The future of Nokia's Z Android launcher is uncertain

In 2014, when Nokia introduced its Android-based N1 tablet, it also released its very own Android launcher. Called Nokia Z, the launcher was made available to download via Google Play, where anyone can still find it (and get it for free). However, the Z Launcher is not exactly a finished product, as it's in beta stage.

With Nokia getting ready to start selling multiple Android smartphones this year, we were thinking that the Z Launcher would perhaps be updated, improved, and made ready to be installed on the upcoming phones out of the box. But that's not going to happen. NokiaMob contacted Nokia to ask about the Z launcher, learning that the company currently has "no further update plans" for it. The launcher will remain in beta, so it's pretty clear that Nokia does not intend to use it on its upcoming handsets.

The first Nokia smartphone introduced this year, the Nokia 6 (currently available in China), obviously doesn't include the Z Launcher. Instead, it runs Android 7.0 Nougat with an interface customized for Chinese users.

Until now, over 1 million Android users have downloaded the Nokia Z launcher from Google Play. Most of them like it quite a lot, since it's rated 4.2 stars our of 5. The launcher was last updated in April 2016, and it's a bit sad to hear that Nokia seemingly no longer cares about it.

sources: Google Play, NokiaMob via MobilTelefon.ru