Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) reached a licensing agreement with consumer electronics company Sharp Corp. (6753.TO, SHCAY) for technology that eases the transfer of larger files between personal computers and other electronic devices. The agreement covers the use of extended file allocation table--or exFAT--technology in smartphones distributed by Sharp that are based on the Android platform. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. Microsoft has similar agreements with other consumer-electronics makers such as Sony Corp. (6758.TO, SNE), Canon Inc. (7751.TO, CAJ) and Sanyo Electric (Taiwan) Co. Ltd. (1614.TW). Microsoft recently reported that it swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter loss as the software giant booked a hefty write-down in its online-services division and deferred revenue related to its Windows 8 upgrade promotion. The company's continued strength in sales of its Office suite of products to corporate customers has helped cushion the company from the impact of slumping personal computer sales. Microsoft shares were up 1.2% at $30.30 in recent trading amid a broad market upturn. Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires
