Asus and Microsoft strike up another deal regarding licensing between the two companies, further integrating the two tech companies closer. Microsoft also says that it already shares a preexisting agreement with Asus that does not involve Android.

Microsoft has been signing patents and making deals with Chrome, Android and Linux device manufacturers, settling multiple and preventing potential disputes over the years. But on Oct. 1, 2015, other than announcing an "expansion of an early patent licensing agreement" with Asus, Microsoft says that the Taiwan tech company will now come with preinstalled Microsoft Office apps on its smartphones and tablets.

"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," Nick Psyhogeos, president of Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC, said.

In 2014, rumors said that Asus reportedly stopped laptop-tablet hybrids because of Microsoft, as the devices included a feature to dual boot to Windows. But the new developments between the two companies could signify that they are now on more amicable terms, hoping to provide even stronger innovations in the future with their collaboration. However, they both declined to comment about the issue they had.

This is similar to what happened between Microsoft and Samsung before, involving a patent dispute too. After the two companies settled matters in February 2015, Samsung agreed to include preinstalled Microsoft Office apps on its tablets in May 2015, becoming one of the many Android vendors who also agreed to include Microsoft's productivity apps on their tablets. They also declined to comment anything about the issue.

Microsoft seems to be more inclined to peaceful solutions nowadays, gearing toward potential collaborations. Counting Asus, there are now 30 Android makers that have agreed to include preinstalled Microsoft Office apps in their devices.

Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr

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