Microsoft has reorganised its organisation so that it can better develop software for Android, according to a Windows Central report. Under the reshuffle, which was announced in a memo from Chief Product Officer (CPO) Panos Panay, the Surface Duo OS, SwiftKey, Phone Link, Microsoft Launcher, and other Android projects will become part of the new Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences (AMPX) division.
Microsoft verified the existence of the memo with a spokesperson saying:
“Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis. We recently made an organizational change to accelerate our impact and better serve our customers and partners.”
With Android, Microsoft has much more freedom with what its software solutions can do, take Microsoft Launcher, for example, it can completely redefine the look and feel of an Android device but it wouldn’t have this liberty on an iPhone.
If rumours are true, Microsoft is keen on making Android software that will make people’s mobile devices an extension of their Windows computer as iPhones are to Macs. According to Windows Central, Microsoft wants to take this integration further than what’s available through the Phone Link app.
The new AMPX division will be led by Ali Akgun who previously served as CVP of Surface, and will report to Panos Panay, according to the report.