Foxconn Will Now Pay Microsoft for Every Android Device It Makes

Microsoft and Foxconn, the world's largest manufacturer of consumer electronics, just made a deal that will give Microsoft a cut of every Android device Foxconn makes.

The terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but Microsoft did say it would be getting royalties from Hon Hai, the parent company of Foxconn, under the agreement. Foxconn assembles about 40% of the world's electronic devices; it follows in the steps of other contract manufacturers — notably Pegatron — that also have deals with Microsoft to build devices that run Android and Chrome operating systems.

Although Google is the chief architect and ostensible owner of the Android platform, Microsoft holds several key patents behind its operation. Besides contract manufacturers, several Android device makers — including Samsung, LG and HTC — have agreed to pay royalties to Microsoft to use Android in their products. Read more...