Xiaomi: the latest Android manufacturer to shake hands with Microsoft

Xiaomi has become the latest Android manufacturer to reach a patent agreement with Microsoft.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but Xiaomi executive Hugo Barra and Microsoft confirmed that the deal includes a cross-license and patent transfer agreement.

How will Xiaomi users be affected by this deal?

The agreement will see Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype come preinstalled on Xiaomi phones and tablets, starting in September 2016.

Xiaomi devices set to receive the apps include the Mi Max, Mi 5, Mi 4s, Redmi Note 3 and the Redmi 3.

Microsoft noted that this wasn’t the first time it has worked with Xiaomi, saying that its Azure technology powers the Mi Cloud service.

In fact, an official Windows 10 Mobile ROM was released for the Mi 4 smartphone last year too.

“We are excited to be working closely with Microsoft on a broad technology collaboration partnership,” said Xiang Wang, senior vice president at Xiaomi, in a statement.

“As demonstrated by this agreement with Microsoft, Xiaomi is looking to build sustainable, long-term partnerships with global technology leaders, with the ultimate goal of bringing the best user experience to our Mi fans.”

The patent/app deal is just the latest Microsoft has struck with an Android OEM and sees Xiaomi join the likes of Samsung, Asus and Sony.