Microsoft is attempting to boost its footprint on Android devices with the new Arrow Launcher app for Google-powered handsets.
The Arrow Launcher is an invite-only private beta right now (via Microsoft News), features People, Apps and Notes & Reminders sections.
The first will offer frequent phone contacts and a dialer, while Apps will show recent and frequently-used applications without bias towards Microsoft’s own services like Skype and Cortana.
The final section, which differentiates Arrow from other Android launchers, will show to do lists, alarms and the ability to add an item directly.
It would have been easy for Microsoft to use Arrow to push the now-available Office suite, Outlook, OneDrive, Office Lens, One Note and Xbox SmartGlass. However, the firm is simply looking to aid users in accessing apps and functionality more easily.
See also: Android M features: What’s new?
There are some familiar Microsoft services buried away as within the settings users will be able to enable a daily Bing wallpaper change.
Folks can sign up for the beta scheme at the Google+ page, while the APK has already been made available for download for folks unwilling to get involved in the beta scheme.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.