In a new job listing, Microsoft has confirmed it is
consolidating its Android efforts into a single division called
‘Android Microsoft Platform and Experience’. This move could
allow further integration between Windows 11 and Android, and
Microsoft may be planning to go beyond Samsung phones.
Earlier this week, Microsoft posted several
job
listings for its new division “Android Microsoft Platform
and Experience” which aims to bring apps/services
Phone Link or Your Phone, SwiftKey, Microsoft Launcher, and
other services including the ‘Surface Duo experience’ under one
division.
“The Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences Team is
building the future. We are a world-class platform, middleware,
apps, and services organization that brings end-to-end
experiences to life on a diverse range of form factors –
empowering customers through powerful connections to Windows,
M365, and Azure across the devices they use,” the job listing
reads.
While details are not available and we don’t know how exactly
the company plans to double down on its Android efforts, we’re
expecting major improvements to apps like Phone Link and
Microsoft Launcher in the coming months.
For example, a future update could enable tighter integration
between these Android apps and Windows 11.
Microsoft is focusing on the consumer market
Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has been
investing more in cloud computing and Office. However,
Microsoft’s strategy seems to have changed following the
pandemic as the company has promised to make Windows better and
turn it into a product that customers actively love.
“I want to move Windows from people needing it – and knowing
they need it – to loving and wanting it,” Microsoft’s Panos
Panay said last year.
While Microsoft has confirmed it won’t make phones again, the
company could still create an interoperable experience similar
to iPhone and macOS computers. By doubling down on its Android
efforts and integration, Microsoft could convince more people
to use Windows 11 for their daily tasks.
Microsoft recently updated its SwiftKey keyboard with Windows
clipboard sync and the company also rebranded the ‘Your Phone’
application as ‘Phone Link’ with support for Honor devices,
suggesting existing partnerships with Samsung are subject to
change.
