Microsoft and Acer expand partnership
Microsoft and Acer have expanded their global partnership to bring more mobile productivity services to more consumers.
From the second half of 2016, Acer will begin pre-installing Microsoft services and apps on its portfolio of Android smartphones and tablets. Specifically, customers will gain access to productivity tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype on select Android smartphones and tablets from Acer.
"We're excited to partner with Microsoft to provide enhanced mobile productivity to our products," says ST Liew, Acer Smart Products Business Group president.
"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," he says.
Nick Psyhogeos, Microsoft Technology Licencing president, says, "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."
The patent agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant technology ecosystem, according to the company.
Since Microsoft launched its IP licencing program in December 2003, it has entered into more than 1,200 licencing agreements. Microsoft Technology Licencing LLC was formed in 2014 to acquire, manage and licence Microsoft's patent portfolio.
