Microsoft apps coming to more Samsung devices this year (Update: Dell and others, too)

Samsung and Microsoft are extending their software partnership this year, in a bid to improve productivity services for regular customers and business users alike. To wit, Samsung will pre-install additional Microsoft services and apps on its upcoming Android devices.

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge already come with Microsoft’s OneNote, OneDrive and Skype applications pre-installed and upcoming Samsung tablets, scheduled for a H1 2015 release, will come pre-packaged with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint in addition to the S6’s software.

The aim appears to be to make Samsung’s products more appealing to the enterprise market, but general consumers may not take as kindly to the pre-installed “bloat” that they may never use. Businesses that purchase devices through Samsung’s business-to-business sales channels will be offered Business, Business Premium, and Enterprise Office 365 packages, coupled with Samsung’s KNOX security solution.

“Our goal is to meet the ever-evolving needs of both consumers and business customers and give them more power to discover new mobile experiences.” – SangChul Lee, Samsung Electronics

Microsoft appears to be increasingly receptive to opening up its software to competing operating systems and hardware, most likely in a bid to keeps its name relevant and to potentially lure customers back around to its operating system. Microsoft is currently a small player in the mobile market and risks losing software sales to unsupported platforms. Earlier in the year, Microsoft released its office software suite for Android tablets along with an Excel optimized keyboard. Rumors are also pointing to Cortana heading to Android in the future, not to mention the planned Windows 10 support for Xiaomi products.

Along with the Microsoft deal, Samsung also has an arrangement with BlackBerry to enhance its enterprise software suite. Samsung is looking to make itself stand out above the crowd in the business segment this year, with an extended range of applications and security features tailored to that market.

What do you think about the partnership?

Update: Microsoft has now taken to its blog to announce that it is bringing a similar experience to Android devices from Dell and several other OEMs.

Earlier today, we announced an expanded global partnership with Samsung to deliver Microsoft mobile productivity services to both consumer and business customers. Building on that news, I’m pleased to share that we’ve also expanded strategic agreements with leading global OEM Dell, and regional OEMs including TrekStor of Germany, JP Sa Couto of Portugal, Datamatic of Italy, DEXP of Russia, Hipstreet of Canada, QMobile of Pakistan, Tecno of Africa, and Casper of Turkey, as well as top original device manufacturer Pegatron. These 11 hardware partners will pre-install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype on Android devices coming to market later this year.