Is Android Ready for Office Use? Google's Own Apps Reviewed

Why apps decide the platform

The author argued that a platform can live or die by its applications, citing the fall of WebOS and the rise of Android as examples. It is an application war as much as a device war.

App by app

Google Docs (web)

Editing from the phone browser was too limited. The author felt power users would be better off with a third-party office app such as Quickoffice or Documents To Go.

Google Finance

The app let you view a portfolio, see real-time market updates, search stocks and read related news. That was enough for a regular business user but not for anyone actively trading.

Google Talk

A quick, clean chat client, ideal for staying in touch with the office when everyone has a Google account, even abroad over Wi-Fi. The author rated it close to BBM.

Google Voice

Well integrated and cost effective for businesses wanting to save on minutes and long distance. Extra numbers could be used as business lines, with free calling to the US and Canada and low international rates.

Google Maps

Useful for reaching meetings quickly, avoiding traffic, tracking staff with Latitude and exploring a city on a business trip.

Calendar

Syncs calendars, invitations and meetings with your Google account.

Looking ahead

The author was warming to the idea of an entire office in the cloud, helped by the Atrix and laptop-style Android possibilities.