Microsoft inks another clever Android patent deal, this time with Samsung
I’m not even sure why Microsoft is bothering with its own mobile OS at this point. After all, it’s making more than enough money from Android. Screw Windows Phone 7.
Microsoft owns some patents which could be considered infringed upon by the Android operating system. However, unlike Apple, which also has patents which could be considered infringed upon by Android, Microsoft has sought to make deals with those manufacturers producing Android handsets. And doing so is turning out to be quite the little money-spinner for Redmond. Apple has, it should be noted, offered the olive branch to some companies, but sued others.
This week saw Microsoft ink another of these patent deals, this time with Samsung. And it’s the biggest one to date. It is, first and foremost, a cross-licensing deal, which means Microsoft acquires the use of Samsung’s patents, and vice-versa. But this deal also means Samsung will pay Microsoft a royalty for every handset or tablet running Android that it sells. And with Samsung being the second-largest Android handset manufacturer in the U.S., that’s a lot of devices and a lot of revenue. Incidentally, Microsoft already has a similar deal in place with the largest Android handset manufacturer HTC.
A simple math equation noted a few months ago suggests Microsoft is making more money from Android than it is from Windows Phone 7, and I can’t see that situation changing any time soon.
The third part of the agreement sees Samsung committing to participate in the development and marketing of Windows Phone 7. So in essence, Microsoft wins now (being better protected from outside attack), wins in the short-term (by making money on every Android phone sold), and wins in the longterm (by securing for manufacturers committed to Windows Phone 7). Say what you will about Microsoft but it sure knows how to do business.
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October 1st, 2011
LOL! Look at how desperate blood sucking Microsuck really is!
Microsuck is so dumb making it self look bad if not worse. It is Samsung that is clever!
Dave, you forget another part of the equation here and its a compny named after a fruit!
All the other Android OEms can handle a lazy & dumb corporation like Microsuckfest….with no sweat but not a thinking company like Steve Job’s Apple.
Apple is the real deal here not Microsuck. Samsung and HTC is wise enough to use M$ patents and resources against Apple not Microsuck.
Microsuck does not hold a candle against Google so it is settling or extorting for change from the poor OEMs.
Samsung is clever to play along with blood sucking Microsuck but in the end Google & Samsung will will prevail.
October 1st, 2011
Google will always be my best friend because their friendship is free. Google & Android is like free radio and tv.
Apple is okay but sometimes its very expensive neighbor. Microsuck has became evil and a extortionist bully with Ballmer at the front yard.
Its always a three-way battle Apple vs Google vs Microsuck.
Nothing is gonna stand in the way of freedom!