Microsoft to sell pre-loaded Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ from US Microsoft Stores

Yesterday the internet was buzzing when Samsung announced the next generation of Galaxy devices, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+. While the hype storm surrounding the phones has died down a bit, some Windows Phone loyalists might have cause for a storm of their own, as Microsoft is reported to begin selling pre-loaded Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ from their US retail Stores (via The Verge)

According to the latest reports, Microsoft will sell their own customized version of the Samsung Galaxy S8, dubbed the “Samsung Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition.” Available for purchase on April 21st, the new Samsung phones are now eligible for pre-order today at US Microsoft retail stores and will include Microsoft apps and services preloaded. Asides from the pre-loaded apps, it would appear that the Microsoft customized Galaxy S8 phones are otherwise the same version seen in other retail stores. A Microsoft spokesperson provided the following statement in regards to the Samsung devices.

“A Microsoft customization is applied to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ Microsoft Edition when the devices are unboxed and connected to Wi-Fi… This customization ensures customers a best-in-class productivity experience with Microsoft applications such as Office, OneDrive, Cortana, Outlook and more”

While Microsoft and Samsung have had disputes over royalties in the past, things have since settled, since the two have apparently reached a new deal involving the Galaxy S8. Microsoft also previously bundled their apps on the Samsung Galaxy S6, but the latest news that the company would actually sell physical Android phones in their retail store is definitely interesting.  Could this be Microsoft’s way of expanding its reach into one of Android’s most popular phone lines? Let us know your thoughts below.

Further reading: Microsoft Store, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition