Microsoft has been aggressively trying to get its Android apps to more users on the platform. The company has been working closely with device manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Sony to strike deals that will see these manufacturers preinstall some of its popular apps on their phones and tablets.
Microsoft is not going to bank on these three manufacturers only as that would not make any business sense. The company has gone out of its way to court Acer to see the company pack up some of its apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Skype, OneNote, and OneDrive on its future Android smartphones and tablets. The deal will kick off as from the second half of this year so you should be getting the apps on Acer devices from then.
This partnership is very strategic for the two companies and Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing, said, “We’re pleased that we have been able to enhance the already strong partnership that exists between Microsoft and Acer. Mutually beneficial and collaborative agreements such as this one promote innovation and lead to better products and experiences for consumers.”
Acer is not your biggest smartphone manufacturer out there but you probably know that it is easier to work with the small name manufacturers than the big one. Acer also has its own fans and these are the ones Microsoft is targeting with this new deal. For Microsoft, getting people to use its apps (on Android) is the second best thing if they do not decide to buy its Lumia branded smartphones. As long as you use its products or services, Microsoft is happy.
Acer on its part is also excited with this partnership. “We’re excited to partner with Microsoft to provide enhanced mobile productivity to our products,” said ST Liew, president of Acer Smart Products Business Group. “By integrating the Microsoft software suite, Acer customers will enjoy productivity on-the-go along with the familiar computing experience on their smartphones and tablets.”
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