After almost ten years, Google has finally bid farewell to its Google Now Launcher. The search engine giant announced it would shut down in late April 2023.
Google Now Launcher Going Away Soon
Google will officially discontinue Now Launcher for all Android devices in late April.
According to a report by 9to5Google, Google Now Launcher was previously known as Google Experience Launcher (GEL). It was only in 2014 that the tech giant changed it to its present name. This app is available at that time to all Android devices with the 4.1 OS version and later.
In 2017, the company decided to remove the Now Launcher from the Google Play Store. The Android-based launcher, according to the reports, won't live long enough on the app store no later than Q1 2017.
Initially, this launcher was intended for Nexus devices. However, third-party launchers were still capable of doing the same function.
Google said that GNL was ditched to pave the way for OEM launchers. The company's Pixel Launcher was also moved to other smartphones. It only became a shadow of Google Assistant upon the latter's launch.
Since it was removed from the Google app, the Google Now Launcher downloads went down the drain as the Google Now service was already accessible to other third-party launchers.
Should You Still Update Your Google Now Launcher?
If your goal is to use a good and reliable Android launcher, you should definitely part ways with Google Now as early as today.
According to a report by Android Headlines, the best thing you can do to move forward is to stop updating the app.
With the confirmed discontinuity of Google Now, switching to third-party launchers is the most ideal way to enjoy these features.
Related Article: Google Assistant Snapshot to Retire: Replacement for Google Now?
Best Android Launchers to Use in 2023
If your goal is to use more customizations to fit your Android smartphone, you can check the other options you can pick for your taste, per XDA Developers.
Setting up your favorite UI involves carefully considering the best launcher for your home screen. Notably, you want a third-party launcher to help you navigate your smartphone more easily.
Moreover, they are perfect for creating more personalized themes on your display. If you're not content with one app, you can test another app to see what works best for you.
- Nova Launcher
- Lawnchair 2
- Niagara Launcher
- AIO Launcher
- Microsoft Launcher
- Action Launcher
- Smart Launcher
- Poco Launcher
- BIG Launcher
- Launcher iOS 16
- Lynx Launcher
- Wide Launcher
In other news, Tech Times will teach you how to take a screenshot in different ways on your Google Chromebook. You can use a shortcut key or your external keyboard to do the trick for you.
You can also do the traditional way of holding power and volume buttons to take a screenshot from your laptop.
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