Xiaomi devices to come with Microsoft Office and Skype pre-installed; companies strike patent cross-licensing deal as well

Chinese smartphone market leader Xiaomi and software giant Microsoft has signed a new deal that will see the companies cross-licensing patents. This was announced by Xiaomi's VP Hugo Barra on Twitter.

As part of the deal, Xiaomi will also ship Microsoft Office and Skype on a number of its Android handsets starting September 2016. The device list includes the Mi 5, Mi Max, Mi 4s, Redmi Note 3, and Redmi 3.

"We are excited to be working closely with Microsoft on a broad technology collaboration partnership," said Xiaomi. "As demonstrated by this agreement with Microsoft, Xiaomi is looking to build sustainable, long-term partnerships with global technology leaders, with the ultimate goal of bringing the best user experience to our Mi fans."

Commenting on the partnership, Microsoft said, “People want their favorite apps and experiences to work seamlessly on the device of their choice, and that’s exactly what this partnership offers.”

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