The Google Android 4.4 KitKat OS is dealing a blow to Microsoft and we don’t mean Windows Phone 8. That’s because the new version of the Google Android OS platform ships with Google’s QuickOffice software. That platform allows Google users to quickly create, edit, and share Microsoft Office type document files.
Every Google Android user who updates to KitKat now receives access to Quickoffice and every new Android device with the OS will come already equipped with the QuickOffice software starting with the Google Nexus 5.
Google acquired Quickoffice in 2012 and promptly released Quickoffice for iPad, making it exclusively available for free to Apps customers. By April 2013, the platform was available for Android and iPhone devices.
Microsoft also began offering its Office program for iOS and Android devices this year, but that program still requires an Office 365 subscription. In response to Microsoft’s move, Google made Quickoffice free for everyone last month, removing the Google Apps requirement. Upon release, Google Android users could simply head to the Google Play store and download the software at no cost.
Downloading Quickoffice doesn’t take a lot of work, but apparently Google wanted to make the platform even easier to start using. Now, a simple OS upgrade or a new device purchase throws the Microsoft Office alternative directly into play.
With the ability to collaborate in the cloud, create business presentations with slideshows, and even develop spreadsheets, Microsoft could be in trouble as Google’s massive user base tries out Quickoffice for the first time.
In the meantime, Microsoft could win back some customers thanks to its increase Windows Phone 8 sales. As I reported earlier in the week, Microsoft Phones now account for 4% of the global smartphone market . Almost all Windows 8 sales are attributed to loyal Nokia buyers.
Do you think Quickoffice can unseat Microsoft Office as the undisputed office suite product for mobile users?
