Software : Google I/O 2015: what to expect for the enterprise

Google I/O 2015: what to expect for the enterprise
Microsoft pre-installing Office and Skype on new Sony and LG tabs
Make way for Apple Maps transit directions, but only in six cities

Google I/O 2015: what to expect for the enterprise

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Google's conference for developers is frequently a source of previews for upcoming software, news of new hardware products and it will forever be known as the forum that introduced Google Cardboard to the world. However it's also a view into Google's ambitions in the world of enterprise technology and app development, often with a diverse set of workshops available to attendees.

This year, it looks like Google is looking to beef up its enterprise potential on the Android platform, including a new Android operating system and an upgrade to its Android for Work offering. At least that's what other media outlets are predicting. This would be a smart move for Google, whose Gmail and Google Drive products are already office staples.

An enterprise-geared Android platform?

The schedule for the 2015 conference originally included an "Android at Work" session in the schedule that included a mention of an "Android M" that ""brings power of Android to all kinds of workplaces," reported The Verge. (This source also suggests that the "M" is being referred to as "Macadamia Nut Cookie" in the tradition of Android operating systems being named after sweets.) The reference has been removed, but the idea that Google wants more companies to use their products to do business is no surprise to anyone who's used a Google product at work. (Not counting random usage of the Google search engine on your breaks.)

The tech giant is no stranger to the enterprise sphere with many companies using its apps and cloud-based services, including Gmail, Google Drive and Google calendars, to keep up with the pace of business. The company boasts that more than 5 million business clients. Google also proclaims on its Google for Work webpage that 64% of Fortune 500 companies use Google products, but Google still wants to expand its clientele and help them do business - for the sake of its own business.

Google I/O has previously been the debut stage for the company's past enterprise ventures, including Android for Work, so the chances are good that the company will continue to release increasingly enterprise-friendly updates while expanding the niche platform that creates a separate identity within the phone itself. While this new version of Android M may not be ready for release by the May 28 keynote, chances are that the developers attending the conference will get a chance to see previews of the new software in person. A new version of the Android operating system would be a good way for the company to stir up fresh interest in the dominant operating system, while also providing businesses with new capabilities that expand beyond the enterprise experience traditionally provided by Google.

Email and access to a cloud-based drive remain popular and widely used ways to attract enterprise customers by creating an ecosystem for business communications, but an operating system built specifically for enterprise could open new doors for the company, especially with the rising popularity of chromebooks and Android devices throughout the world.

Android For Work may get an upgrade

Android for Work is more than just a way to do work stuff on an Android smartphone or tablet. It also includes its own version of Google Play, which contains more secure and work-approved versions of apps that are meant to make working on an Android device. Google developers produce some apps, but many of apps in the app marketplace tend to be third-party ones developed by the same crowd that attends Google I/O. Google is prepared to cater to the needs of app developers willing to create business-friendly apps.

The I/O conference is full of sessions that offer support and instruction for creating content of all types, including enterprise. Google Drive may come with Android for Work, but some companies may also use Dropbox, Square or other enterprise apps not developed by Google as a part of doing business. These companies need to know what they're working with in order to develop Android for Work-friendly apps and updates.

An update to Android for work or a potential new version of Android could mean new opportunities for developers who take advantage of the new platforms for their products and businesses being created by Google. Developers are an essential part of this process since they are the ones who create new products on the foundations created by Android and Google's other enterprise products, creating new enterprise products in the process. Google profits when these companies pay for their services, particularly in the ever-lucrative field of technology and enterprise. The developers also benefit by gaining access to an audience that needs their products to do business.

An official announcement that Android for Work is getting an update when Android M is released would be expected, but welcome news from the Mountain View-based firm. These two rumors suggest that Google may be looking to improve its enterprise offerings by creating an especially commerce-friendly ecosystem of Google products. A tablet that runs Android for Work, including Gmail and Google drive that runs Android M could be the potential end result if these rumors turn out to be the case.

What else?

One potential product is rumored to be a payment service called "Android Pay," which would combine a payment mechanism with a fingerprint scanner. If it sounds like Apple Pay, that's because it would essentially be an Android version of the concept. What we know about Android Pay is that it exists in some form. It was announced officially back in March, but few other details, including if it has any enterprise applications is currently unknown.

So while it won't be clear exactly what's coming until that opening keynote speech that kicks off Google I/O, Google is very likely building a few new tools and improving some older ones that may be useful for business. After all it's in Google's interest to be good for business.

Microsoft pre-installing Office and Skype on new Sony and LG tabs

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Sony and LG are among a glut of companies that have agreed to preload Microsoft Office onto future Android tablets.

The Redmond-based firm announced that 20 global and local OEM partners will install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype, OneNote and OneDrive onto new tablets that will be ready to create Office content straight out of the box.

It means that the total number of partners is up to 31 after it previously announced similar deals with Samsung, Dell and Pegatron to have the same apps installed on the tablets that they manufacture.

Xperia Z4

Android tablet owners won't have to wait long. LG plans to bring the plethora of Office apps plus Skype onto its next tablet whereas Sony will pre-install them onto the Xperia Z4 tablet within the next 90 days.

Other partners include Haier, Positivo and Wortman, and it fits with Microsoft's plan to bring various integral Windows 10 features to Android and iOS devices that also extends to its Cortana virtual assistant.

Check it out: Sony Xperia Z4 tablet review

Make way for Apple Maps transit directions, but only in six cities

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Apple Maps' plans to finally bring public transit directions with iOS 9, but may only in be available in a half-dozen cities.

The service reportedly could also extend to cities in China. That sounds ambitious, but Apple has struggled to bring public transport directions to its maps service for years.

Even after the purchase of Embark and Hopstop, which would provide transit data for over 600 cities, Apple Maps has yet to release a way to find your next bus stop.

Missing the bus

Although its arrival is sure to be music to the ears of many people in those cities, it won't help the vast majority of people.

Public transport use in the US reaching its highest numbers in nearly 60 years, yet the progress that Apple has made in the nearly three years since Maps was released feels underwhelming.

It's possible that Apple is striving to take its time with the release of transit directions, given the backlash that Maps received when it arrived.

Reportedly, Apple will begin adding cities as they become ready with an over-the-air rollout, rather than another iOS update, and will include Boston and Tokyo next.

If you're not in the lucky group that can use Apple Maps' new public transit service, you'll just have to find your way around the old-fashioned way, Google Maps.

Everything to know about iOS 9 and WWDC 2015

Yahuui Blog

Wednesday, May 27, 2015