Windows Insiders get access to mobile Microsoft Edge and Launcher app

When Microsoft debuted its Edge browser to replace the faltering Internet Explorer, it pushed it hard, attempting to lock Cortana and Windows S to Edge exclusively. That’s why it’s surprising that it’s taken this long to reach mobile platforms, but Microsoft has finally released on Android and iOS for Windows Insiders alongside the Microsoft Launcher app.

A preview of the Microsoft Launcher has arrived to work in the same way that Apple’s “handoff” feature, in that the company wants to create a continuation between handset and desktop just as other companies have in place.

This allows users of the app to interact with their PC via their smartphone, launching applications and files from the home screen of the desktop. Beyond this, the app acts as an attempt to get the user comfortable with Microsoft’s new Fluent Design language that is expected to arrive in the coming months for Windows 10.

The arrival of the Edge browser is also an effort to create continuity between desktop and handset, but is currently locked to Windows Insiders with the latest version of Windows 10 installed on their PCs to prove eligibility for the preview. This is expected to open up after the testing period has ended.

“From PC to mobile, you can browse seamlessly across your devices, while your information syncs in the background. Go anywhere and pick up where you left off by easily moving content between your mobile device and your Windows 10 PC*,” explains Microsoft. “Your passwords and favourites are synced across your devices so your browser is always personalized to you.”

Edge has impressed on desktop, being the first to implement FullHD playback on Netflix, enabling users to get the most out of their money, but it’s still experienced a slow adoption against competitors Chrome, Firefox, Opera and others so it’s debatable how long it will take to gain a foothold on handheld.

KitGuru Says: Edge still needs more time in the oven but I’m not outright denying its potential if it is implemented right. That being said, Firefox Quantum seems to be making waves on desktop so it remains to be seen which company will be next to take the popularity crown. Does Edge on mobile interest you? Who out of you uses Edge on desktop?

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