Asus Android smartphones and tablets will now come with Microsoft Office pre-installed, following the expansion of an unknown existing private patent licensing agreement between the companies. This deal also includes other “innovative product solutions” but without any further explanations.

According to Nick Psyhogeos, President of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC, this agreement opens the door to facilitate technology sharing through mutual respect and alignment on intellectual property, although this sounds overly generous on the part of Microsoft.

Up to date, there are more than 20 manufacturers of Android devices, which has signed such deals with Microsoft, including Samsung, LG and Sony.

Over the last five years, we have seen two tech giants, Microsoft and Google, battling it out on the patent war field over phones and Xbox video. But apparently, a truce has been declared as we have seen all 20 lawsuits dropped last month and many are relieved to see this dispute ends.

A change in leadership at Microsoft brought about a different strategy for the company, as CEO Satya Nadella focuses on getting as many Microsoft products onto as many Android phones as possible in contrast with former Microsoft Chief, Steve Ballmer.

However, it causes speculations as to what kind of deal was made originally between Asus and Microsoft, as its existence was not actually known until after the news was announced.

More curiously, no details have ever been revealed concerning the terms of the settlement for the previous 20 outstanding lawsuits between Microsoft and Google, which leaves industry watchers wondering if there’s another shoe about to drop.

Source: Microsoft