Moto M likely the first Motorola Android phone with bundled Microsoft Apps

A month ago we reported that Microsoft and Lenovo entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement that covers Lenovo and Motorola devices running Android OS which also included an agreement that Lenovo will preload Microsoft’s productivity apps — including Microsoft Office, OneDrive and Skype — on select Lenovo devices that use the Android operating system. Lenovo expected to ship millions of these Android-based devices worldwide over the next several years.

It seems the first fruits of that agreement will the new Lenovo Moto M (above), which according to Android site TechDroider will come with bundled Microsoft apps in its international variant (XT1663). The apps will include Microsoft Office, Skype, and OneDrive.

The mid-range handset is expected to feature a 4.6 inch screen, aluminium body, 4 GB RAM and a rear fingerprint reader and run stock Android Marshmallow.

At the time of the agreement Christian Eigen, Leader of Corporate Alliances, Lenovo said “Our collaboration with Microsoft will create new opportunities for our customers to take advantage of some of Microsoft’s most popular apps. Installing Microsoft apps and services on our devices will bring additional value to consumers around the globe,” while Nick Parker, corporate vice president OEM Division, Microsoft said “The marriage of Microsoft’s apps and Lenovo’s Android-based devices will enable customers around the world to be more productive, more connected and achieve even more.”

Motorola was a pioneer cellphone company who was purchased by Google in 2011 for $12.5 billion, but which was sold to Lenovo a mere 3 years later in 2014 for $2.91 billon. The company merged its Lenovo and Motorola brands in early 2016, and is currently no longer a top 5 smartphone OEM, having seen 33% YoY losses in Q1 2016.

Microsoft has however had a similar deal with Samsung since 2015, and that company’s flagship Android devices already come with Microsoft apps pre-installed.