The Microsoft Launcher for Android has both a public release and also an ongoing beta – it's that latter one that today is getting a refresh with a few new features.
Version 5.4.0 is now live for those enrolled in the beta program and with comes a few new features worth calling out:
- Try out our new Cricket widget to keep track of your favorite teams in the Cricket World Cup! (available in GB, PK, AU, and IN)
- Improvements to Status bar and System Navigation to match the theme
- Android Work Profile customers can view Personal and Work apps separately in the App Drawer.
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
Besides the above, Gorden Lin, who works on the Microsoft Launcher Team notes "we are also experimenting with some new UI changes across different parts of Launcher, so you might see some of new UI in your own version of 5.4 when upgraded".
Overall, this is more of a smaller, tidying up update, but things like Android Work Profile improvements and a Cricket widget are welcomed additions, even if more niche.
If you're not part of the Microsoft Launcher for Android beta program, it's easy to get started.
- Go to https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.microsoft.launcher
- Click "Become a tester." You'll see a confirmation "You are now a tester."
Once enrolled and the system has added you the beta version will just come through the Google Play Store as a regular update to your existing Microsoft Launcher app.
