Microsoft and RIM have announced a licensing agreement between the two companies, but it has nothing to do with Windows Phone. The agreement allows RIM to use Microsoft's extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) for some of the company's BlackBerry devices.
The deal will allow RIM to utilize the technology but at the cost of likely paying a royalty to Microsoft. Microsoft states below:
Microsoft Corp. announced today that Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) have signed a patent licensing agreement that gives RIM broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) for certain BlackBerry devices of RIM. exFAT is a modern file system from Microsoft that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and other electronic devices.
Microsoft highlights how this technology can help address the needs of the modern mobile industry. At this time, no specific products were mentioned that are now under the licensing agreement.
Rumors of RIM and Microsoft teaming up to place Windows Phone on RIM-made devices circulated the Internet a few months back but nothing has been announced at this time. If we were to hedge our bets, the talks were likely about exFAT but were misconstrued by sources who thought the talks between Microsoft and RIM were about acquisition/partnership rather than the exFAT agreement.
Source: Microsoft
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