Microsoft to release Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition in the US

Microsoft is going to release a special Microsoft Edition of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in the US. The software developer will sell the modified versions in its own stores and provide it with its own apps.

Sales will start on April 21, ZDNet reports based on an announcement from Microsoft. The company does not yet provide details about what a ‘Microsoft Edition’ entails. According to ZDNet, it seems to be devices that a consumer buys in a Microsoft store and automatically provides Microsoft apps for Android such as Office, OneDrive, Cortana and Outlook. It is not known whether there are also external changes.

“The device customization is an example of how Microsoft is bringing applications to more devices,” the company said. The Microsoft Editions of the S8 and S8+ will cost $750 and $850 respectively. That is successively 30 and 10 dollars more expensive than the suggested retail prices in the US. It is not known whether the modified models will also be released in other countries.

It is not the first time that Microsoft has partnered with Samsung on Android smartphones. The company previously entered into an agreement with the Korean electronics giant about preloading apps. Microsoft also concluded a similar agreement with other smartphone makers.