Establish your Windows-Android connectionĪll right - so your home screen is all set with a hearty helping of Microsoft magic. JR Raphael/IDGĪ taste of Windows Phone on Android via the Square Home launcher. You'll sacrifice the tight integration with Microsoft services provided by the official Microsoft Launcher, but if your phone's interface is a top priority, you might just be happy with the tradeoff (even if only for an occasional bit of weekend nostalgia).

The launcher - which isn't actually developed by Microsoft - emulates the tile-centric 'Metro UI' from the Windows Phone platform.

We'll get into more phone-to-PC connecting possibilities in a second, but first, an alternate home screen option for anyone who's really missing the classic Windows Phone look: Try Square Home. The Microsoft Launcher's feed and main home screen panel. But beyond that, it adds a hefty dose of Microsoft into the mix, with Bing-powered search by default, integrated access to various Microsoft services, and prominent placement of recommended Microsoft apps.Īnd then there's the most distinguishing element of all: To the left of the main home screen panel sits Microsoft's take on the standard Google Discover feed - a card-based collection containing items such as news, weather, agenda info, and quick glances at your notes, tasks, and recent documents from the appropriate Microsoft services. On the surface, Microsoft Launcher has the same sorts of features you'll find in other Android launchers - the typical tools for customizing your home screen's appearance, creating gesture-based shortcuts, and so on. The core of your Android setup is your home screen - and the app that'll turn that area of your interface into a hub for your Microsoft-Android experience is the aptly named Microsoft Launcher.

Create your Microsoft-focused Android home screen Here are the steps and ingredients you need to get started.

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