Microsoft - Android Community

Will Android ever compete with Xbox?

By Cory Gunther
on 21 May, 2013

Comparing something like the OUYA game-console at $99 vs the Xbox 360 isn't really what we'd consider fair. They are two entirely different platforms operating at very different levels. However, with the new Xbox on the horizon today we found ourselves wondering if Android will soon be able to compete with the Xbox, if ever. And we'd love to hear your thoughts too.

Microsoft Office Web Apps gain Android support

By Robert Nelson
on 8 May, 2013

Microsoft originally launched the Office Web Apps back in 2010. This launch had the web apps serving as companions to the full desktop Office experience, however improvements over the years have added mode features. Some of these improvements have dealt with collaboration and the ability to create documents and access Office content from a wide variety of devices.

BlueStacks Android-apps-on-Windows tops 10 million downloads

By Robert Nelson
on 6 May, 2013

The BlueStacks app player for Windows was released in beta form a little more than a year earlier. The software launched in beta towards the end of March 2012 and as of today it looks like the company is celebrating a new milestone. It seems they have crossed the 10 million download mark.

Switch to Windows Phone app greeted by Android mob with pitchforks

By Robert Nelson
on 1 May, 2013

A few days back we mentioned that Microsoft was planning to release a "Switch to Windows Phone" app. While we certainly aren't planning to leave Android, we do have to admit we were a bit curious to see just what the app would do. Well, at risk of giving the big spoiler in the beginning -- you cannot do all that much without actually having a Windows Phone in front of you. That said, the app launches with a splash screen and you are immediately taken to a rather long EULA.

Microsoft makes fun of Android vs iOS war – but still in last place

By Cory Gunther
on 29 Apr, 2013

Today a rather fun video was released from the folks at Microsoft making fun of the ongoing Android vs iOS battle that we're all enjoying. This new Windows Phone ads goes pretty far to try and get you to switch away from Android, but I doubt it has anyone fooled. While it was highly amusing, we won't be switching anytime soon.

Microsoft to tempt switchers with “Switch To Windows Phone” app

By Robert Nelson
on 25 Apr, 2013

We have seen some Windows Phone themed options come available in the Google Play Store in the past. One item was the Windows Phone 8 launcher. Microsoft also once tempted Android users by offering a Windows Phone 7 experience directly on their handset. According to a new report though, Microsoft is once again prepping another item to temp potential switchers.

ZTE signs Microsoft patent license agreement for Android

By Shane McGlaun
on 24 Apr, 2013

Microsoft continues to land significant patent license agreements with manufacturers of Android smartphones and tablets. The latest company to come on board with Microsoft and sign a patent license agreement is the ZTE. The company has signed an agreement licensing both Android and Chrome OS devices.

Microsoft signs Android Agreement with Hon Hai

By Shane McGlaun
on 17 Apr, 2013

At this point, I think we all know that Microsoft holds some key patents having to do with the Android and smartphones using the OS. So far, Microsoft has been successful in getting most of the largest Android smartphone and device makers in the world to sign patent agreements. There are some indications that Microsoft makes more money from these patent license agreements for Android than it does from its own smartphone operating system.

Microsoft head of mobile calls Android “kind of a mess” and touts Windows Phone

By Cory Gunther
on 16 Apr, 2013

Oh man, the juicy news just keeps flowing in from the AllThingsD conference going on today called Dive Into Mobile. From Facebook Home, Motorola stock Android devices, and much more but now we're turning our focus towards a few comments made by Microsoft's head of the mobile Windows Phone division. This dude claims Android is "still kind of a mess" and is touting just how awesome Windows Phone 8 truly is.

Microsoft Office for Android tipped for a fall 2014 arrival

By Robert Nelson
on 10 Apr, 2013

A look back at the topic of Microsoft Office for Android shows a long list of possible launch dates and an equally long list of launch delays. We did at one point see a series of leaked screenshots, however much of the focus seems to be on when the office suite will be arriving. On that note, this latest mention of Microsoft Office for Android talks of another potential release date.