The developer of Rootless Launcher revealed over the weekend that Google has pulled the app from the Play Store.

“My Play Store release got suspended [because] apps that cause users to download or install applications from unknown sources outside of Google Play are prohibited,” Amir Zaidi explained.

As you may recall, I just recommended Rootless Launcher, and I did so for two reasons. It brings what is essentially Google’s Pixel launcher to more phones. And it lets you access the Google feed to the left of the home screen, something that is otherwise not possible on phones I really like, such as the OnePlus 6 and Galaxy S8/9/+.

That latter capability necessitates an in-app software install, as I had described last week. (“That latter capability requires you to install the Rootless Pixel Bridge, which you’ll be promoted to do.”) But that’s not allowed by the Google Play Store, as it’s the type of thing a malicious app might attempt. Understandable, but surely there’s a way to make this happen, as with in-app purchases.

“I need to find an alternative solution,” Zaidi continues.

And in other bad news, it appears that whatever coming replacement he makes will require users to reinstall from scratch. And that means configuring the app shortcuts and locations all over again.

For now, you can still acquire the Rootless Launcher directly from Zaidi, plus the separate Rootless Pixel Bridge, which adds the feed.