Microsoft Picturesque Lock Screen App for Android Now Available for Download

Microsoft on Monday launched the Picturesque Lock Screen app, once again a Microsoft Garage project, which allows Android users change stock lock screen with Bing home page images.

The app can change images (choosing from the past 6 days of Bing home pages) with just a shake of the phone or by swiping to the right. Just like the Next Lock Screen and Android 5.0 Lollipop, the Picturesque Lock Screen app allows users to access missed call notifications, text messages and also the search function directly from the lock screen without unlocking the phone.

(Also see: The Rise and Rise of Android Launchers)

With the Picturesque Lock Screen app, users can also choose to see current weather, news and Indian regional calendars on the phone lock screen as well. The app also lets user access quick setting and shortcuts controls like phone's camera, flashlight/ torch, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, brightness settings from the lock screen.

(Also see: Google Now Launcher for Android 4.1 and Higher Devices Brings Lollipop Material Design)

Last month, the company had updated its Next Lock Screen app for Android with some quick glance notifications, apart from music controls and more. The Next Lock Screen app is compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and higher, but the new music player controls and instant messaging notifications for Skype, Line, and Google Hangouts only work with devices running Android 4.3 and higher versions. Some of the key features of the Next Lock Screen app include notifications for calendar, missed calls and text messages. The app can dial a conference call in a single tap without unlocking the phone.