Google CEO says Microsoft can ‘hassle’ partners with patent threats, but won’t stop Android

By Jeffrey Van Camp October 14, 2011

Larry Page — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google reported record third quarter earnings yesterday, but CEO Larry Page wasn’t all happy. When asked about Microsoft, he did not hold back, saying that the company is bullying manufacturing partners into paying it and has introduced a sort of “Android tax” on hardware makers.

“Rather than seeing Microsoft compete in the marketplace with their own phones, they continue resorting to legal measures to hassle their own customers,” said Page, according to Electronista. “We haven’t seen the details of those agreements and I assume our partners are making good deals for themselves. We see Android growing gangbusters and we don’t see anything that will stop that.”

Microsoft could be taking in as much as $400 million in Android licensing fees. The software maker has signed deals with HTC and Samsung, collecting an estimated $5 – $10 for every Android handset those manufacturers sell. Manufacturers are possibly agreeing to the deals because they do not believe they can face Microsoft in court. Either that or Microsoft is offering other incentives. We do not know.

Commenting on other companies suing Android manufacturers, like Apple and Oracle, Page said Google is “serious” about protecting Android, but didn’t specify how: “We see our partners and our ecosystem growing hugely. Ultimately other companies actions will alienate their customers,” Page asserted. “We’re serious about protecting the Android ecosystem.”

Eventually, Google is going to have to do less talking and more walking if it’s really serious about protecting Android.

Topics

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Mobile

How to find your phone number on iPhone or Android

Rebtel Calling

If you're here, you've likely just had this experience; needing to enter your digits for an account of some sort, you realize you don't remember your own phone number. As you don’t call your own phone number very often, this isn't an extremely uncommon scenario. And it gets even worse if you frequently use a second phone number alongside your main one. It's still embarrassing enough, however, to not want to ask your partner or buddy, "Hey, what's my phone number?"

Luckily, the ability to locate phone number data comes directly on your phone, so checking your friend's address book won't be necessary. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, you can quickly locate your own number — as well as your IMEI number — on your phone if you know where to look. Just grab your phone, find the appropriate section below, and we'll show you how to do it.
How to find your phone number on iPhone

Mobile

I can’t wait for Nothing to launch this stunning phone

Nothing Community Edition Project winner.

Say what you will about Nothing, but this brand certainly has a taste for flashy design. After all, how many phones out there light up and sync to the beat of music? But the company's latest smartphone endeavor could just be its best yet.

In March, Nothing introduced its Community Edition Project. The goal was to take ideas from its fans for hardware design, with the Nothing Phone 2a serving as the foundation. The company also has similar plans for wallpaper, packaging, and marketing shenanigans. Today, Nothing announced its winning entry for the phone design, and it’s a stunner.

Mobile

The best tablets in 2024: top 11 tablets you can buy now

Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

As much as we love having the best smartphones in our pockets, there are times when those small screens don't cut it and we just need a larger display. That's when you turn to a tablet, which is great for being productive on the go and can be a awesome way to unwind and relax too. While the tablet market really took off after the iPad, it has grown to be quite diverse with a huge variety of products — from great budget options to powerhouses for professionals.

We've tried out a lot of tablets here at Digital Trends, from the workhorses for pros to tablets that are made for kids and even seniors -- there's a tablet for every person and every budget. For most people, though, we think Apple's iPad Air is the best overall tablet — especially if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. But if you're not an Apple user, that's fine too; there are plenty of other great options that you'll find in this roundup.