At the Google I/O development conference on Wednesday, Google announced that it is integrating QuickOffice, a mobile app which allows editing of Microsoft Office files, into Google Drive. Users will now be able to open and edit Microsoft Office documents without first converting the files.
The move is in line with Google's ongoing attempts to make Google Drive a viable alternative to Microsoft products for both home and business use. Google acquired QuickOffice in 2012 in order to enhance its editing programs, and those changes are finally being added to Google Drive.
Google is also adding a "suggest edit" feature which allows users to make a prospective edit which can then be reviewed by other members of the team. The suggested change will be highlighted and will display which person made the change. Edits can then be either accepted or rejected by other users. The feature is similar to one that Microsoft Office has already implemented.
In an effort to attract more business customers, Google is also introducing Google Drive for Work. The feature will cost $10 per user, per month and will feature document encryption and unlimited storage as well as ways to analyze how employees are using the service. Google may already be replacing Microsoft Office for many business customers. Google claims that 67 of the top 100 start-up companies use Google Drive over Microsoft Office, as well as 58 percent of Fortune 500 companies. 72 of the top 100 universities are also using Google services.
"The combination of Android for Work, our Google Docs Suite, and Google Drive for Work, really offers a comprehensive suite for companies," said Sundar Pichai, Google's head of Android and Chrome. "As companies are thinking about moving away from traditional Windows architecture, we are seeing tremendous momentum."
Google says that 190 million people have used Google Drive in the last 30 days, suggesting that the service is also gaining ground with individual customers. The company has also added Microsoft Office compatibility to its apps on mobile devices in an effort to increase use in that area. Google is also launching Google Slides for mobile devices, which can now enable users to view and create PowerPoint presentations on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.
