Microsoft Starts Beta Testing its Arrow Launcher for Android

By Dondi Tiples, Christian Post Contributor Monday, July 27, 2015

Microsoft has just launched the beta testing phase for Arrow Launcher, its new home page app for Android.

Microsoft has issued its invite-only private beta testing for its latest Android app, the Arrow Launcher, after announcing its test launch Sunday.

Arrow Launcher is a three-page home page app with a row dedicated to displaying most recently used apps, and three other rows containing shortcuts to a device's most frequently used applications. Users won't be able to add to or remove the default three-page setting.

Arrow Launcher has a Notes & Reminders page that appears with a right swipe, featuring a to-do checklist where users can type in reminders or a list of things to accomplish, and check a box once each task is completed.

A left swipe displays a Recent Section of contacts most recently called, emailed or texted. It shows a Frequent Section with list of the most frequently contacted names in the list, as well.

A swipe up takes the user to other dock shortcuts, including an app drawer with alphabetical listings for easier access to preferred apps.

The dock also takes users to the Arrow Launcher's Settings, Feedback, and Wallpaper options.

While the app's customization is limited insofar as custom icons, icon size, and adding apps to the Frequent Section is concerned, users can still opt to receive a daily Bing wallpaper.

Android smartphone users who want to join Arrow Launcher's beta testing group can submit their request on the app's Google+ beta community for a chance to get an invitation to test the app, or barring that, opt to download the APK file from OneDrive Live.

As Arrow Launcher is still in the beta stage, it is not considered a finished product, and invited users are advised to enable their Android device's unknown sources settings prior to testing the app.