The Microsoft Launcher Challenge: First Steps (Premium)

It seems simple enough: Install a new launcher on your Android phone, make a few configuration changes, and away you go. But using the Microsoft Launcher may require a few additional considerations. I consider this to be the line between what Microsoft wants and what you want.

Don't get me wrong: There's nothing malicious about Microsoft Launcher. And it absolutely gets better the more invested you are in the Microsoft ecosystem. But I don't approach this with a child-like "Microsoft knows best" worldview like we see on certain Redmond-obsessed tech enthusiast blogs. And neither should you.

Also, we can and should extend this conversation beyond Microsoft Launcher, too, since it doesn't exist in a vacuum. That is, you have some choices to make about other Microsoft products and services that you may or may not want to use on your phone. This includes, but is not limited to, Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office (various apps), and OneDrive. And technologies like Timeline and Continue on PC that make your phone and PC more integrated.

This conversation can quickly get complicated. For example, you may argue, as I would, that Cortana or Microsoft Edge---or whatever---is less powerful, or full-featured, or whatever than the Google equivalents that are built-in to Android.

And you'd be right, in isolation. But in many cases, these Microsoft products and services take on new life---become more useful or valuable---when can use them across platforms. Point being, it's never a good idea to dismiss something out of hand, even if you'd previously made up your mind about it on the desktop.

With that in mind, I'm trying to be open about Microsoft products and services---like Cortana and Microsoft Edge, and like Bing---that I previously dismissed as inadequate. If I'm going to use the Microsoft Launcher---no guarantees---these and other also-rans might suddenly make a lot more sense. (Plus, there's nothing inherently wrong about using Cortana and Bing in Microsoft Launcher, but using Google Assistant elsewhere.)

Here's a very small example, and it doesn't hurt anyone, no matter your preferences. If you install Microsoft Launcher right now and sign-in to Microsoft Rewards (through Microsoft Launcher settings), you will earn 100 points and a temporary one-month Level 2 status in the loyalty program. Longer term, you also earn Microsoft Rewards points every time you perform a search (through Bing) using the Microsoft Launcher's search bar.

If you're not familiar with Microsoft Rewards, you need to look into this. (And this is a topic I need to write about separately.) It's a way to be rewarded for using the Microsoft products and services you may already be using. And to be rewarded even more for using them more. And that temporary Level 2 status means you can earn more loyalty points in the month than would be possible with Level 1 status, plus other perks.

Again, just a small example. But you can find more profound examples ...

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