We already know that Microsoft has been working around the clock to bring Android and Windows closer together, and now the company is said to have taken a big step in that direction. The software giant has brought all the teams working on the Android project under one roof, and the new Android team is designed to specifically improve how Google’s mobile operating system interacts with Windows.
Surface Duo OS, SwiftKey, Phone Link, Microsoft Launcher and several other mobile teams that previously worked as part of other divisions have been incorporated into what’s called the “Android Microsoft Platform and Experience,” or AMPX.
According to Windows Central, some of these groups, like SwiftKey and Microsoft Launcher, previously operated under Microsoft Mobile Experiences (or MMX). The bigger difference is that this division also includes iOS and iPad OS products, so at this point, it’s clear that Microsoft is aiming to specifically improve the relationship between Android and Windows.
Android now has a close relationship with Windows
Microsoft’s commercial software often takes care of the interoperability that exists with iOS and macOS, and while Android is Google’s mobile operating system, the open-source nature of the platform gives Microsoft the opportunity to substantially develop integration with Windows.
In fact, that’s exactly what this newly formed team was all about. In addition to the experience we already have today, primarily powered by Phone Link, Microsoft wants Android and Windows to provide users with more advanced features that mimic the previous integration between Microsoft software and the iPhone and Mac.
Of course, this can’t happen overnight, but it’s pretty clear what Microsoft’s goal is. Phone Link will definitely continue to evolve, so it looks like Android will be more closely tied to Windows in the long run.