Nokia and Microsoft this week released the first batch of productivity apps for the former's handsets running on Nokia Belle phones. Called Microsoft Apps, the free productivity suite includes four programs usually only found on Microsoft's own platforms. A common thread with multiple smartphone OS bases is OneNote, which lets users create documents containing text and images.
Microsoft announced that it has finally released its mobile productivity app, OneNote, for devices running Google's Android OS. The Android Market debut marks the company's latest expansion onto popular mobile platforms, following equivalent releases for Windows Phone, iPhone and iPad.
Microsoft started the week by posting its first-ever productivity app for a non-Windows tablet OneNote for iPad (free, App Store) brings the features of the mixed-format organizer to the larger screen. The app relies on a two-pane approach that providers a larger, dedicated area for the content of the notes themselves while letting users navigate independently.
Microsoft on Tuesday updated its OneNote Mobile app for iPhone (free, App Store). While the original app was exclusive to the US, OneNote 1.2 for the iPhone is available in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. The update includes an improved search function, the ability to pin notes to the Recently Viewed list, and a sync function for shared notebooks on the web with Windows Live SkyDrive. Notes synced to SkyDrive requires a free Windows Live ID and can be accessed from any supported web browser with the free OneNote Web App.
Microsoft at its Management Summit on Wednesday surprised guests by revealing that the next version of System Center Configuration Manager would give remote control for rival mobile platforms. A beta and final versions will allow monitoring for Android, iOS, and Symbian in addition to Windows Phone 7. It justified the extra support as grappling with the "consumerization" of IT that let companies bring in devices their workers really wanted but while keeping them relatively secure.
Microsoft put out its first full productivity app for the iPhone on Tuesday with the launch of OneNote for iOS (free, App Store). The previously Office-only notebook organizer app comes with many and in some cases more features than the Windows Phone 7 version. The iPhone app can not only produce notes but attach links and photos. Checklists and To Do lists are automatically formatted to let users mark items done on the spot.
Microsoft in the latest of a string of updates today said Windows Phone 7 would have remote storage and security options much like Apple's MobileMe. Windows Phone Live will sync calendars, contacts, OneNote updates and photos as well as provide 25GB of storage on Microsoft's SkyDrive. A Find My Phone service, virtually identical to Apple's Find My iPhone, will help out with lost or stolen phones and track the phone's position over GPS as well as remotely lock, ring or wipe the phone to help get it back with data intact.
Microsoft today used its Windows Partners Conference to expand the details of Office 2010, including its web version. Initially considered separate, Microsoft now says Office Web is a counterpart to 2010 but will make it freely available to anyone with a Windows Live account. It will also be free to use on the local network for companies that buy volume licenses of Office 2010, though companies that just want the web app component will also have the option of a subscription.
Microsoft's Monday event should mark a more formal debut for the company's Office Web suite, tipsters said on Thursday. Although announced nine months ago, the suite is now said by Neowin to be getting a demonstration. It's not known if Microsoft will commit to a public release at the gathering.
