Microsoft has quietly sprung a pleasant surprise by releasing a new launcher for Android. That said, it’s not technically new. Instead, it appears to build on the existing Arrow launcher, albeit with more than a few upgrades.
For the most part, the Microsoft Launcher does what most Android launchers do. It redesigns the homepage experience into something more in-line with the company’s own design language. However, it also provides more integration with Microsoft services; such as allowing the user to continue viewing pictures or webpages across both PC and mobile.
The launcher will likely benefit those who are already bought into the Microsoft eco-system. Particularly those who make heavy use of Office 365 productivity tools. Which is nothing surprising from the company. After all, the message from CEO Satya Nadella is about bringing work tools to as many platforms as possible.
Microsoft is currently running the Microsoft Launcher as a preview for users; indicating that there will still be some bugs and problems. Curious Android users can try downloading the launcher to take a look. That said, anyone installing this should be warned that it switches the search bar to Bing instead of Google.
