Microsoft working on new Arrow Launcher for Android

Microsoft has announced Arrow Launcher for Android. Interested users can now join the Arrow Launcher Beta group on Google+ by submitting a request, or alternatively download the APK to try it out. Previously, Microsoft had launched the Next Lock Screen for Android devices, as part of the Microsoft Garage project.

The Arrow Launcher has three screens, which cannot be removed or added. The left screen shows the most recent contact on top, followed by a list of frequently used contacts. In the middle is the home screen, which has a recent app dock on top, followed by a grid arrangement of frequently used applications.

Both the contacts and the applications on the home page can be arranged and customized by swiping upwards, which opens up an alphabetical listing of contacts and applications, which can also be added to the home screen. The third screen, to the right, shows Notes and Reminders, to which users can add to-dos, and check them when the tasks are over.

The Arrow Launcher for Android seems to have certain limitations when it comes to customization, and icon packs and sizes cannot be changed. The Bing wallpaper can now be set as a default wallpaper here. The Launcher, however, is still in private Beta stage, and invitations can be received by requesting acceptance in the Google+ group.