Android L to have Samsung Knox integrated as standard

Android L will have Samsung's secured Knox container integrated as standard, as Google tries to enhance its mobile enterprise credentials.

The decision by Samsung to allow Google to bake Knox directly into Android L, means the Korean firm no longer has a competitive advantage in the enterprise space.

Going forward, all major Android manufacturers will be able to get the "Android for Work" certification from Google and supply devices to businesses. Google is promising to release an app that will bring the functionality to devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and beyond.

"We really want to thank Samsung as they've contributed all of their work with Knox to the Android platform so it's one consistent story across all devices," said Sundar Pichai during the Google I/O keynote.

Developed by Samsung, Knox allows users to separate business and personal applications without any need to modify existing apps.

The Knox container supports two-factor authentication, VPN+, certification management and hardware such the fingerprint scanner on the Samsung Galaxy S5. Single sign-on is also supported so IT admins can easily purchase and deploy business apps to employees.

Knox devices can also be managed by third-party apps from firms such as CA Technologies and Good Technology.

So far Samsung Knox has been certified for use within the US Government and Department of Defence. The launch of Android for Work is likely to spell trouble for BlackBerry, which is now entirely focused on providing devices to the enterprise and has already seen its market share eroded by Windows Phone.