A new deal reached between Asus and Microsoft now means that Office software can now be pre installed on Asus Android tablets and phones. If you have been wanting MS Office on a ZenPad, that should be coming in the near future. Without getting too technical, this is a patent licensing deal between Asus and Microsoft. The press release goes on to say, “It paves the way for closer integration between the two companies.”
Asus have been risk takers in the past when in comes to pushing boundaries and innovation. If you look at what Microsoft is saying about this agreement, it could mean some interesting products and software integration within the Android ecosystem. Sure, most of the press commentary on this agreement has been about Microsoft Offiice on Asus Android devices, but clearly this agreement has more implications.
“This agreement delivers significant value for both companies. Beyond ensuring continued improvements to our products, it opens the door to the kind of collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS made possible only through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property,” said Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC.
Another interesting statement from the Microsoft press release:
“The agreement also facilitates technology sharing toward the development of new, innovative product solutions.”
If you love Asus products, this should be exciting news. We could try and speculate on what sort of collaboration might take place or what type of innovative product solutions that they have in mind. We know one thing. Asus aren’t going to hold back on pushing new ideas and product onto the marketplace. With this deal, 2016 should be interesting, especially withe Computex 2016 which is where Asus loves to show off ground breaking ideas and products.