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Microsoft apps to come pre-loaded on future Lenovo devices
Microsoft has announced a new partnership with manufacturer Lenovo, which will see a selection of the company’s productivity apps come pre-loaded on future select Lenovo Android devices. The apps set to make an appearance include Microsoft’s Office suite, OneDrive, and Skype.
Exact details about the deal are being kept under wraps, but this type of patent cross-licensing agreement sees Microsoft give up is usual royalty collections from software in order to push its apps directly in front of consumers. Given that Microsoft has taken a big step back from smartphone hardware and is now much more focused on mobile services and customer engagement, such a deal is one of few avenues open to Microsoft in order to push its products directly in front of consumers. This deal is particularly significant though, as Lenovo is one of the largest manufacturers in China, giving Microsoft access to another huge market.
The limited details available at this stage don’t mention anything about which upcoming Lenovo devices will receive the pre-installed software yet. However, Microsoft states that the deal will affect both Lenovo and Motorola branded devices.
This isn’t the first software deal that Microsoft has done with an Android manufacturer regarding pre-loaded apps. ASUS, LG, Samsung, Sony, and Xaiomi have all been linked to similar schemes before. Although consumers haven’t usually appreciated the extra bloatware in the past, and I don’t expect that things will be any different this time around either.
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Lenovo and Microsoft deepen strategic ties across devices
REDMOND, Wash. and BEIJING, Aug. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft Corp. and Lenovo announced on Friday a deepening of their strategic relationship. Lenovo will load Microsoft’s productivity apps — including Microsoft Office, OneDrive and Skype — on select Lenovo devices that use the Android™ operating system. Lenovo expects to ship millions of these Android-based devices worldwide over the next several years. This expanded collaboration between Microsoft and Lenovo also includes a patent cross-licensing agreement that covers Lenovo and Motorola devices.
“Microsoft’s thrilled that our productivity apps will be pre-installed on Lenovo’s premium devices,” said Nick Parker, corporate vice president OEM Division, Microsoft. “The marriage of Microsoft’s apps and Lenovo’s Android-based devices will enable customers around the world to be more productive, more connected and achieve even more.”
“Our collaboration with Microsoft will create new opportunities for our customers to take advantage of some of Microsoft’s most popular apps,” said Christian Eigen, Leader of Corporate Alliances, Lenovo. “Installing Microsoft apps and services on our devices will bring additional value to consumers around the globe.”
Microsoft’s commitment to licensing IP
The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 licensing agreements. More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$45 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including Motorola), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.
About Microsoft Technology Licensing
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and license Microsoft’s patent portfolio.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. MOTOROLA is a trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.
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