Microsoft demanding Android payment from Samsung

Microsoft is apparently demanding a payment of $15 USD for every Samsung handset the company makes that uses Google’s Android operating system.

Samsung is more than likely going to seek to reduce the payment to around $10, as it would like to improve its relationship with Microsoft.

According to Game Politics, “Microsoft holds a number of patents related to Android, and is using them to earn millions of dollars each year.

In April 0f 2010 Microsoft reached a licensing deal with Taiwan’s HTC Corp, under which it would receive royalty payments of $5 per handset. Since 2003, Microsoft has secured licensing agreements with more 700 companies.”

Not everybody is happy with the arrangement Microsoft has with the companies, as many see it as a way for Microsoft to interfere with the market, making Android-based handsets more expensive.

The company may also be seeking publicity (since the release of their new mobile OS), and by pushing up Android prices; more users might opt for their system instead.

Charlie Fripp