14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier today, Microsoft announced something that many might consider surprising: the immediate availability of a new set of apps for Android platform.
Created by a division of Microsoft called Garage, the new apps are the product of individuals working for the Redmond-based company. More importantly, they have been developed by Microsoft enthusiasts in their free time in an attempt to make their work known to a much larger pool of customers.
Everyone knows that Android is by far the most popular mobile operating system in the world, so by bringing some of the apps that are only available on Windows Phone platform does seem like a good idea.
In fact, creating cross-platform applications was always a good idea, even though most developers avoid doing that because it involves a lot of extra work, which in most cases isn’t worth financially speaking.
"The goal of The Garage is to be epic"
Anyway, it looks like the fine people at Microsoft have found the resources and time to create some useful applications that could offer Android users a glimpse of what they’ve missed all these years when they did not use a Windows Phone handset.
There are no less than 4 applications for Android launched by Microsoft’s employees under the “Garage” brand and all are now available for download via Google Play Store.
Unfortunately, even if they are free and do not have high requirements, they only seem to be compatible with a few devices, which haven’t been mentioned yet.
Four Android apps have been released on Google Play store
Anyway, the first application that we will talk about is Next Lock Screen, which brings Android users the convenience of checking notifications directly from their lock screen without having to unlock the phone.
You can see on the lock screen any missed calls, email and text messages, as well as any event for that day that has been added to the calendar app.
With Next Lock Screen, Android users will be able to enter a conference call with just one swipe. The application also shows users the most used apps based on location for quicker access.
It is also worth mentioning that for the time being the content displayed on the lock screen include meetings, missed calls and unread SMS, but Microsoft promised that it would add more based on the user feedback.
Next in line, Journey & Notes is a social app “for the space between an origin and a destination.” We all know the smartphone has recently become the main tool for entertainment or information while on the go.
With the new application launched by Microsoft, Android users will be able to unlock a community of people who have traveled on the same route you’re using to get to work.
You’ll be able to access all the notes left by those who have taken the same path as you have, but you can also leave your own notes for the other behind you.
These notes can contain recommendations for places to visit or eat, advice or even words of wisdom. It’s up to you to make the journey of those who will travel the path you’re on nicer.
Some of these apps are only available for specific devices and regions
Then there’s CityZen, which is a “technology for good” solution that’s been especially created by Microsoft to help citizens connect to municipalities more quickly and easily, in order to report various issues and problems.
You can report any infrastructure problems you stumble upon during your travels, like a pothole in the road or garbage where it shouldn’t be. The catch is that you can also set the location of the problem on the map, even without knowing the actual address.
Obviously, you won’t be receiving any replies from the authorities, but at least you will be able to report these issues and hope they will be fixed sooner rather than later.
Keep in mind that for the time being, CityZen only works in India and supports the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, but other cities may be added in the future the idea becomes popular in India.
The last Android application launched by Microsoft is called Torque and it’s only compatible with Android Wear, so unless you have a smartwatch powered by this OS, you won’t be able to use it.
Anyway, for those who own an Android Wear device, Torque will brings a little bit of Cortana on their smartwatches. Basically, you will be able to use your voice to ask the smartwatch about the weather in a certain city or simply ask for directions.
In order to wake Torque up, you only need a simple twist of the wrist. Keep in mind though that this gesture will work greatly on LG and Samsung smartwatches, but it does have some issues with the Moto 360 watches.
Those who wish to try these Microsoft applications for Android can do so for free. All four apps can be downloaded via Google Play Store, but they do not support any Android device and there’s no telling which one is compatible at the moment.
