Microsoft to sell Galaxy S8 phones pre-loaded with its own apps

Microsoft will sell Samsung's newest Android-powered phones, the Galaxy S8 and S8+, in its brick-and-mortar stores next month.

The phones can be pre-ordered now at Microsoft's retail outlets -- but not online -- and will also be available for purchase in the stores beginning April 21, Samsung's release date for the new, larger models. Microsoft's prices will be the same as Samsung's: $750 for the Galaxy S8, $850 for the S8+.

But the Galaxy S8 and S8+ phones sold by Microsoft will not be identical to those offered elsewhere. "A Microsoft customization is applied when the devices are unboxed and connected to Wi-Fi," a Microsoft spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. "This customization ensures customers a best-in-class productivity experience with Microsoft applications such as Office, OneDrive, Cortana, Outlook and more."

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