Well, they have a chance to affect the process if they simply don't implement it in WebRTC (or simply don't bother to implement WebRTC). And even if they do that, they can decide not to implement it in HTML5 web audio or their phones and just generally not support it whenever they feel it's not strategic for them to do so.

I think they use speex in Xbox live (and WebGL in IE) so it's not impossible that they'll make use of it, but who can predict what these corporations are up to.

http://www.microsoft-careers.com/job/Redmond-PATENT-ANALYST-...

As well as the general scariness of that job listing, I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the last item in the list of requirements:

"10+ year’s work experience and/or research in at least one of the following technical areas. This experience can be education, work experience, or a combination of the two, but must be at a technologically deep level. Experience working with multimedia in the devices and services space is a plus, as is knowledge of media services exposed by cloud computing systems. Ideally, an understanding of the current state of the technology in use by all major players in the industry.

Audio and/or Video Codecs: Information theory and data compression. Strong knowledge of at least one current high definition video codec such as H.264/HEVC, VP8/9 or audio codec such as Vorbis, Opus, Siren. Deep understanding or direct experience implementing multimedia data compression and decompression algorithms.

Speech: Statistically-based trained and untrained speech recognition systems, ideally with modern conversational understanding systems. Strong technical understanding of deep neural networks or hidden Markov models and the underlying science behind them. Speech recognition engines, speech-enabled applications, or speech recognition services/APIs exposed by cloud computing systems.

Image processing: All aspects of image processing from acquisition and compression to processing and error/image correction.

Streaming media. Experience with development of the technologies underlying playlists, trick play, time shifting, media player. Conferencing systems including speaking person recognition,

A degree in computer science, computer or electrical engineering or physics or significant work experience in software or hardware development

Experience in patent analysis and/or supporting patent licensing activities is desirable but not required

Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex situations to diverse audiences

Demonstrated outstanding written and verbal communication

Demonstrated advanced knowledge of Excel, proficiency in PowerPoint"

I wonder if Powerpoint proficiency will be a deal-breaker.