Microsoft has patent licensing agreements with most of the Android device manufacturers out there. The latest addition is Sharp which is licensing Microsoft’s exFAT file system for use in Android devices.
The Extended File Allocation Table file system (exFAT) provides various advantages like seamless interoperability between Windows and OS X platforms for files in excess of 4 GB. In addition it increases the maximum file size which can be handled by devices by up to 5 times.
Microsoft says: “exFAT is a modern file system that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability for an easy interchange of files between desktop PCs and other electronic devices.It also greatly increases the speed with which those files can be accessed. This agreement allows Sharp to continue to stay ahead of the curve and give people around the world entertainment and productivity experiences that truly fit their lifestyles.”
Sharp enjoys 17.5 percent market share in Japan and Microsoft will be receiving royalties on all Sharp Android devices sold.