Microsoft’s Next lock screen gets biggest update since release

Microsoft Next Lock Screen just got a massive update that brings Fingerprint Unlock, Smart Contacts, and several other features to your fingertips. The company is boasting that these changes to the popular lock screen app constitute the most renovation that any update has ever brought to Next.

So what all will you be getting that’s new? As mentioned, one of the main headline features is fingerprint identification. This will, of course, only work for devices that have a fingerprint scanner, but while Next is on screen, all it takes is a touch to securely login to your device. “Smart Contacts” are also a pretty clever new tool. Next pays attention to who you call and text most and makes shortcuts to those friends and family members readily available on the lock screen.

You can also make different conditional profiles that require different modes of logging in depending on context. With this Smart Lock capability, you can choose whether a passcode is required depending on your location or other rules. Also location-orient are the geo-sensitive wallpapers. Want something more professional at the office but relaxed when you’re at the house? No problem! Microsoft has you covered.

As with any update, this one also tidied up a handful of bugs and glitches that have been annoying users. If you want to give the revamped Next Lock Screen a whirl, click the button below to get it from the Play Store. If you’re not interested, let us know why in the comments. What lock screen do you prefer?