Google Now Launcher was Google's first public launcher, and it was shipped on Nexus phones as well as millions of other devices thanks to its inclusion in the Google Mobile Service package that Google offers to manufacturers. This was a simpler launcher for a simpler time in the Android ecosystem, and while its namesake feature has now been added to several launchers like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher and Lawnchair Launcher. Google Now Launcher's retirement was announced back in February of 2017, but sunset never seemed to come for the historic — and historically popular — launcher. At least, until May 2, 2018.

As of our check against dozens of devices of varying age, the Google Now Launcher shows as not compatible with just about every recent device except the Pixelbook — which can't use it anyway — and the BlackBerry KEYone, for some reason. This has been a long time coming, and now that it's here, it's time to pour one out for the first launcher Google ever published to the Google Play Store for all users to enjoy. The Google Now page that sat to the left of the home page was something an Android lover could get addicted to, and many of us did. Alas, in the days of Google Assistant and its great and growing functionality over the old Google Now feed, the old launcher's charm was wearing a bit thin. Verizon is offering the Pixel 4a for just $10/mo on new Unlimited lines