When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Microsoft Launcher Beta gets plenty of new improvements with latest update

Today, Microsoft has released a new version for the beta release of its Launcher, bringing UI improvements, folder and app icon gesture support, and more. The latest update bumps the app to v4.12.0.44658.

Family safety features like the family card were rolled out to the general public last month, enabling parents to stay up-to-date on their kid's location and more. The card now provides the option to enable web filtering as well, giving parents more control over the activities of their children. Moreover, gesture support has now been added to folders and app icons. A number of UI changes have been made as well, including animation adjustments and the addition of the blur effect as an available option.

Furthermore, all devices running Android Oreo are now supported, while support for some older versions has been removed. Details of all improvements to the launcher can be read in the full changelog below:

- Folder and app icon gestures (swipe to open or click to launch).
- Choose how to use the last row of expanded dock: Apps, pinned contacts, folders, search bar or widgets;
- Parents can enable web filtering through the Family card.
- Folders in the app drawer are now sorted alphabetically.
- UI improvements: Animation adjustments; blur effect as an option; App badges in the app drawer;
- Fully support Android O and remove support for 4.0.X and 4.1

Currently, these changes have only been introduced to the beta, although it is expected they will roll out to the stable version in the coming weeks. You can download the latest version of the Microsoft Launcher here, and also sign up for the beta program if you want.

Report a problem with article
Next Article

Sea of Thieves 1.1.7 update delivers bug fixes and teases Cursed Sails features

Previous Article

Samsung Galaxy Watch to sport 1.19-inch display, likely hitting stores on Aug. 24

Join the conversation!

Login or Sign Up to read and post a comment.

11 Comments - Add comment