Microsoft will sell Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ “Microsoft Edition” phones in Microsoft Stores.
The “Microsoft Edition” of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices will come along with all the Microsoft apps like Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Outlook, Cortana, Skype, LinkedIn, Wunderlist, OneNote, Bing, Groove, MSN News and more. Potential buyers can visit any Microsoft Store near them to check or buy a Samsung Galaxy S8 with all the Microsoft apps.
A Microsoft spokesperson detailed the version to Engadget, explaining that “Microsoft Edition arranges those productivity applications on the home screen and provides additional accessibility to other Microsoft-owned applications.”
According to the official statement provided by Microsoft to Thurrott, the consumers who buy Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices will receive a custom Microsoft image after the purchase. This image will not be pre-loaded on the smartphone and instead, Microsoft Store associates will help the customers set up their device in store.
This move by both the companies will help each other as Microsoft wants consumers to install its apps and use its services. On the other hand, Samsung also wants Galaxy S8 to be successful after the debacle that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was for the company. Microsoft’s apps and services are also a great option to use when the S8 is paired with the Dex desktop dock.
After the failure that Microsoft Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile was, this can be seen as Microsoft’s attempt to move past the failure and a move towards its mobile-first services strategy. As part of the strategy, the company partnered with Samsung back in 2015 to bundle Microsoft apps in Samsung smartphones.
But with the launch of Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, both the companies have stepped up their partnership to a whole new level. One important thing to note is that Microsoft has opened Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ for pre-orders before the launch on 21 April.
Another thing to note is that the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ “Microsoft Edition” smartphones will include Cortana alongside Bixby and Google Assistant.
Publish date: March 31, 2017 11:09 am| Modified date: March 31, 2017 11:09 am