Microsoft recently announced a collaboration with Cyanogen (an Android custom mod) that will allow the software giant to feature its apps on Android phones. This new effort by the Windows firm indicates its effort to pick up market share in the $1 trillion smartphone market. For now, Microsoft Windows Phones have struggled to make any significant mark, and only hold around 3% of the total smartphone market.
Microsoft not manufacturing Android-based phones
Under the partnership, the Windows maker will be able to install its apps such as Outlook, Office, Bing, Skype, etc., on Cyanogen-operated Android phones. These apps, unlike most of the apps that come pre-installed on the phones, will not be ‘shoved down one’s throat’, according Vivian Lee, the company’s spokesperson. Instead, a user will be provided with the suggestion to use these apps whenever they might seem to support the consumer’s interests. Moreover, once installed, these apps could easily be uninstalled or replaced unlike other apps that cannot be deleted.
This Microsoft-Cyanogen partnership will not affect the operating system in existing devices, Lee told Wired. Microsoft has already debunked rumors suggesting the company plans to manufacture Cyanogen-integrated phones. The software giant stated that it has no intention of doing so in the near future.
Win-win deal
Microsoft will be able to aid Cyanogen in its efforts to open up Android for a variety of mobile platforms. This means the firm will be able to reach a larger number of consumers that are Android users, which will, in turn, help the company to increase its market share.
This is not Microsoft’s only effort to widen its scope, as previously the company has made efforts to expand by launching the Outlook and Office Suites service for the iPhone and the Android phones. But this recent announcement is a huge step for Microsoft. Furthermore, the growing popularity of Skype, and the millions of dollars that the Windows maker is getting from its Android patents will help the bottom line.
