Microsoft releases Torque voice search app for Android smartphones

Microsoft last week brought its Torque Voice Search app to a more mainstream market, the Android platform, by publishing it on the Google Play store. The search app was introduced in October for Android Wear devices. The Torque v2.0, unlike the voice command activation 'Ok Google', can be accessed when the Android device user shakes the handset. Notably, the Torque app on Android Wear devices activates in a similar fashion. The Android Wear users would simply have to twist their wrists to open the search app.

Microsoft on Torque's Google Play listing page adds that the 'Shake Anytime' option on the app will be disabled by default. Users would have to check the 'Shake Anytime' box to activate the feature. Also, users would need to sign into their Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail or Live) to use the voice-based search app.