Lenovo and Microsoft have announced that the former's future Android smartphones will be bundled with Office and other Microsoft productivity apps.

The deal between the two companies is the result of a new patent cross-licensing agreement that covers both Lenovo and Motorola devices, according to CNet. Lenovo can install Microsoft's software on its smartphones without having to cough up a licensing fee. 

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Microsoft has signed similar deals many times before, linking up with Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, Sony, Dell, and Asus to put its apps and services on their Android devices. The Redmond, Washington tech giant gives up the right to charge hefty royalties to companies that want to bundle its products in return for getting its software to as many people as possible.

Among the Microsoft products that will be included in future Lenovo Android devices are Microsoft Office which typically includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other programs, PC Magazine reported. OneDrive is also included, which is Microsoft's cloud-based storage service through which people can save and sync files online and Skype that offers voice calls and video chats. 

“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 in our devices will bring additional value to customers around the globe,” said Christian Eigen, leader of corporate alliances at Lenovo.

In the past, Microsoft has pursued financial deals for its Android patent licenses, it appears to be more willing to make deals similar to this one, where Microsoft licenses its patents in exchange for shipping Android devices with Microsoft software pre-installed.

TagsLenovo, Microsoft, Microsoft Apps, Skype, OneDrive, Microsoft Office