Xiaomi agrees to pre-install Office and Skype on Android devices as part of new deal

Microsoft and Xiaomi are taking their relationship to the next level with a new deal that will see Microsoft Office and Skype ship pre-installed on future Xiaomi Android smartphones and tablets.

This deal will impact tens of millions of consumers and business customers mostly in China and India but also in other regions around the world where Xiaomi devices are consumed.

Xiaomi’s senior vice president, Xiang Wang, said of the new deal, “We are excited to be working closely with Microsoft on a broad technology collaboration partnership. As demonstrated by this agreement with Microsoft, Xiaomi is looking to build sustainable, long-term partnerships with global technology leaders, with the ultimate goal of bringing the best user experience to our Mi fans.”

Microsoft’s executive vice president of Business Development, Peggy Johnson, also spoke highly of the deal, stating that, “People want their favorite apps and experiences to work seamlessly on the device of their choice, and that’s exactly what this partnership offers. Together with Xiaomi, we’re bringing the very best in mobile productivity to millions more customers in China and around the world.”

The impact of this deal will begin being felt in September of this year with Xiaomi Android devices, including Mi 5, Mi Max, Mi 4s, Redmi Note 3 and Redmi 3,  shipping pre-installed with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype.

Microsoft’s apps are already available for download on Android devices in addition to iOS devices and, of course, their own Windows phone and PC platforms. For most users on Android and iOS though, they have to seek out Microsoft’s apps in their respective app stores to download them. Having the apps pre-installed on a smartphone or tablet increases an app’s userbase dramatically, as many users still choose to stick to the apps that come with the device and find looking for alternatives too cumbersome. This is why most Android users use Google apps, iOS users use Apple apps, and Windows users use Microsoft apps.

Are you a fan of Xiaomi hardware and will this affect you? Let us know in the comments below.

Further reading: Android, Microsoft, Office, Office 365, Skype, Xiaomi