This Microsoft app vastly improves Android

Microsoft has its own failed attempt to sell smartphones, but it's not entirely out of the game smartphone.

In fact, a free application called "Arrow" from Microsoft, available for Android smartphones, is just one example of how Microsoft continues to operate in the mobile space. Maybe you have not heard of it. Do not worry, you will be an expert at Minute Arrow.

Arrow is an Android launcher or a completely custom skin that changes the way you interact with the main screen and its main functions. Arrow was first developed and launched several years ago by Microsoft Garage, a small part of the company that builds and launches new experimental products. You recently received a major update that you would like more than the default settings of your Android smartphone.

Microsoft Admits High Cost Of Windows 10 Upgrades

I have long argued that when making Windows 10 free Microsoft MSFT -1.43% actually hit users with a high price when it comes to control and privacy, but now it seems that the company started to see the light ...

In a new official blog, Microsoft has admitted that Windows 10 has to improve in these areas and that the big changes are under way:



"Before the creators of the update, Windows 10 took most of the decisions on their behalf about the changes would be installed and did not provide the way to adapt the program to their specific needs," said John Cable, Microsoft director Management of Windows Maintenance and Delivery (WSD) programs. "What we have heard again explicitly is that you want to have more control over Windows 10 install updates. We also hear that unexpected reboots are harmful if they occur at the wrong time."

Confession cable is commendable. Windows 10 has had several high level bugs when reboots occur at the wrong time with their enthusiastic attitude of reboots and I have also been contacted by many users affected by this, including a scientist who lost thousands of data value after Windows 10 is restarted with an update while still being processed.

Cable solution? With the update of the creators of Windows 10 (Next month) users will get many more options:

"For example, you can specify exactly when you want an update to occur (including the ability to reschedule an update if your original choice ends up being less convenient than expected), or" press repeat button. You must interrupt the upgrade process completely for three days when you need uninterrupted time on your device. In addition, we are extending the time of "hours of activity" so that Windows does not install update when you want the device is ready to use.

This is a good start, although Microsoft still has work to do here for upgrades themselves lack clear language so it is difficult to know what is installed for the first time. In addition, cable does not facilitate the upgrade of creators have more powerful controls hidden in Settings> Update and security> Advanced options. Here (at least in the current beta) consumers can delay installation of updates for up to 35 days - something previously limited to Pro editions.

But Microsoft confessions do not end here. In the same blog, Michael Fortin, CVP of the Windows kernel Quality and Devices Group, also stressed that "new features focused on privacy [are] coming in updating creators." This new feature will facilitate the selection of the Privacy settings and the collection of diagnostic data that are best for you. "

Again, this is commendable, but that kind of control should be from the beginning. And what motivated these eddies? Cynics point to the stagnation of the adoption of Windows 10 since Microsoft began charging for updates, but at least those who forgive will be delighted to see the platform slowly in the right direction.