Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is including a splash screen showing its logo in most of its application updates in an effort to keep Microsoft from encroaching on its space.
Over the past few years, Microsoft has been using its cloud-based software to enhance its presence in the Android scene. The company has been using Microsoft branded apps such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Since Microsoft introduced these apps for Android, Google’s applications have been receiving more attention and Microsoft does not feel happy about that.
The heavy competition from Microsoft has forced Google to include a splash screen showing its brand name when opening the applications. Google had earlier discouraged splash screens because they took up time when opening applications. The company now claims that the splash screens will show its logo during app launch. They will take advantage of the short duration of time that is available as applications open on the mobile devices.
Google claims that future application updates will host the splash screen. The reason for bringing back the splash screen is behind branding reasons. The move is aimed at reminding users that Google is still in charge of the game and at the same time to encourage users to adopt Android applications rather than secondary apps from other developers like Microsoft. The company recently placed more attention on its Google Sheets to rival Microsoft’s Office.
Google also claims that branding the apps may be helpful to users who are not able to differentiate the products and services they are using. For example, it is easy for some to get confused between Microsoft’s Excel app and Google Sheets.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) clearly wants to maintain its dominance over applications and does not want to take any chances with competitive threats from the likes of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). The latter has taken a keen interest with the cloud, therefore allowing it to create software and for Android and iOS devices. Microsoft has thus had a lot of influence on the apps that are available for Android mobile devices. Therefore, Google does not feel happy about Microsoft encroaching on its territory.