Microsoft has been benefiting from Android for some time. They rake in the patent dough from all the manufacturers who produce an Android device. In the past HTC, Velocity Micro, General Dynamics, Acer and Viewsonic and now Samsung. In a press release this morning Microsoft stated that “signed a definitive agreement with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., to cross-license the patent portfolios of both companies, providing broad coverage for each company’s products. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform. In addition, the companies agreed to cooperate in the development and marketing of Windows Phone.”
It’s rumoured that HTC pays Microsoft $15 per Android device, but the talk is that since this Samsung will produce Windows Phone handsets that the price for them will fall to $10 per device. “Microsoft and Samsung see the opportunity for dramatic growth in Windows Phone and we’re investing to make that a reality… Microsoft believes in a model where all our partners can grow and profit based on our platform.”
Perhaps Microsoft will go after RIM next.
Source: Phandroid
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