Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay last week
in a memo to employees announced a reorganization that puts many of products supporting Android under a new dedicated group called Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences (AMPX).
The
Microsoft Mobile Experiences (MMX) division, which also focuses on iOS and iPadOS products, previously supported Android products, according to Windows Central. Now the reorganization puts Microsoft's
Surface Duo OS, SwiftKey, Phone Link, Launcher, and a handful of other Android teams under the new Android organization.
The idea is to advance the integration between Microsoft
Windows and Google Android operating systems and platforms during the next few years.
“Microsoft wants to position Android smartphones as an extension to Windows PCs, with the goal of
creating interoperable experiences similar to what can be had with an iPhone and Mac,” according to the report, citing unnamed sources.
The reorganization means new roles for several key
executives. Shilpa Ranganathan will lead the Windows PM team, replacing Linda Averett, who will lead a team focused on privacy, compliance, and security. Ali Akgun, previous CVP of Surface at
Microsoft, is said to be leading the new Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences group.
Microsoft last week also rebranded Your Phone app to Phone Link. The app, which launched
three years ago, lets users keep their smartphone in a pocket or purse and still access photos and texts from the device on their computer. The app also lets users filter notifications on their
Windows PC, make and receive phone calls even when the phone is out of reach, as well as use Android mobile apps on the Windows PC.