A lot of companies have to pay an 'Android tax' to Microsoft in order to prevent litigation. HTC paid Microsoft off in order to not be sued[1], Samsung and LG cut a deal that included exchanging patents[2][3], and Motorola decided to fight[4] (my simplifications are not perfect). I am saying all this to say that it's unfair to say that there is a "battle will be between Google and Microsoft for the exact same hardware manufacturers and sales channels" when Microsoft is blackmailing everyone and profits from either outcome. I mean Google ain't a morally perfect company (I still believe based on what I know that the Verizon deal is unfair) but to my knowledge they seem to be quite the David in this fight.
[1] http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/apr10/04-27msh...
[2] http://news.cnet.com/2100-1014_3-6177381.html?part=rss&t...
[3] http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/lg-microsoft-l...
[4] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870385920457552...