Motorola will deploy Microsoft’s Bing software services on smartphones to be sold in China.
The smartphones use Google’s Android operating system but Motorola has opted for Microsoft’s search and maps software which allows users to select a search engine.
Motorola is already committed to supporting the Baidu search engine in China.
Baidu is sometimes referred to as the “Chinese-Google”.
The question remains: is this a move specific to the China market, where Google, the world-leading search engine, has had well publicised issues, or does it reflect a wider trend.
Mobile manufacturers are likely to adopt a more open approach to web software on their smartphones than what happened in the PC market.
It also presents an important mobile design win for Microsoft.
China is now seen as the most important smartphone market for suppliers.
According to Motorola, by working with Microsoft it is “expanding the capabilities and range of services currently offered in the marketplace”.
"We believe that consumer choice is one of the most critical components to ensuring a rich and seamless client experience," said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services, Motorola Mobile Devices.
Search and maps capabilities through Microsoft will initially be available in China, starting in Q1 2010, through either pre-load or over-the-air updates for devices already in market.