Android Just Got More Expensive: Microsoft Cuts Samsung Deal

Apps & Software

Published: September 28, 2011 8:49 am

One of the attractions of Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android operating system is that it is open source. That makes it free to use for manufacturers. That advantages has begun to go away. Samsung just closed a deal with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) to cover patents related to Android which are held by the world’s largest software company

“Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform,” Redmond said.

The concern that the many companies that use Android now have is that Microsoft will insist on similar deals. These could cost several dollars per handset for IP rights.

Android is, by most measures, the most widely used mobile OS in many countries. It just became a lot less attractive.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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