Not a surprise at all - since software is Microsoft's business - that, according to Reuters, Microsoft plans to continue charging licensing fees from handset makers for using Windows Mobile and not follow the free offerings of Google (Android) and Nokia (Symbian), Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said on Tuesday.
The pressure on Microsoft's high licensing fees has increased over 2008 with Google rolling out free Android technology and Nokia offering to buy out others from Symbian and also make its software royalty-free. According to Analysts, Microsoft charges US$ 8 to US$ 15 per phone.

"We do," Ballmer told Reuters, when asked whether his firm would stick with licensing fees. "We are doing well, we believe in the value of what we are doing."
"It's interesting to ask why would Google or Nokia, Google in particular, why would they invest a lot of money and try to do a really good job if they make no money. I think most operators and telecom companies are skeptical about Google," he said.

Microsoft's market share in smart phone operating systems has stayed at about 10 percent for several years, despite the U.S. technology giant's efforts to win more.

Cheers ~ Arne