14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is releasing a new set of improvements for its Android users after previously testing them as part of the beta program.
Microsoft Launcher for Android is now reaching version 4.11 with this release, and according to the official beta changelog, it includes several new features that Android users are definitely going to like.
First and foremost, Microsoft Launcher for Android now supports Cortana multi-turn SMS and calling. This means that the digital assistant can perform multiple tasks in a row, such as replying to a text message and then continuing user interaction with further voice commands.
This is definitely a welcome improvement for those relying on Cortana to perform certain tasks hands-free, and at the same time, it also makes the digital assistant an essential feature of the launcher.
Gradual rollout to Android devices
This new Launcher build also includes improvements to the news reading experience with Microsoft Edge browser, as well as a toggle to hide page indicators on the home screen.
There are further refinements for the welcome and settings page, widgets, and context menu, as well as options to remove screens in overview mode with drag and drop.
What’s important to know is that the new version is now gradually being released to users, and MSPU reports that some devices are already getting the update.
However, the Google Play Store listing hasn’t been updated with information on the stable release, which means that it could take a few more days until everyone gets these improvements.
Microsoft Launcher is one of the most successful Microsoft apps on Android, with more than 10 million downloads from the Google Play store alone. The figure is likely much higher given that many users also download the launcher as a stand-alone APK and others are running the beta build that’s available as a private test.