Microsoft Finalizes Android Patent Deal with HTC

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it has signed a deal with phone handset maker HTC, which will carry the Android operating system by Google on their phones. Microsoft did not reveal exactly what the HTC deal entailed.

The Microsoft deal cements the company with Google and Android, who at the current time does not charge any other carriers for the software. HTC is also the maker of the new Nexus One, which is also produced by Google.

The HTC deal puts an end to the rumor that Microsoft would declare a lawsuit against HTC. Microsoft owns nearly 600 computer software patents and has similar deals with manufactures throughout the world. There is no word if Microsoft will have any direct connection with the Android OS itself.

The Microsoft and Google deal should create opportunity for more and better applications for the the Android operating system and for Nexus One smartphones. The Nexus One has come into the market in the past two months and early indications of sales show a boom throughout the world. The iPhone, Apple’s top selling smartphone, has dominated the market but the Microsoft/Google deal looks to show bigger and better competition for them.