Lenovo cloud apps: Early installment to complement broader device strategy
Lenovo launched a series of applications designed to tie together its smartphone and tablet lineups, which will ultimately be beefed up by the acquisition of Google's Motorola Mobility.
The applications, announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, could wind up being the glue that connects Lenovo's post-PC devices. Lenovo, which also announced a new multimode Yoga Tablet, will have to create some software that connects its hardware lineup of PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones if it's going to offer higher-end services and go beyond commoditized hardware.
CNET Hands On: Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 HD+ | CNET MWC coverage
On the enterprise side, Lenovo may have to do a similar move when it completes the purchase of IBM's x86 server unit.
Previously: Lenovo buys Google's handset business for $2.91B
The apps are designed to share and sync data on Lenovo smartphones and tablets. Lenovo's plan is to create cloud ecosystem for its devices. The apps, dubbed DOit, break down like this:
- Shareit---a information synching application.
- Secureit, which secures devices from malware and viruses.
- Syncit---a backup system for contacts, SMS message and call logs.
- Snapit Camera, a camera app.
- And Seeit Gallery, a photo managing and editing tool.
The Shareit apps are preloaded on Lenovo Android tablets and smartphones and available for free on Google Play. Lenovo will also make them available on Apple's App Store and Windows PCs starting this month.
In the big picture, Lenovo's apps are table stakes at best and may aggregate a few disparate applications for customers. However, Lenovo's software efforts are likely just getting started.
As for Lenovo's primary business---hardware---the company launched the Yoga Tablet 10 HD+, a multimode device that can hold, tilt and stand.
The latest Yoga has a full HD screen, latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 18 hours of battery life.