Microsoft and ASUS have announced a broadened patent licensing deal that will give ASUS access to more licensed technologies from Microsoft in its Android smartphones and tablets. According to the press release, it also appears that Microsoft Office services may come pre-installed on some ASUS devices as part of this deal as well. From Microsoft and ASUS:
The deal includes a broad cross-license covering, for example, ASUS Android-based phones and tablets and Microsoft software, devices and services. It paves the way for closer integration between the two companies, including pre-installation by ASUS of Microsoft Office productivity services on ASUS Android smartphones and tablets.
This isn't the first time Microsoft has struck a deal to have its Office suite pre-loaded on Android devices. Earlier this year, Microsoft also struck a deal with Samsung to have a swath of its services pre-loaded onto "select Android tablets," along with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
Source: Microsoft / ASUS
