14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft announced earlier today a new partnership with Acer to bring its apps and services to Android smartphones and tablets.
According to Microsoft, Acer is the 74th hardware partner that has decided it would be a good idea to put Office services and other apps developed by the Redmond-based company on its Android devices.
“Last spring, we made access to Microsoft apps and services on mobile devices easier for customers through strategic agreements with 31 global and local OEMs and top original device manufacturer partners to pre-install Microsoft Office, OneDrive and Skype on Android tablets.
“Today I’m excited to announce that there are now 74 hardware partners in 25 countries who are making Microsoft productivity applications and services available on their Android tablets and phones,” said Nick Parker, corporate vice president, Original Equipment Manufacturer Division, Microsoft.
Even though some of Microsoft's partners have yet to provide their customers with apps and services like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype, OneDrive and Outlook, they will preinstall these products soon on their Android devices.
Expect Samsung Galaxy S7 to come with Microsoft apps as well
Microsoft also mentions some of the popular Android devices that already come with its apps preinstalled: LG G Pad 2, Samsung Galaxy S6, and Sony Xperia Z4.
The Redmond has been working hard to penetrate the Android and iOS applications market, and it looks like the results are extremely positive.
Aside from licensing its Office suite and other apps like Skype, OneDrive and Outlook, Microsoft also launched several Android and iOS applications that are available for free via Google Play Store and App Store, respectively.
At the same time, the company tried to find a way to convince developers to bring their apps to Windows Phone platform through the use of various tools like Project Astoria (Android) and Project Islandwood (iOS), which are still in the works.