Microsoft has rolled out its voice search app for Android dubbed Torque allowing users to perform instant search by just shaking their handset.
The Torque app was initially launched only for selected Android smartwatches including the LG G watch, Asus ZenWatch and the Samsung Gear Live back in October. The Android Wear users could activate the app by just twisting their wrists. The app has been downloaded about 10,000 times.
In addition to offering information on weather updates, sports scores, nearby restaurant details and stock market information, Torque 2.0 adds a couple of new features including quick answer to queries on flight status and local event details. The app is powered by the Bing search engine.
“After introducing Torque in October, we heard lots of feedback from active, passionate users that we’ve taken to heart. We have incorporated that feedback into Torque 2.0 and added support for Torque on Android phones, new answers including local events and flight status, a way to launch applications with the twist gesture, and more reliable gesture and voice recognition. Torque 2.0 is out today on Google Play”, the Torque Team noted.
The Torque app has been developed by Microsoft Garage, a group exploring, experimenting with cross-platform consumer applications.
The Redmond on the app’s Google Play listing page has added that the ‘Shake Anytime’ option on the app will be disabled by default. So, in order to activate the feature users will need to check the ‘Shake Anytime’ box. Also, users would need to sign into their Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail or Live) in order to use the voice-based search app.
The Microsoft Torque Voice Search 2.0 app, which weighs 14 MB, supports devices running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and higher. The app is currently available for download from the Google Play Store.
