Nova Launcher gets a new owner and... ads
Android Authority • • technology
Key Points:
- Swedish company Instabridge has acquired Nova Launcher from Branch Metrics and plans to maintain the launcher without major reinvention while exploring monetization options, including ads in the free version.
- The latest Nova Launcher update (v8.2.4) includes Facebook Ads and Google AdMob trackers, new ad-related permissions, and users have already reported seeing ads in the app drawer.
- Instabridge promises minimal and transparent data collection, no selling of personal data, honoring existing Prime purchases, and is considering open-sourcing Nova Launcher, though no decision has been made yet.
- Users concerned about ads have options including continuing with future updates, sticking to older versions without ads, or switching to alternative launchers, amid mixed reviews of Instabridge’s
