14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already announced some features for Windows 10 users with Android devices, in an attempt to get its operating system to play nice with rival platforms, and now it looks like the company is beta testing a new tool for phones.
Specifically, Microsoft is working to offer file synchronization between Windows 10 PCs and Android devices, with the company turning to its Arrow Launcher to help in this regard.
A new beta version of Android Launcher comes with a feature called Arrow Hub, which includes a widget that can be placed on the home screen, allowing users to see files stored in a dedicated folder in the cloud. They can then quickly upload files using this widget, with Windows 10 PCs then allowed to connect and get the files with a web app located at arrowlauncher.com/files.
Also available on Mac and Linux
Since it’s a web app, pretty much every desktop platform can connect, including not only Windows 10, but also macOS and Linux. This makes it possible for PC users to access files without the need for a dedicated app, though Microsoft might at some point develop standalone clients as well.
At first glance, this isn’t such a big deal because it’s pretty much a folder stored in users’ OneDrive accounts where Android devices can quickly upload files that can be later accessed from a PC. At this point, anyone can do this manually using OneDrive, but Microsoft is clearly aiming for a little bit more, and more features are likely to see daylight in the coming weeks.
The synchronization feature is currently being tested with help from Android Launcher beta users who are getting the Arrow Hub, but it could become available to everyone else in the near future when testing is complete.
You can also download the latest Arrow Launcher APK for Android from Softpedia or you can wait until the feature hits the production ring and gets enhanced functionality.