What you need to know
- The Cortana conversation experience is available for beta testers of Microsoft Launcher.
- The feature helps you keep track of your requests to Cortana.
- The update also brings a couple of navigation improvements.
Microsoft Launcher beta on Android gained a new Cortana experience and several navigation improvements in a recent update. The update brings the app for version 5.7. The most noteworthy change is the addition of the Cortana conversation experience. This feature shows your conversation with Cortana rather than just having one-off queries and responses.
The Cortana conversation experience is the new look for Cortana on all platforms. More than just showing queries, the conversational view is designed to remember your conversation so Cortana can better assist you, though this is a work in progress.
In addition to Cortana conversational experience, Microsoft Launcher beta also improved drag and drop support for icons on the home screen and moved feed tabs to the bottom of the screen for convenience. You can grab the latest update from the Google Play Store if you're a beta tester.
This launcher for Android features a clean design and integrates with Microsoft services including Microsoft To-Do, Office 365, and Cortana.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
