Microsoft to bundle its apps onto premium Lenovo Android devices

Deal part of ongoing relationship between firms

Microsoft has signed a deal to bundle its software onto Lenovo devices running Android as the company continues a push to put its apps in the hands of as many end users as possible.

The Microsoft apps include Office, OneDrive and Skype, and are part of an expansion of a patent agreement between Microsoft, Lenovo and Lenovo's Motorola brand.

Lenovo, which is no stranger to bloatware, hasn't confirmed which Android devices will ship with the added Microsoft wares, but has said that it expects to sell "millions" of preloaded devices over the next few years.

However, Nick Parker, corporate vice president of Microsoft's OEM division, explained that the company's apps are likely to appear on Lenovo's high-end Android devices.

"Microsoft is thrilled that our productivity apps will be pre-installed on Lenovo's premium devices," he said.

"The marriage of Microsoft's apps and Lenovo's Android-based devices will enable customers around the world to be more productive, more connected and achieve even more."

Christian Eigen, leader of corporate alliances at Lenovo, added: "Our collaboration with Microsoft will create new opportunities for our customers to take advantage of some of Microsoft's most popular apps.

"Installing Microsoft apps and services on our devices will bring additional value to consumers around the globe."

Lenovo isn't the only company that Microsoft has roped in to flog its apps. The company currently has 75 Android manufacturers signed up to similar deals, including big-name firms Dell, Samsung and Xiaomi. µ