“First time in years I didn’t uninstall a WP launcher after 10 minutes”: METROV could be a hit if you loved the look of Windows Phone 8.1
METROV, an Android launcher that recreates the Windows Phone 8.1 interface, has gained traction among nostalgic Windows Phone enthusiasts. Released on April 30, 2025, the launcher allows users to transform the look and feel of their Android devices to mimic the iconic tile-based design that defined Microsoft’s discontinued mobile platform.
According to discussion on r/WindowsCentral, METROV has successfully captured the aesthetic that made Windows Phone distinctive. User u/fisforfaheem highlighted their positive experience, stating it’s “the first time in years I didn’t uninstall a WP launcher after 10 minutes,” suggesting METROV has overcome limitations of previous Windows Phone emulation attempts.
The launcher has achieved modest but steady adoption, accumulating over 10,000 downloads on Google Play with a solid 4.4/5 star rating. Its continued development—version 1.9.5 was released less than a week ago—demonstrates active maintenance and ongoing improvements. This regular update schedule reflects the developer’s commitment to maintaining compatibility with evolving Android versions and responding to user feedback.
The resurgence of interest in Windows Phone aesthetics reflects broader nostalgia for the mobile operating system, which Microsoft discontinued support for in 2017. METROV appears to fulfill a genuine niche for users who appreciated Windows Phone’s distinctive design language and want to recapture that experience on modern Android devices.