Microsoft Launcher beta gets Cortana integration, remote data-wiping, support for Arabic & more.

Today Microsoft has released a new version of its Launcher for Android and those among you who are in the beta program will see the update in Google Play Store, ready for you to download. The most noteworthy feature in version 4.6 is the integration of Cortana, Microsoft’s personal digital assistant. I was curious to see if Cortana would work for me and, indeed, the assistant does work. Strangely, the standalone Cortana app for Android is not even available for my region. Well, I’m not going to complain now that I finally have Cortana working on my Android devices.

Now with Cortana built-in, users will be able to use it to make calls, schedule meetings, change wallpaper, Continue on PC or read the latest headlines.

Share Launcher via NFC & QR code – Now it’s easy to share the app with your family and friends. Simply go in the Launcher Settings and tap ‘Share Microsoft Launcher’. The options to share via NFC and QR code will be listed first and second. The other sharing options are still there should you want more traditional ways to do so via social networks, SMS, etc.

Support for Arabic/RTL languages.

Intune integration supports remote data-wiping – This feature is available to devices connected to enterprise networks and will allow administrators to send a wipe command to devices that are either lost or stolen.

The other features in this update are:

·       Choose what contacts to display on your People card.

·       Place widgets into the dock.

·       Pin searched app/contact to home screen.

The Microsoft Launcher beta is pretty stable. So, if you like to test new features, join the beta program here. If not, this update shouldn’t take long to reach everyone. Beta testers can download the update in Google Play Store.