Google accuses Microsoft of 'extortion' over Android

Yesterday, we learnt that South Korea-based Samsung Electronics, agreed to pay Microsoft, fees (royalty) for every Galaxy S II smartphone and, or Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet it shipped, since they were based on Android – a platform that infringes on patents Microsoft owns. Post finalizing the deal, Samsung has joined the likes of HTC, and probably Motorola Mobility in the days to come. However, this move by Microsoft has displeased Google so much so that the search giant referred to Microsoft's patent litigations with Samsung, HTC, among others as 'extortion'. A report in eWeek featured the comments by a Google spokesperson on this issue. 

Microsoft's trump card?

Clearly displeased, the spokesperson accused Microsoft of indulging in practices like this, as a compensation to its sinking presence in the smartphone market. The report further quoted the spokesperson saying that they (Microsoft) were resorting to legal issues to 'extort' profit from others, thereby coming in the way of innovation. Google is obviously not liking it one bit that rival Microsoft will earn each time an Android-based device ships.

Android has certainly carved its niche in an overcrowded mobile market, and giving it away to Microsoft is certainly not what it had planned for its green robot.