JUST over a month ago Microsoft officials made it clear that the patent war against Android was still on. Now it's confirmed by actions.
Today's post is reactionary, as usual, and it will be about Microsoft extortion. We shall provide some background information to help explain why European regulators should put Microsoft on trial instead of taking Microsoft's lobbying in Europe seriously, imposing fines on Google and acting as Google watchdogs."Xiaomi is the latest victim, but to Microsoft the high-prized deal would be with Huawei, which is a growing force and dominant OEM in the Android domain."More patent extortion from Microsoft serves to remind us that there is no strategic change at Microsoft. Microsoft cannot coexist with Linux and leave it alone/live in peace; it cannot help itself, it's a scorpion (riding on a tortoise/turtle as per the famous parable) and it just keeps pinching that which it's exploiting for a free ride (Android in this case) while relying on regulators -- through lobbying -- to prevent defensive reaction from Google. Horacio Gutierrez may be gone, but nothing substantial happened or changed. Don't believe for a second that just because Microsoft's patent Mafia don has left it somehow means the extortion strategy stopped. Microsoft never rescinded or withdrew this, except on April 1st (as a prank).
For those who are not sure what Microsoft is doing here, how it misleads the media, and what it means in practical terms, see this article about Acer. The above is repetition of the same strategy. They are putting lipstick on a pig again.
"This has nothing to do with access to services, it's just how they dress up patent extortion and the coercion which comes with it."In short, Microsoft tells Xiaomi, "do what we say or we'll sue you with patents." In other words, Microsoft threatens litigation and gives a "get out" clause (make Android become just a Microsoft platform). Having just killed Windows on mobile, this is all Microsoft has left. It uses blackmail tactics to impose its malware/spyware on potentially billions of phones. The 'official' announcement says this:
Microsoft Corp. and Xiaomi Inc. have expanded their global partnership to provide innovative user experiences on mobile devices. As part of the agreement, Xiaomi will ship Microsoft Office and Skype on Xiaomi Android smartphones and tablets. As a result, tens of millions of consumers and business customers in China, India and around the world will have new ways to work, collaborate and communicate. The companies’ new collaboration also includes a cross-license and patent transfer agreement.
Comments
dennis.cellodude
2016-06-02 01:48:36
Having read this article, I'm definitely going for Huawei. I consider myself fortunate to have been pointed here by Linux Today.
DL