Using the word extortion for this exhibits a lot of emotion. Despite how we (almost?) all feel about software patents, right now that is the law and big companies have to play by those rules. I'm glad they have to follow laws even if the laws stink.
It sucks. It props up MS' failed mobile division by riding on the coat tails of Google. But it is how things work right now and the manufacturers are not unhappy enough with the arrangement to ditch Android just yet, so they still feel it's a good enough deal.
(aside: I agree that the philosophical differences between extortion and licensing patents is slim to non-existent but unfortunately that's just how things work right now. That may sound like hyperbole but consider the recent Lodsys lawsuits against indie devs. They honestly may as well be going around threatening to bash in knee caps. They know the small guys can't fight them but they have this crappy law on their side. I'd love for things to change.)
It sucks. It props up MS' failed mobile division by riding on the coat tails of Google. But it is how things work right now and the manufacturers are not unhappy enough with the arrangement to ditch Android just yet, so they still feel it's a good enough deal.
(aside: I agree that the philosophical differences between extortion and licensing patents is slim to non-existent but unfortunately that's just how things work right now. That may sound like hyperbole but consider the recent Lodsys lawsuits against indie devs. They honestly may as well be going around threatening to bash in knee caps. They know the small guys can't fight them but they have this crappy law on their side. I'd love for things to change.)