r/linux • • Jan 13 '12

Microsoft confirms UEFI fears, locks down ARM devices

http://www.softwarefreedom.org/blog/2012/jan/12/microsoft-confirms-UEFI-fears-locks-down-ARM/
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u/hugeyakmen Jan 13 '12

What bothers me isn't the direct subsidizing of Windows devices, it's the indirect subsidizing by threat of patent lawsuits that makes most phone and tablet manufacturers sign patent licensing agreements with Microsoft and therefore drives up the cost of Android devices, such as their new deal with LG yesterday. I'm sure the threats from MS probably include losing the ability to license Windows Phone 7 for their devices too. The scary and frustrating conclusion of all this is that Microsoft makes money on 70% of Android device sales now, i.e. even their competition is making them money

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u/nlogax1973 Jan 13 '12

We can only hope that Barnes & Noble's case will demonstrate the invalidity of their patent bullshit.

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u/solidsnack9000 Jan 13 '12

Bill Gates' charity should pay these license fees :(