Google makes Now launcher available on devices with Android 4.1 or higher

Google has made its alternative Android launcher based on the Now search and information service available for Android devices from version 4.1 and above, while it previously required Android 4.4. As a result, the launcher can now be installed for many users.

The new Now launcher appeared via an update in the Play Store and can be downloaded for free as usual. With the update, Google has made its alternative launcher available for Android devices that have at least version 4.1 of the mobile operating system. This makes it possible for about three quarters of Android users to use the launcher.

Google released its alternative launcher based on Now earlier this year. Then the internet giant reported that at least Android 4.4 is required to run the software. The launcher integrates the Now search and information system more deeply into the Android software. Google has recently put much of its software that it ships with Android devices in the Play Store as separate apps. That should make it easier to update Google software.