Microsoft Adds ViewSonic, Acer to its Android Cash Grab
Microsoft has reached licensing agreements with ViewSonic and Acer that will see the two companies pay the computer giant an undisclosed fee for every Android device sold. The news, which Microsoft confirmed today, follows similar deals struck with companies such as HTC, deals that provide the software maker with an estimated three to five times the revenue earned from sales of their own Windows Phone platform. The licensing deals also cover upcoming devices using Google’s Chrome OS.
Microsoft is quick to point out that their method of solving intellectual property disputes is “commercially reasonable” to “address Android’s IP issues,” perhaps taking a jab at competitor Apple’s insistence on suing first, settling later. Microsoft is perfectly happy leaving the competition on the market — rather than forcing sales bans — provided they can turn a few dollars off of it.
[via BGR]