Microsoft Services will soon reach more devices than ever, as Microsoft just announced a slew of hardware partners ready to preload its apps on Android devices.
According to a new company announcement, Microsoft now has 74 hardware partners in 25 countries worldwide. The hardware makers are either already preloading or will soon preload Microsoft apps on Android phones and tablets.
"By pre-installing Microsoft software and services on Android tablets and phones, our partners are able to increase the value of those devices by delivering the rich productivity experiences customers want," says Microsoft. "In addition, partners will be able to take advantage of opportunities to realize new revenue streams."
Microsoft Office Word, Excel, OneNote, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype are among the highlights of these arrangements, as they will come pre-installed on various Android hardware.
The company further points out that Office and Microsoft Services apps are already available on a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets, including the Samsung Galaxy S6, the LG G Pad 2, the Sony Xperia Z4 and many others.
The move adds to Microsoft's recent efforts to make its software friendlier for users on rival platforms. The company's Cortana virtual assistant, for instance, officially rolled out for both Android and iOS back in December 2015.
Microsoft is still focusing on Windows 10 devices, but it finally figured out that boosting software support for rival platforms could be more lucrative. Android holds the largest market share when it comes to operating systems in the United States, so catering to the wide Android ecosystem should pay off nicely.
With mobile use constantly on the rise, adding more productivity features and apps for a wider range of devices sounds like the right thing to do. Microsoft will also preload all its new Windows 10 smartphones with Office out of the box, and iOS users should also get more treats soon.
Reaching a total number of 74 hardware partners to preload Microsoft apps on Android is an important step forward for Microsoft, and the company pledges to continue expanding such efforts.
"We are thrilled that hardware partners are bringing new value to customers by installing Microsoft apps and services on their Android devices," adds Microsoft. "We look forward to further expanding these partnerships to help bring Microsoft services vision to life."
