Microsoft is working on a beta version of their homegrown Arrow Launcher Beta. The user-friendly Android launcher is currently available for beta download for all Microsoft fans.
During the release, several tech media announced Arrow Launcher Beta as a "totally unexpected new product". Basically, this app is really unexpected since it is very obvious that Microsoft and Google are big competitors. Anyhow, the Arrow Launcher app is released on its beta form yet. It is still under constant testing and troubleshooting by Microsoft's volunteer public beta testers.
Fortune took a peek on this Android launcher and they summarized pretty good how it functions. Fortune describes that this Microsoft launcher's home page contains all of the user apps. It's divided into a Recent section, displaying apps recently downloaded, and a Frequent section, showing the apps that are used most often. Swipe to the left of the home page for phone and email contacts, which are also organized by frequency of use. Swipe to the right of the home page and locate there the notes and reminders, a very valuable feature that isn't included in most Android launchers. Lastly, swipe up for a list of quick-access apps, settings, and feedback options.
Aside from this feat, Microsoft has a nice bonus for users. Microsoft has included several neat wallpapers via a "daily Bing wallpaper" that downloads said images to the device at the start of each day, Slash Gear said.
Slash Gear also added that while the app may be in a "private beta" for now, Microsoft has also released the APK to the public.
Meanwhile, PC Tablet reminds the avid public that Arrow Launcher does come with some bugs since it is still on its beta form. This includes arrow of apps on the bottom of the home page being cut off, the Frequent sections on the home and People pages take some time to settle in accurately and, as of yet, the launcher does not support widgets.
Avid fans may head to Microsoft's OneDrive listing for download. Or they can also participate in the beta by signing up at Microsoft's Google+ Page.
Join the Conversation