According to Reuters, Motorola and Microsoft [MSFT] have formed a partnership that will see Microsoft’s Bing as the default search engine on Motorola handsets, and also bring Microsoft’s Maps to their smartphones.
It looks like the first phone which will feature the new service will launch in China within the next few weeks, with the possibility of expansion into other countries.
Strategic Move Amidst China-Google Dispute
As China and Google are in dispute over Google’s search, this deal makes sense as Motorola will be able to launch smartphones with search built-in in China. The ongoing tensions between Google and China have created a unique opportunity for Microsoft to step in and offer its services. By integrating Bing and Microsoft Maps, Motorola can ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid the complications that Google has faced in the region.
This strategic move could potentially give Microsoft a significant foothold in the Chinese market, where Google’s services have been restricted. It also allows Motorola to differentiate its products in a highly competitive market by offering a unique set of features powered by Microsoft.
Potential Global Expansion
It is not clear whether we will see Bing as the default search in other countries like the US and the UK, although this could be a possibility as we have already seen AT&T’s first Android-powered smartphone launch with Yahoo Search. This indicates that there is a precedent for Android devices to feature non-Google search engines, and Microsoft could leverage this trend to expand its reach.
As Android is an open platform, manufacturers can choose exactly what sort of applications and default search providers they want to install on their smartphones when they are shipped. This flexibility allows companies like Motorola to experiment with different partnerships and service integrations to find the best fit for their target markets.
If Microsoft is paying manufacturers to use Bing, we could end up seeing more and more Android smartphone makers switching from Google Search. This could lead to a more diverse ecosystem of search engines on Android devices, providing users with more options and potentially driving innovation in search technology.
Moreover, the integration of Microsoft Maps could offer a robust alternative to Google Maps, which is currently the dominant mapping service on Android devices. Microsoft Maps has been steadily improving, and its inclusion on Motorola smartphones could help it gain more traction among users.
In addition to the potential benefits for Microsoft and Motorola, this partnership could also have broader implications for the tech industry. It could signal a shift towards more collaboration between major tech companies, as they seek to leverage each other’s strengths to compete more effectively in the global market.
Overall, this partnership between Motorola and Microsoft represents a significant development in the smartphone industry. It highlights the importance of strategic alliances and the potential for innovation that comes from combining the strengths of different companies. As the partnership unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the competitive landscape and what new opportunities it creates for both companies.
via Phandroid
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