Microsoft has rolled out a new update to their Android launcher app, Microsoft Launcher. The new build, version 4.9.0.42615 for those keeping score at home, doesn’t bring a lot of orbit changing updates but rather focuses on creature comfort updates. In other words, small tweaks that makes the launcher a little bit easier to use.
In this update, Microsoft Launcher has improved Home screen import logic from another launcher to make it a little bit less clunky of a process. You can now also sort your apps alphabetically in folders on the Home screen so you don’t have to manually arrange them. Display names of apps or folders are now visible in your dock while you can get customizable gesture for pressing the Home button from the Home screen too. There is also a new gesture to quickly lock the layout of your Home screen.
Again, none of these are really all that big in the grand scheme of things but it is a good sign for the launcher. It indicates that Microsoft is not just worried about getting big updates out and new features – they are doing that – but are also focused on the little things that make using Microsoft Launcher just a little bit easier.
If you haven’t tried out Microsoft Launcher and are looking for an alternative to your native launcher, give it a look. It is solid and while it doesn’t have the customization levels of a Nova Launcher, if you don’t need those customizations, Microsoft’s solution may be for you. It is a free app in the Play Store.
