Microsoft fortifies mobile efforts

Microsoft products may not be the first choice when one is considering buying a mobile device, but that hasn’t stopped it from creating tools that extends its expertise to other platforms. Earlier this year, Microsoft released its Word Flow keyboard app for iOS, which delivers customizable keyboard backgrounds and one-handed mode. The software giant has now updated Word Flow and lifted a page from Google’s own iOS keyboard app, which was also released earlier this year, by adding a search functionality to the keyboard.

New search functions in Word Flow (Image credit: Anthony Karcz, Forbes)
New search functions in Word Flow (Image credit: Anthony Karcz, Forbes)

The search function on Word Flow can be used to find GIFs, emojis, images, contacts, and anything from Bing search results, without closing the messaging app. Aside from the search functionality, Word Flow has new themes users can choose from, support for iOS text replacement, and even cursor placement using 3D Touch controls.

Enter Cache

Another Microsoft app that’s taken a leaf out of Google’s pages is Cache. Cache is part of Microsoft’s Garage Project, a proving ground for apps that may or may not be released to the general public. Cache is like Google Keep or Evernote, which allows users to easily bookmark important things such as text snippets, images, web pages, files, reference material, and your notes. Users can also use Cache to organize their content by projects, clients, tasks, ideas, or have everything related go into one group. Cache is available on desktop and mobile, and it allows users to pick up where they left off no matter what platform they are using.

Microsoft Cache app

If you wish to try out Cache, you need sign up hereOne might think that this is just another bookmarking app, but there could be a huge potential in Cache as an all-in-one productivity app. Microsoft could easily integrate Cache into Windows 10 to replace its Note app, so users can create new notes or easily save clips and web pages on the app. Another potential is when using Cache on mobile is to act as a reminder when you walk into places. When walking into a grocery store, your shopping list on Cache will be activated and you will no longer have to worry about forgetting to pick up some eggs or milk.

Microsoft Cache app

Microsoft may be lagging behind Apple and Google in the mobile race, but if it continues to create use-worthy apps, that could change how people perceive its mobile efforts.

Photo credit: Pixabay, Forbes, Cache

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