When Google snapped up the company behind the capable QuickOffice mobile suite just a couple of months ago it got pundits' tongues wagging.
The overriding thought was Google will integrate QuickOffice into it's
cloud-based Google Docs to give Microsoft Office a serious
competitor.
Larry Dignan thought it was a shot across the bow of Windows 8,
specifically its foray into the tablet space that was expected. With
Microsoft entering the tablet space directly with its Surface tablets,
Larry was prescient. Throw in the fact that Google is now making its own
tablet (Nexus 7) and you have the perfect storm for Android to take on
the Surface.
Android device owners are familiar with QuickOffice, specifically how
good it is at working with complex Microsoft Office documents. It can't
completely replace MS Office but for the majority of consumers it is
more than good enough to do so.
Microsoft and enthusiasts alike are quick to point out that the
ARM-based Surface RT tablet will have a full version of Office
installed. How full the special version will be remains to be seen, but
it is a selling point with many looking forward to the Surface later
this year.
If Google ramps up integrating QuickOffice into its Android tablets
the exclusive Office support the Surface RT enjoys could be short-lived.
The QuickOffice Pro HD suite for Android is already a capable MS Office
substitute and Google could place it front and center in the tablet
war.
QuickOffice already works with major cloud storage services,
including Dropbox, Box.net, and Google Docs. It is in the perfect
position to take on Office RT and thus the Surface RT. The tablet war is
about to get very interesting.
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