Microsoft apps now come with Android devices from 74 companies

According to report from Engadget Microsoft has announced that its apps are now bundled with current and future Android devices from 74 companies, including newcomer Acer as well as ASUS, LG, Samsung and Sony. That's a healthy boost from 31 vendors last year. There are bound to be gaps in coverage, but the odds are now fairly high that you'll find the Office suite, OneDrive, Skype and other Redmond-made tools on your brand new smartphone or tablet.

As is usually the case, though, this isn't coming out of sheer eagerness to embrace Microsoft's vision. The Windows maker notes that "IP alignment" is a key factor here -- to put it another way, these companies are bundling Microsoft apps in part to avoid patent disputes over their use of Android. They do stand to profit from the deal, but it's clear that Microsoft is using its leverage to get its apps and services on as many gadgets as possible.