While there are more than a few Android smartphones that are suitable for business use due to extra security features or frequent updates, it can often be a tricky field to navigate given the choice in available devices. Google is aiming to change that with the Android Enterprise Recommended program which establishes some requirements and best practices for enterprise-ready devices.
Google outlined a few of the best practices and requirements for inclusion in the program on their blog earlier today:
- Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0+ devices
- Support for bulk deployment of Android devices including zero-touch enrollment
- Delivery of Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google, for a minimum of three years
- Availability of unlocked devices, direct from manufacturer or reseller
- Consistent application experience in managed profiles and on managed devices
In addition to these requirements and best practices, devices in the Android Enterprise Recommended program undergo a thorough testing process from Google as well. The requirements will also be updated with each Android version release so the list of enterprise-ready devices is most definitely going to change with each new version of Android. The initial list has some obvious choices and a couple surprise inclusions, namely smartphones from Huawei given their recent challenges with trying to enter the U.S. market. It’s interesting to see that Samsung isn’t on the list either (yet).
That being said, this is a global list so maybe their inclusion shouldn’t be such a surprise after all. The initial list includes the following devices:
- BlackBerry KEYone and Motion
- Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL
- Huawei Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, and P smart
- LG V30 and G6
- Motorola X4 and Z2
- Nokia 8
- Sony Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XA2, and XA2 Ultra
More devices are expected to be added to the list in the coming weeks.
What do you think about Google’s Android Enterprise Recommended list? Is there a device on the list you think shouldn’t or vice versa? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”https://www.blog.google/products/android-enterprise/android-enterprise-recommended-raising-the-bar-of-excellence-for-enterprise-mobility/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Google[/button]
