Whilst there’s been quite a bit of attention surrounding Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy S8 series of devices worldwide, it turns out another company will also be launching their own variant of the Samsung Galaxy S8, Microsoft of all people!
Whilst those who have purchased Samsung phones recently will have noticed they were already bundled with a collection of Microsoft apps, such as Skype, OneDrive, OneNote, and most recently Office apps, so maybe it’s not too surprising that Microsoft would take this a step further, but you know Microsoft, you do have your own mobile platform right? Whilst many do wonder whether Microsoft is going to eventually drop Windows 10 Mobile, this is definitely not a confidence boost to those sticking with the platform, but the good news to that affect at least, is the Galaxy S8 is a pretty decent Smartphone and a world away from even the last few Windows phones.
Main differences with the Microsoft Edition
The phone itself, including specifications, design and colour options, compatibility and even updates will be exactly the same, including the April 21st launch date with pre-orders available right now, but as you’d expect you’ve a fully Microsoft-ied version of the Galaxy S8, for better or worse, though it is worth noting they can still be removed naturally.
One of the newest included apps which will be coming with the Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition will be Cortana, Microsoft’s own virtual assistant which competes with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, though oddly with the Galaxy S8 will directly compete with the phones own new Bixby assistant. We’ve yet to hear word whether this could use Cortana instead of Bixby through the special Bixby button, though we doubt that, though it would be an awesome option to change what the Bixby button does going forward.
A Microsoft spokesperson told Engadget, that the customisation would be available on both sized models, S8 and S8+, and Microsoft’s apps will be automatically downloaded to the device, as soon as you first connect to WiFi after setting up. Those will include; Cortana, Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), OneDrive, OneNote, Bing, Groove, Skype, MSN News, LinkedIn, Wunderlist and more, though as we mentioned earlier these can be uninstalled.
The Microsoft connection
One of the biggest additions to the Samsung and Microsoft partnership with the Galaxy S8 involved the companies new DeX Dock. The ironic thing about this, is that Microsoft Office apps can run in the exact same way they run on a Continuum compatible Windows 10 Mobile device.
Other than that however, we’re very confused about this release, as it’s literally a Galaxy S8 with Microsoft’s apps out of the box, so we’d say it’s good maybe for stock early days, and having more places to buy a new device is great as it will be available in the US Microsoft retail Stores, other than that colour us confused.
This is what Microsoft had to say about their confusing release;
Today Microsoft and Samsung continue their partnership to help businesses harness the power of mobility by featuring the best business productivity apps and software. Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ Microsoft Edition are available to pre-order now and for purchase beginning April 21 at U.S. Microsoft Store locations.
A Microsoft customization is applied to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ Microsoft Edition when the devices are unboxed and connected to Wi-Fi. This customization ensures customers a best-in-class productivity experience with Microsoft applications such as Office, OneDrive, Cortana, Outlook and more.
Microsoft Store is committed to empowering its customers to achieve more through Office and Microsoft applications. The new device customisation is an example of bringing together Microsoft applications on more devices so customers can work, play and connect from their pockets.
What do you think of the new Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition. Would you buy this version of the Galaxy S8, we doubt many, or anyone, would get it by choice, but you may feel different and let us know if you do. You’ll be able to find the Galaxy S8 in and on the US Microsoft Stores.
