Microsoft’s Android launcher just got a new update for beta testers. The app is adding anew transparency sliders for the user selected theme, so users can now make their launcher more personal. Gesture management is improved as well, and users can also swipe up and down on the vertical app view.

Microsoft’s Launcher app is the firm’s own launcher for Android and one which extends Microsoft’s presence of Android from just apps to taking over your home screen. Elements of fluent design are present, and users can even use Microsoft’s continuity features with their Windows 10 PC or tablet right from the home screen. It isn’t exactly the Windows Phone start screen, but it is a more practical implementation of a launcher app — especially when aimed at the icon and widget based interaction model of Android phones.

The Play Store doesn’t have any release notes on my end, but here’s what’s new ( via WinBlogItalia)

More than 200 Crash & Bug fix per 4.1 feedback;

Performance improvements on Memory & smoothness;

Add slider for theme transparency

Unify gestures in all feature pages

Fix DateTime format issue in European countries;

Enable scroll to top when press Home button as feed page set to default home

– Swipe up and down support on vertical apps page mode;

The app update is available from the Google Play store for Android phones and tablets.