Microsoft is once again rearranging numerous important teams and divisions. The business is bringing its Surface Duo OS, SwiftKey, Phone Link, Microsoft Launcher, and a few other Android units under a new central Android org named “Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences.”
The move was announced by Chief Product Officer Panos Panay in a message early last week. Microsoft’s Android initiatives, such as SwiftKey and Microsoft Launcher, were formerly created under the Microsoft Mobile Experiences (MMX) group, which handles iOS and iPadOS products.
More attention to Android
The new Android division will enable the business double down on its Android capabilities and concentrate on the platform as a first-party venture next to Windows. Microsoft is moving most of its Android projects into a new dedicated organization overseen by Panay.
The move is similar to what the software giant did in February 2020 with Windows. Over the next several years, Microsoft has extensive plans for Android and Windows, including deeper integrations between Android smartphones and Windows PCs than what the Phone Link app offers.
Microsoft intends to pitch Android devices as a companion to Windows PCs to develop interoperable experiences akin to those available on the iPhone and Mac.
How-to: run Android apps on Windows 11 in the EU.
The restructuring
Several significant individuals within the corporation will have new positions due to the reorganization. Shilpa Ranganathan will lead the Windows PM organization, succeeding Linda Averett, who will join a new team focused on privacy, compliance, and security.
The new AMPX organization is reported to be led by Ali Akgun, who formerly served as Microsoft’s CVP of Surface. Finally, according to Windows Central, CVP Michael Fortin is retiring. His responsibilities will be shared among many other heads in the Windows + Devices organization. The reorganization will not result in any layoffs, according to the publication.
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