Microsoft Launcher beta for Android lets parents ask Cortana for the location of their kids via voice and more.

Microsoft is currently serving version 4.13 of its Launcher to beta users on Android and the new verion contains some useful features for parents who monitor their kids activities on their devices. From now on, parents will be able to ask Cortana for the location of their kids via voice with a simple command: "Where are my kids?". Cortana can also now read incoming SMS messages should the user choose to activate the feature. And Microsoft AI also gets the ability to speak Indian English.

This update also includes the following new features:

• Now you can drag and drop widgets to and from the Launcher Feed. Widgets also no longer have card headers when placed in the Feed.
• Updates to the calendar card let you add a new event with one click when you no longer have any more events for the day.
• Tuning fixes for the new app drawing.

This update is available to beta testers to download in Google Play Store.

New Microsoft Launcher beta update comes with Cortana improvements and more.

Microsoft published an updated version of its launcher app for Android today. This update is available to beta testers and being one myself, I can attest that it's stable and without risk. So, if you feel like joining the beta program, you can do so here. If you'd rather wait, this update should make its way to 'normal users' in a few weeks.

In the mean time, here's what's new in version 4.7.6:
- Support app sorting for Korean/Japanese/Russian languages in app drawer ;
- New first time experience for mobile connected users from Windows setting;
- Cortana integration improvements:
* Improve app launch experience;
* supports more device settings like WiFi, flight mode, etc;
* support navigation query;
- Bug fixing, code clean up, crash fix and performance tuning

Get the update in Google Play Store.

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.