Microsoft reportedly receives $5 every time HTC sells an Android phone, leading some observers to conclude that Microsoft makes more money from Android than its own Windows Phone 7 platform.
Microsoft patent division taking cash from at least 5 Android vendors
One of Microsoft's hottest new profit centers is a smartphone platform you've definitely heard of: Android.
Google's Linux-based mobile operating system is a favorite target for Microsoft's patent attorneys, who are suing numerous Android vendors and just today announced that another manufacturer has agreed to write checks to Microsoft every time it ships an Android device.
Microsoft hates Android, but claims "We love open source"
Microsoft's latest target is Wistron Corp., which has signed a patent agreement "that provides broad coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for Wistron's tablets, mobile phones, e-readers and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome platform," Microsoft announced.
You won't find Wistron devices in a Google Shopping search or on Amazon.com, because the company builds components for other brands. The existence of both Android and Chrome in the latest patent agreement shows Microsoft is going after Google products on multiple fronts. Chrome OS laptops, or "Chromebooks," recently hit the market from Samsung and Acer and contain the Chrome browser running on top of Linux.
Microsoft patent division taking cash from at least 5 Android vendors
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