Why not an official Windows Phone launcher for Android?

[rtotheich]

In addition, I should point out that an Android emulator for Windows is available. It's called Bluestacks ( BlueStacks ) and it's free. It doesn't stop the W8 market from developing. I only have it because one day I wanted to type whatsapp messages on my Surface and it seemed like the easiest way to do it.

 

[Ashalinia]

In addition, I should point out that an Android emulator for Windows is available. It's called Bluestacks ( BlueStacks ) and it's free. It doesn't stop the W8 market from developing. I only have it because one day I wanted to type whatsapp messages on my Surface and it seemed like the easiest way to do it.

Because BlueStacks is terrible.

By creating a Windows Phone launcher for Android, all Microsoft would be doing is offering more chances to stay away from actual Windows Phone. The more Windows Phone-esque features are placed in Android/iOS, the less incentive there is to use WP.

MS has to know how to offer the services without mimicking the experience.

 

[xandros9]

In addition, I should point out that an Android emulator for Windows is available. It's called Bluestacks ( BlueStacks ) and it's free. It doesn't stop the W8 market from developing. I only have it because one day I wanted to type whatsapp messages on my Surface and it seemed like the easiest way to do it.

w0rth noting its not exactly free.
it asks me to pay or download a bunch of apps I dont want as payment.

 

[Rodrigo Pereira Teixeira]

Forgetting any technical limitations and commercial arrangements, if they built such a launcher, who would support it? If I've got Samsung hardware with Google's OS running Microsoft's launcher and when I use an official Facebook app it runs dog slow, who do I call? The average consumer may well be confused and blame Microsoft for something that's not their issue. The last thing MS needs at the moment is to be associated with any more pisspoor experiences.

Exactly. Also, we should consider how sh$%^# Android is, always rebooting and freezing. People would say "WOW, just installed this MS mod and now my phone is getting the blue screen of death LOL".

Thanks, but no thanks.

If MS developed a superb WP8.1 launcher for Android, why would Android users want to get the real thing?? It's counter-productive!!!

Bingo!

 

[jonnaver]

And you'll have a WP looking Android phone with apps that go by Material Design. >_>

Yup, which is why I install Aviate launcher on my Android devices. It's a harmonic match to the android OS overall but light years ahead of the standard UI style of Android. To be honest, Aviate style launchers are the only reason I still use android. I just can't go back to vanilla android homescreens ever again and I refuse to muck around for hours with Nova + Zooper to replicate such a cool and functional UI when it only takes 5 minutes to do it on first install of Aviate.