Microsoft adds new features to Android custom lockscreen

Microsoft has released a new version of Next Lock Screen for Android. The adjusted lockscreen now shows the weather, among other things, according to the list of changes announced on Friday.

In addition to the weather, users can now add a background image to their lockscreen. In addition, the taskbar can be hidden and the application should work better with the standard unlock of Samsung phones running Android 4.4 KitKat. Finally, the update includes general performance improvements and bug fixes.

Microsoft released Next Lock Screen for Android in October. The app gives the user of an Android smartphone direct access to, for example, the calendar, a missed call, e-mail or text messages without having to unlock the device. Next Lock Screen is also available for Windows Phone under the name Tetra Lockscreen.

Next Lock Screen is part of Microsoft’s Garage Project. Employees of the company are given the opportunity to present self-developed software. The software is made in the free time they are allotted within the company. With the Garage Project, Microsoft is trying to bring about a ‘culture change’ within the company, with room for experimentation.