Microsoft is trying to make Android better with the new project applications Garage

As experience shows, Google corporation is not eager to transfer their services to rival Windows Phone platform. Nevertheless, Microsoft has not forgotten about Android, today introduced several applications, designed to make the operating system a little better.

Their development takes place within the framework of a special project Garage. The company provides its employees free time that they can devote to their own development. Later, the best of them on their own Microsoft publishes in the app stores.

Next Lock Screen

The first result of this experiment was the application Next Lock Screen - modified lock screen. The developers have focused on the issue of productive use of free space.

This lock screen designed for busy people who value their time.

In addition to the modified design, Next Lock Screen displays events from the calendar, missed calls, e-mails and messages. With Google Play, many alternatives to this application, but it does have some nice features that distinguish it from them.

Call back a missed call number, you can simply swipe the notification, and applications can be run from a special menu. In this case, if a calendar event without saving any phone number, swipe the reminder will automatically pick up on it. No permanent entries lock passwords and unnecessary transitions between applications. Also conveniently implemented the Quick Start menu. It is divided into three categories - "Home", "Work" and "On the Road" - and in each of them, you can add a set of useful programs and switches.

Journeys and Notes

The service - is in some kind of analogue of Foursquare for people who actively travel. To start using it, simply enter your travel route and select your preferred mode of transport.

After that, Journeys and Notes will give you helpful tips as you move your trip. In this case, you can also take notes, give advice and recommend places other tourists.

Torque

In Microsoft was not spared and the platform for wearable Android Wear. Torque application should replace your usual way of interacting with the clock. Instead of constantly repeating «OK, Google», developers offer to perform a simple movement of the brush. This is a very neat way to replace the standard search engine for users, because Torque launches Bing instead of Google.