Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

8 essential Microsoft business apps for Android phones

7 of 9 NEXT PREV
  • An unlikely source of excellent Android apps

    An unlikely source of excellent Android apps

    Microsoft and Google might be arch-enemies, but that hasn't stopped Redmond from making sure Android users have lots of Microsoft apps to choose from.

    In the Google Play Store, you'll find more than 60 apps from Microsoft. There's a good selection of games and entertainment options, including companion apps for Xbox and Bing-branded alternatives to Google's search products.

    In this gallery, I focus on eight popular and useful business apps. This isn't a complete listing. In particular, if your company uses Microsoft Dynamics CRM or the Intune management suite, you should  look at your options there.

    But expect to be surprised at how capable the Microsoft options are on the world's most popular mobile platform.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Microsoft Outlook Preview (formerly Acompli)

    Microsoft Outlook Preview (formerly Acompli)

    Microsoft Outlook Preview in the Google Play Store

    Microsoft purchased the Acompli app late last year, and the newly integrated development team wasted no time in pushing out a major update under a familiar name.

    Microsoft Outlook for Android supports Exchange, Gmail, Outlook.com/Hotmail, and IMAP accounts. (Sorry, POP accounts, you're out of luck.)

    The biggest innovation in the Outlook mobile app is a unified inbox that groups important messages  into a Focused tab and shunts everything else to Other.

    The app's other signature feature is the ability to swipe left to hide a message and schedule it to reappear in your inbox later when you're ready to deal with it. Swipe right to archive messages.

    The Preview app still has a few rough edges, especially compared to its iOS cousin, but it's still polished and worth installing.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • OneNote

    OneNote

    OneNote in the Google Play Store

    I use OneNote on every device I own, without exception. The Android version syncs with notebooks on OneDrive and OneDrive for Business, making it easy for me to keep personal and business information organized.

    All the familiar OneNote features are there in the Android version. I especially like the ability to add a home screen widget so I can quickly create an audio note and have it appear on every synced device.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • OneDrive (personal and business)

    OneDrive (personal and business)

    OneDrive in the Google Play Store

    A recent update to the OneDrive clients on Android and iOS adds a much-needed feature that will be coming to Windows later.

    Previously, the OneDrive and OneDrive for Business clients were separate and decidedly unequal apps. Now both features are integrated into a single app, which means you can switch between work and personal files with a tap or two.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Lync 2013 (unified communications)

    Lync 2013 (unified communications)

    Lync 2013 in the Google Play Store

    For Microsoft shops, Lync (soon to be rebranded as Skype for Business) is an essential unified communications app.

    It allows quick and secure text, voice, and video messaging with your co-workers.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Microsoft Office Mobile

    Microsoft Office Mobile

    Microsoft Office Mobile in the Google Play Store

    Businesses live and die by Microsoft Office documents (sorry, Google Apps). So it's a little disappointing that the fully featured Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps for Android are still tablet-only.

    On Android phones, for now, you'll have to settle for Office Mobile, which offers rudimentary viewing and editing of Office documents.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Remote Desktop

    Remote Desktop

    Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Google Play Store

    Don't try this app (or the beta version here) unless you've got a phone with a big screen. Shrinking a Windows desktop (or server) to a phone-sized display is something you do because you have to, nor because you want to.

    But when you need the ability to connect to a server and run some tasks remotely, it's nice to know you can get the job done quickly and securely without having to track down a full-sized PC.

    And the touch-based navigation tools are impressive when you need them.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Azure Authenticator

    Azure Authenticator

    Azure Authenticator in the Google Play Store

    If you have an Office 365 Enterprise account, you should have multi-factor authentication enabled. It's the best protection against having your email account compromised by phishing or other attacks.

    Many online services use Google Authenticator or its clones for 2-factor authentication. Office 365 and Azure use this custom app, which is easy to set up and use.

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Sunrise Calendar

    Sunrise Calendar

    Sunrise Calendar in the Google Play Store

    The newest member of the Microsoft family was just acquired this week, so don't expect to see the Microsoft brand name for a while.

    But Sunrise Calendar adds some interesting twists to mobile appointment and event tracking. Yes, it can show you your Exchange, Gmail, or iCloud calendar. But it also integrates with dozens of other services that have their own calendars, including Facebook, TripIt, and LinkedIn.

    If the Acompli acquisition is any guide, expect to see a quick update for this app very soon.

    Does Microsoft offer the best Android Office suite? (Android Office app showdown)

    Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

7 of 9 NEXT PREV
Ed Bott

By Ed Bott for The Ed Bott Report | February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST) | Topic: Mobility

  • An unlikely source of excellent Android apps
  • Microsoft Outlook Preview (formerly Acompli)
  • OneNote
  • OneDrive (personal and business)
  • Lync 2013 (unified communications)
  • Microsoft Office Mobile
  • Remote Desktop
  • Azure Authenticator
  • Sunrise Calendar

Who's the busiest developer on Android these days? Some of the most impressive business apps are coming from an unlikely source, with Microsoft's business apps appearing on the Google Play Store and getting rave reviews.

Read More Read Less

Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Google Play Store

Don't try this app (or the beta version here) unless you've got a phone with a big screen. Shrinking a Windows desktop (or server) to a phone-sized display is something you do because you have to, nor because you want to.

But when you need the ability to connect to a server and run some tasks remotely, it's nice to know you can get the job done quickly and securely without having to track down a full-sized PC.

And the touch-based navigation tools are impressive when you need them.

Published: February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST)

Caption by: Ed Bott

7 of 9 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
Ed Bott

By Ed Bott for The Ed Bott Report | February 12, 2015 -- 12:15 GMT (04:15 PST) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • ESR HaloLock MagSafe stands for Apple iPhone 12 review: Affordable, functional accessories

    MagSafe is one of the best Apple technologies that combines wireless charging with the ability to easily and securely mount your Apple iPhone. The latest accessories from ESR and ...

  • When phone brands meet photo brands

    The combinations of companies known for imaging excellence and those known for covering every base in a smartphone can be a picture perfect match or ruined exposure. ...

  • Presidio Perfect-Clear and Shieldview Glass for iPhone 12 Pro Max: Clear protection for the front and back

    Apple's new iPhone 12 devices have some cool color options and the best way to enjoy the colors is with a clear case. Speck also offers a compelling glass screen protector so together ...

  • Diamond Dog screen protector for Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: Affordable, clear, and easy to install

    While today's modern glass displays are designed to handle more abuse than in the past, they can still scratch or break so the first thing I do with a new phone is to install a screen protector. ...

  • Mous cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21: Drop protection and magnetic accessory features

    Mous has a couple of case options for the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Both models offer AiroShock drop protection while the Limitless 3.0 case includes strategically placed magnets ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Dual-layer and compostable options

    Wrapping your expensive phone in a case is a good way to provide extra protection. Dual-layers, enhanced grip, and even cases you can easily recycle are available from Incipio and ...

  • Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment

    ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums