Microsoft Acquires Popular Android App Echo Notification Lockscreen

Microsoft has acquired Double Labs, an Android app startup which develops the popular Echo Notification Lockscreen for Android devices. The app now marks the second lock screen replacement Microsoft owns, with the company’s ‘Microsoft Garage’ research division launching Next Lock Screen last year. It is clear that Microsoft is taking notifications on Android very seriously. According to Microsoft Chief Experience Officer Julie Larson-Green, current notifications — like the ones on your lock screen — show you anything and everything an app wants to show you, not necessarily what’s important to you. There’s nothing personal about it.

Highlights of Echo Locker:

•  Instant notifications – Echo shows the complete notification and not just a summary. Never miss an important message or notification with Echo.
• Minimal design – Cool lockscreen design. No effect on your battery
• Music controls – Control music without unlocking
• Automatic Grouping – Auto groups your Instagram alerts into social and your Gmail messages into work. Similar alerts are bundled together so you can deal with them all at once.
• Snooze – Snooze notifications to come back at a later time or place you’re ready to deal with them: tomorrow, when you get home, or whenever you like.
•  Lockscreen security – Protect your phone with Echo’s pattern lock.
•  Personalize – Personalize your lock screen design with wallpapers and notification settings.