Microsoft Launcher

Microsoft Launcher (formerly known as Arrow Launcher) is an application launcher for the Android mobile platform developed by Microsoft as a lightweight, fast, and efficient simplification of the Android user experience.[3] Originally available as a beta in October 2015[4] and published to the Google Play Store on October 5, 2017,[5] its purpose is to supply a user-centric basis for Windows and Office-themed applications via a Microsoft account.[6]

Microsoft Launcher
Screenshot
Microsoft Launcher feed running on a Nokia 6
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseOctober 2015 (as Arrow Launcher)
Stable release
5.10.0.55723 November 4, 2019 (2019-11-04)[1]
Preview release
5.9.0.54736 October 10, 2019 (2019-10-10)[2]
Operating systemAndroid 4.2 and later
Size36.9 MB
TypeApplication launcher
Websitemicrosoft.com/launcher

The application has a customizable feed which displays relevant and personalized information for the user, such as a news feed, to-do lists, calendar events, recent activity, and more.[7] Swiping up from the bottom of the screen reveals application shortcuts, and the application tray includes a search bar and recently installed apps at the top.[8] Design elements are highly personalizable with a wide range of options, such as having the Bing daily wallpaper as a background image on the lock screen and/or home screen.[9]

The launcher integrates with Microsoft's other Android applications by enabling features such as "Continue on PC", which allows a user to work seamlessly between their phone and a Windows PC.[10] For example, they are able to open a web page in Edge and then open exactly the same page on their PC, not unlike Apple's Handoff feature.[11]

In December 2017, it was reported that Microsoft Launcher had reached 10 million downloads from Google Play.[12]

References
  1. "Microsoft Launcher APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved 2019-11-04.
  2. "Microsoft Launcher APKs". APKMirror. Retrieved 2019-10-10.
  3. "Microsoft Garage: Arrow - a launcher for Android". Microsoft. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  4. Protalinski, Emil (2017-10-05). "Microsoft brings Edge to Android and iOS, relaunches Arrow Launcher as Microsoft Launcher | VentureBeat". venturebeat.com. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  5. Belfiore, Joe (2017-10-05). "Announcing Microsoft Edge for iOS and Android, Microsoft Launcher". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  6. Burns, Chris (2017-10-05). "Microsoft just made the perfect Windows-user launcher for Android". SlashGear. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  7. Endicott, Sean (2017-10-11). "Microsoft Launcher review: A beautiful Android experience". Android Central. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  8. de Looper, Christian (2017-12-09). "Microsoft's Android apps offer the best Windows mobile experience". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  9. Herget, Steffen (2017-10-23). "Microsoft Launcher Review: an Apple by any other name? - AndroidPIT". AndroidPIT. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  10. Krishna, Swapna (2017-10-05). "Microsoft Launcher offers 'Continue on PC' option for Android phones". Engadget. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  11. Warren, Tom (2017-10-05). "Microsoft's new Android launcher lets you connect your phone and PC". The Verge. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
  12. Bamburic, Mihăiță (2017-12-18). "Microsoft Launcher is very popular with Android users". betanews.com. Retrieved 2018-01-12.
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