14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released a new beta version of Microsoft Launcher for Android, and this time the changelog includes several new features, as well as some modifications to the supported OS versions.
First and foremost, Microsoft Launcher 4.12 (beta) pull support for Android 4.0.x and 4.1, which means that only newer versions of Android would be able to install it.
With this new release, Cortana becomes available for the en-IN market, but Microsoft notes that although it’s included in the beta, it won’t be part of the public build coming at some point in the next few weeks. In other words, Microsoft is still experimenting with Cortana in more markets, and further news on how work in this regard advances would be shared at a later time.
New features in version 4.12
As for what’s new in Microsoft Launcher 4.12, there’s a feature that makes it possible to set your own folder and app icon gestures. The settings screen lets you configure whether you want to swipe to open or click to launch.
Furthermore, Launcher 4.12 allows you to choose how to use the last row of expanded dock, with several options available, like apps, pinned contacts, folders, or widgets.
There are more animation and app dragging improvements, as well as a blur effect for the home screen, which can be enabled and disabled from settings. App badges now show up in the app drawer and frequent app cards and page, while folders in the app drawer are sorted alphabetically.
Keep in mind that these new features are currently part of the beta build only, but you can give them a try by download Microsoft Launcher APK right now. From my experience, beta versions of Microsoft Launcher have been quite stable in the past, though there’s still a little chance that you’d come across bugs in the app.