher, is "evaluating ad-based options" for the free version of the popular launcher. While this news might come as a disappointment to some users, Instabridge assures them that the paid experience, Nova Launcher Prime, will continue to be ad-free.
The decision to consider adding ads to the free version of Nova Launcher was announced by Instabridge in a blog post on Tuesday. The company stated that its "immediate focus is simple: keep Nova stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained." However, it also mentioned that it's "evaluating ad-based options" for the launcher.
Users have already reported seeing ads in the free version of Nova Launcher, which has sparked concerns about the direction Instabridge plans to take the product. Barry, the founder of Nova Launcher, has expressed skepticism about the decision to add ads, stating that contracts with the community are "complicated" and that he is unsure if Instabridge will honor its promises.
Despite these uncertainties, Instabridge remains committed to maintaining Nova Launcher's stability and compatibility. The company has also hinted at the possibility of open-sourcing Nova, which would allow users to modify and contribute to the launcher.
However, Barry believes that open-sourcing Nova "has to be a component" of helping rebuild trust with the community. He has already completed the prep work for an open-source release of Nova 8.1, but it remains unclear whether Instabridge will follow through on this promise.
For now, users can only wait and see how Instabridge plans to proceed with Nova Launcher. While adding ads to the free version might seem like a pragmatic move, it's likely to alienate some users who value the product's ad-free experience.
In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Android community, it has been revealed that Instabridge, the new owner of Nova Launcher, is "evaluating ad-based options" for the free version of the popular launcher. While this news might come as a disappointment to some users, Instabridge assures them that the paid experience, Nova Launcher Prime, will continue to be ad-free.
The decision to consider adding ads to the free version of Nova Launcher was announced by Instabridge in a blog post on Tuesday. The company stated that its "immediate focus is simple: keep Nova stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained." However, it also mentioned that it's "evaluating ad-based options" for the launcher.
Users have already reported seeing ads in the free version of Nova Launcher, which has sparked concerns about the direction Instabridge plans to take the product. Barry, the founder of Nova Launcher, has expressed skepticism about the decision to add ads, stating that contracts with the community are "complicated" and that he is unsure if Instabridge will honor its promises.
Despite these uncertainties, Instabridge remains committed to maintaining Nova Launcher's stability and compatibility. The company has also hinted at the possibility of open-sourcing Nova, which would allow users to modify and contribute to the launcher.
However, Barry believes that open-sourcing Nova "has to be a component" of helping rebuild trust with the community. He has already completed the prep work for an open-source release of Nova 8.1, but it remains unclear whether Instabridge will follow through on this promise.
For now, users can only wait and see how Instabridge plans to proceed with Nova Launcher. While adding ads to the free version might seem like a pragmatic move, it's likely to alienate some users who value the product's ad-free experience.
and Instabridge's decision to add ads to Nova Launcher's free version is like, totally throwing off my vibe 
. i get that they want to make a buck, but adding ads to something as iconic as Nova Launcher? it just feels like a cop-out 
. and what about all the users who have grown attached to its clean interface? 
Barry's right to be skeptical about Instabridge's promises - we'll believe it when we see it 
. open-sourcing Nova is definitely a step in the right direction, but if they're not committed to keeping their word, then what's the point? 
Like, I know the new owners of Nova Launcher are trying to make a buck or whatever, but adding ads to the free version? 
That's just gonna suck the life outta it, you know? I mean, what's the point of even having a free version if they're just gonna slap ads on it?! It's like, I get it, Instabridge needs to make money, but can't they find another way?! 
But seriously though, it's scary to see a product we love get hijacked by some corporate entity that just wants to make a quick buck.
. now it'll just be a watered-down version of the original. and what's with the whole "open-sourcing" thing? 
but at the same time, i get why they're trying to make money and all 
what do you guys think? should we trust them or not? 
I'm really not sure what's going on here, you guys. One day Nova Launcher is all about being ad-free and the next they're thinking of adding ads to the free version? 
. Open-sourcing Nova 8.1 could be a great way to rebuild trust with the community tho 
.