Microsoft and Sharp strike licensing deal for use of exFAT technology in Android-based devices

[![][1] ][2]

Microsoft already has [licensing agreements][3] with the companies accounting for the [vast majority][4] of Android devices on the market, but it's not done just yet. The latest to come on board is Sharp, which has signed a deal that will allow it to use Microsoft's Extended File Allocation Table file system (otherwise known as exFAT) on its Android-based devices -- that's a slightly more specific agreement than most others, where the contents haven't been disclosed. While Sharp isn't exactly a major smartphone player here in North America, it is in Japan, where it had a [market share ][5]of 17.5 percent in 2011 (second only to Apple). As with other similar deals, this agreement with see Microsoft receive royalties on all Sharp Android devices sold, although neither party has commented on the specific terms. You can find the official word after the break.

[Continue reading _Microsoft and Sharp strike licensing deal for use of exFAT technology in Android-based devices_][2]

Filed under: [Cellphones][6], [Tablet PCs][7]

[Microsoft and Sharp strike licensing deal for use of exFAT technology in Android-based devices][2] originally appeared on [Engadget][8] on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:06:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds][9].

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[4]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/microsoft-lg-patent-license/
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