Google is hopeful that a shiny new phone will entice companies to give Android for Work a try. The first 3,000 companies to set up Android for Work with a participating enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution by December 31, 2015, will get a brand new Nexus 5X smartphone.
In addition, Google announced that Android for Work has been updated with new features for Marshmallow. Administrators can now simplify certificates, set up new accounts, apply more granular permissions, and add new users using NFC. Employees get better contacts integration, as well as the addition of work status notifications.
Android for Work is a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) solution for companies, allowing employees to use one device for work and play. This is done by creating separate profiles on the phone. The work profile is fully encrypted and includes all your work apps, as well as the data associated with them. The second profile is for all those other fun apps and games that you use when you’re away from work.
Google announced that 19,000 companies are already testing, deploying, or using Android for Work. These companies include Guardian Life Insurance, Peninsula Hotels, and Safelite. In Peninsula Hotels’ case, it’s the customers who benefit from the program. Guests are given Android tablets for room controls, information, and service.
The Nexus 5X is a great choice for this promotion since it will receive Google’s software and security updates right away. However, there are other choices. BlackBerry announced that the Priv will support Android for Work, as well as the monthly security updates supplied by Google. In addition to BlackBerry and Nexus devices, the Silent Circle BlackPhone 2 and various Samsung devices also support the program.
You can learn more about Android for Work here.
