Microsoft releases new Arrow Launcher beta with new features and PDF support.

After recently making its Arrow Launcher for Android tablet-friendly, Microsoft has published another for those in the beta community to try. Version 3.2 of Arrow introduces a bunch of new features which I assume apply to both phones and tablets.

I used to be a fan of Google Now Launcher on my Android devices. But since Microsoft launched Arrow Launcher, I've started using it and haven't looked back.

Here's what's new for beta testers:

- Apps page: Hide icon title; lock App & Widget position; moveable app draw icon (as shortcut widget); add blank apps page

- DateTime widget: show next alarm time; support multiple cities weather

- Setting: Introduce new features with video snippet

- Document: support PDF format

- Swipe right to BACK for all pages

if you wish to try the new features before they make their way out to the general public, join the community on Google + and post your feedback, then proceed to download the beta version on Google Play Store.

Microsoft adds instant messenger preview support in Arrow Launcher for Android.

Today Microsoft has updated its Arrow Launcher for Android, an app the Redmond folks want you use in place of Google Now launcher. I joined the beta recently to try new features before they get released to the public. I can't tell if today's update is public or a beta release, but the new features are quite nice and focus on Instant messaging. 

Microsoft made it easier to access our conversations in one place in the Recent page without having to launch the app itself. This feature is not enabled by default, so users will have to tap the three vertical dots at the top right of the Recent page to enable the IM preview. Once that is done, conversations will be listed for easy and quick access.

Microsoft also lets users improve performance if they wish to by turning off background animations and blur settings. A feature that owners of low end Android devices will find useful. Still in the performance chapter, Arrow launcher is now faster in terms of page swipes, app launches, memory usage and more. Microsoft doesn't specify what more tweaks they made though.   

Check out the new update in Google Play Store.

Google Now Launcher for Nexus and GPE devices released.

The most anticipated launcher for Android has finally made its way to Google Store and is available as a free download for Nexus devices and Google Play Edition devices. Up until now, the Launcher was officially only available for the Nexus 5. I say officially because the apk was quickly made available for download by the Android community. The Launcher was also baked into the CyanogenMod ROM. I was running it on my Galaxy Nexus.

The Google Now Launcher is free for download on the store with these key features:

• Google Now on your home screen - it's easier than ever to get just the right information at just the right time.
• Just say "Ok Google" - when you're on your home screen, just say "Ok Google" to trigger voice input. Then say your search query. Or tell your phone what to do, like send a text message, get directions, or play a song (available in the US, UK, and Canada).
• Faster search - tap the search box and you can enter your query immediately.
• Easy access to your favorite Google products and services, like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
• Larger viewing area - the status and navigation bars are now translucent, so your wallpaper pops from every pixel, and is even visible when you expand your apps drawer (when supported by device).
• Intuitive wallpaper picker - select any image that's stored on your device, or in the cloud. Position and preview your wallpaper before you set it.

Source: Google play Store