Microsoft Office apps will come pre-installed on LG, Sony and other Android tablets

BY Evan Selleck

Published 26 May 2015

Xperia Z4 Tablet rear

Earlier in 2015, it was announced that Samsung would be pre-installing several different Microsoft Office apps on its hardware, with Microsoft confirming that other Android hardware partners would be doing the same thing in the near future.

Now even more tablets and manufacturers can be added to the list, as Microsoft has just announced another 31 companies that will be pre-loading its Office apps on their Android-based tablets. That includes LG, which will be pre-loaded on “a new LG tablet,” and Sony, which will include the apps on its Xperia Z4 Tablet in the next 90 days:

These 31 partners will offer Android tablets pre-installed with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype in the near future. They will be available on a new LG tablet, and Sony will include them on their Xperia Z4 tablet in the next 90 days.

Our strategic agreements with these partners demonstrate how Microsoft is leveraging the scale of the hardware ecosystem, and working with partners in new ways to deliver rich experiences to our customers. This is a cornerstone of our cross-platform services strategy, to bring an array of Microsoft services to every person on every device. By pre-installing Microsoft software and services solutions on Android tablets, our partners are able to increase the value of those devices by delivering the rich productivity experiences customers want. In addition, partners will be able to take advantage of opportunities to realize new revenue streams.“

This announcement encompasses quite a few tablets, and many of them are internationally-based. Here’s the full list of the new additions to Microsoft’s partners:

  • Axdia International GMBH – Germany
  • Cube – China
  • DL – Brazil
  • General Procurement – United States
  • Grupo Nucleo – Argentina
  • Haier – China
  • Inco – Mexico
  • Ionik GBMH – Germany
  • Iview – United States and Latam
  • LG – Global
  • Multilaser – Brazil
  • Noblex – Argentina
  • Pacific (Vulcan) – Mexico
  • Philco – Argentina
  • Positivo – Brazil
  • Prestigio – EMEA
  • Sony – Global
  • Teclast – China
  • TMAX Digital – North America
  • Wortmannn – Germany

What do you think of this move?

[via Microsoft]