Lead developer of Nova Launcher, Kevin Barry, has released an official statement addressing the recent layoffs and providing assurance to worried fans about the future of the popular third-party home screen launcher.

Last week, news broke that parent company Branch Metrics had laid off over 100 employees, including the entire Nova Launcher team, except for its founder and original developer, Kevin Barry. This led to concerns among users regarding the app's development and support moving forward.

In his statement, Barry acknowledges the loss of his former coworkers and extends his best wishes to them in their future endeavors. He also takes the opportunity to clarify the roles played by Rob Wainwright and Cliff Wade, emphasizing that he has "always been the lead and primary contributor to Nova Launcher, and that hasn't changed."

Barry's statement seeks to quell fears about reduced support and highlights his commitment to maintaining control over the direction and development of Nova Launcher. He reassures fans that despite the reduced team size, he will continue to steer the software's evolution and ensure that it remains a powerful and customizable user experience.

Nova Launcher, renowned for its ability to provide extensive customization options such as modifying grid sizes, widget placement, and app drawer customization, has gained a significant following among Android users looking to personalize their devices.

Although the layoffs will undoubtedly impact the development process, Barry affirms that Nova Launcher will still release the highly anticipated 8.1 patch they have been working on. However, it is expected to have a reduced scope compared to previous updates.

The future of Nova Launcher remains uncertain, with many wondering how the layoffs will affect the app's ongoing development and support. Nevertheless, loyal fans and former employees have expressed confidence in Barry's ability to continue his good work and maintain the app's reputation as one of the top choices for customizing the Android home screen.

As the Nova Launcher community eagerly awaits further updates, users are encouraged to stay connected and provide feedback to help shape the future direction of this beloved home screen launcher.