Microsoft Launcher Update Gets To-Do, Sticky Notes Integration, 'Hey Cortana' Support

Microsoft is releasing another big update for its Launcher app on Android, this time for the beta channel. This update advances Microsoft Launcher to version 5.1 and brings several refinements to the app, including Microsoft To-Do integration and performance improvements.

Microsoft Launcher Android app has been updated to version 5.1.0, and it is available to download for free on Google Play. The update, as mentioned, introduces a new screen time card that allows you to track your screen time, app usage and phone unlocks. There is also a screen time widget that lets you view all of this information on your home screen.
The Launcher's new 'To-Do' card now shows tasks from apps Outlook and Skype along with the 'Notes' card showing your listings from 'Sticky Notes' on Windows, Outlook and OneNote mobile. Both of these features arrived in the beta version last month, and have now rolled out to the public to use.

Here’s what new and improved in Microsoft Launcher 5.1:
•There is a new track which will help you track your Screen Time, app usage and the phone unlocks. It’s a pretty useful card if you’d like to know the apps that you use daily.
•Microsoft is also updating Cortana card with support for the commute, traffic and multi-commitments.
•Cortana is now available in ES-ES. Currently, Cortana for Microsoft Launcher is live in the US, UK, India, and other regions.
•You can now activate Cortana in Microsoft Launcher with Hey Cortana voice command but the feature is currently limited to the US audience.
•You can use Bing’s mini-answers feature to learn about stocks and currency quickly from the search bar.
•This update includes additional performance improvements and bug fixes to improve the user experience.

The last update to Microsoft Launcher had addressed issues with Android Pie. For example, the update fixed an issue where the wallpaper became black on a number of Android P devices
In June, the company introduced new parental control features to the Microsoft Launcher app. Just last month, the Microsoft Launcher beta version also got a new Digital Health feature, but the feature hasn't rolled out with the latest stable update.

Microsoft says that this is the last big release of 2018 and while new updates will still be released, it may not include tons of new features.
“Our last major Microsoft Launcher release of 2018 is one of our favorites. We’re so incredibly thankful for all of the support and feedback from our customers. With the 5.1 update, we want to say THANK YOU and Happy Holidays,” Microsoft’s Ezra Park announced the update in a series of tweets.

December 25, 2018