Google releases a refreshed Quickoffice for Android and iOS -- for free

When I bought the first-generation iPad in 2010, I intended to use it for taking notes in college classes. Unfortunately, the iPad didn't come with an office suite and Microsoft's was not available. And so, I was forced to try a bunch of alternatives. Ultimately, I found one that stood out among the rest -- Quickoffice. I found it to be complete and a pleasure to use.

While my iPad is long gone, Quickoffice has followed me to Android with great results. However, Google bought my beloved Quickoffice in June 2012 and I became very nervous. My concern was that the software development would cease under Google's leadership. I am happy to say that my concerns were for naught -- Google announces today that QuickOffice has been updated and is now free.

"Starting today we’re making Quickoffice for Android and iOS available for free, for everyone. With Quickoffice, you can edit Microsoft Office documents across your devices, giving you the freedom to work with anyone no matter what hardware or software they’re using. Plus, it’s integrated with Google Drive storage so you can safely access your files from anywhere", says the search giant.

The company further says, "while we’re on the topic of free stuff, if you sign in to your Google Account from the new Quickoffice app for Android or iOS by September 26, 2013, you'll get an extra 10GB of Google Drive storage for two years, which will be added to your account in the next few weeks".

In other words, not only is the software improved and free but you will also be gifted 10GB of cloud storage just for trying the app. Even if you don't have a need for Quickoffice, you might as well try it to score the free storage.

In my testing, I found the new Quickoffice to be a dream on both my Android smartphone and tablet. As a Google Drive user, I can now share and edit my documents between Android and my Mac, Chromebook and Windows machines with more ease and style than before. The fact that it is free is just icing on the cake.

Unfortunately for Microsoft, this may be the final nail in the coffin for Office on iPhone and Android phones. After all, unlike the Redmond company's offering, Google's Quickoffice does not require a subscription and is available for Android tablets and the iPad (in full-screen).

Download Quickoffice for Android here.
Download Quickoffice for iPhone and iPad here.