Microsoft unveils Switch to Windows Phone Android app

Microsoft has released a new 'Switch to Windows Phone' app on Google’s Play Store. And as the name suggests, the aim is simple enough: get Android users to ditch their Google-backed blower for a sparkling new Windows Phone.

The app does this by scanning an Android device’s installed apps and then serving up a percentage of how many of these add-ons are available on Microsoft’s own platform.

The results are all saved to a user’s Microsoft ID. With those app details stashed in the cloud, Windows Phone users can then fire up their new Microsoft-backed blower, tap into a companion app and get downloading the same extras they’ve been using on their Android handset.

Well, that’s the theory anyway.

When the chaps at The Verge gave it a whirl, they found it had the habit of sometimes serving up apps that were similar, rather than the same, on Windows Phone. It’s a small niggle, but one which could leave a number of new users unimpressed.

Either way, it’s a smart approach from the Big M. With Nokia Lumia numbers growing and apps on Microsoft’s platform finally getting up to speed, it’s no wonder it’s keen to try and snag users from the world’s favourite mobile operating system.

Via:

The Verge