Microsoft is beta testing a new Launcher app for Android, an application that will completely take over your Android home screen and provide a new way to navigate through apps and contacts.
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It would have been easy for Microsoft to use Arrow to push the now-available Office Suite, Outlook, OneDrive, Office Lens, One Note and Xbox SmartGlass.
The launcher brings a touch of the Windows and Symbian UI to the custom Android interface. To the right of the main home screen is a simple to-do list.
The third page is what differentiates it from most Android launchers as it is the Notes & Reminders page.
A left swipe displays a Recent Section of contacts most recently called, emailed or texted.
The Arrow Launcher has three screens, which can not be removed or added.
The app drawer for Arrow is quite similar to Windows with apps sorted alphabetically, which while handy, can quickly get boring.
However, considering the fact that the app is still in Beta, it does has some pretty important flaws, the chief of which is a near total lack of anything resembling customization. In the middle is the home screen, which has a recent app dock on top, followed by a grid arrangement of frequently used applications.
The new launcher does seem to have few limitations for instance, when it comes to customisation, users can not choose a ustom icon pack or change the icon size for the apps. While it could certainly do with some customization freedom, many would prefer to download and use it the way it is due to the no hassle approach it offers.
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Even though the application hasn’t been officially unveiled by Microsoft, those who want to try it out can register their interest on the app’s Google+ community page and hope a moderator will give them access to the apk file.
