Xiaomi to equip devices with Microsoft software

Visitors look at smart TV sets of Xiaomi on display during the Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2016 (AWE 2016) in Shanghai, March 10, 2016. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - China's Xiaomi has partnered with Microsoft to equip the smartphone company's devices with software from the US IT giant.

Xiaomi will pre-install Microsoft's Office suite and Skype instant messaging software on its smartphones and tablet computers starting in September, according to a statement released by Xiaomi on Wednesday.

The partnership will give Xiaomi users a more efficient and convenient working experience on mobile devices, the statement added.

The two companies also agreed on cooperation for patent cross-licensing, mutual licensing and patent transfer.