Windows will always be Microsoft’s biggest focus, but the company has been paying a lot of attention to Android recently. Not only has it acquired a bunch of Android apps, it’s even released its own, including a custom Android lock screen, but that may be just the beginning. When asked in a recent interview whether or not the company would consider developing its own Android distribution, Microsoft’s Julie Larson-Green said that it’s definitely not out of the question, and that it all depends on where Microsoft’s customers are.
Coming directly off its most celebrated product launch in years, Microsoft revealed some of its thinking around its continuing efforts to invade Android. Last week in Seattle, The Australian’s Chris Griffith asked the company’s Chief Experience Officer if Microsoft would consider creating its own Android distribution. “We’ll go wherever our customers are,” replied Julie Larson-Green. The intriguing answer adds an interesting dimension to Microsoft’s recent Android strategy, which remains difficult to pin down. Microsoft’s lack of success in mobile is no secret. And in response, the company’s multi-pronged Android push has emerged as a major hedge against the continuing challenges faced by Windows on mobile devices. For example, at BUILD 2015 Microsoft introduced developer tools designed to port Android and iOS apps to its Universal Windows Platform. The company has also discussed a partnership with Cyanogen to integrate Cortana and bundle Microsoft apps, negotiated dual-boot agreements with some OEMs, and used its patent position with Samsung to pre-install Microsoft apps on Android devices.
