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Microsoft acquires Danger inc, makers of the Sidekick
Territories covered
North America
USA,
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Published:
13-Feb-08
Microsoft announced the acquisition of US-based mobile device manufacturer Danger inc for an undisclosed amount. Danger is the manufacturer of the T-Mobile Sidekick (or Danger HipTop) handset that features a rotating screen and 'qwerty' keyboard for easy text messaging. This is Microsoft's first acquisition in the mobile phone hardware manufacturing business, although the company already offers a wi-fi enabled Zune music player. Danger had announced in December 2007 plans for an initial public offering.
Initially aimed at business professionals who ultimately preferred Blackberry devices, the Sidekick found a dedicated audience in the teenager market relying heavily on texting, instant messaging and social networking.
Danger was co-founded by Andy Rubin who went on to found Android, the company Google acquired in 2005 as basis for its developments in mobile operating systems. Rubin is now Director of Mobile Platforms at Google.
Our take...
The move marks Microsoft's first step in mobile hardware development, more than five years after having released its first Windows Mobile operating system. The hardware/software combination should allow Microsoft to develop a more tightly integrated mobile offer, reminiscent of Nokia and Apple's strategy with Ovi and the iPhone respectively. Sidekick products are targeting the mainstream consumer and could help Microsoft to eventually gain market share outside the current professional Windows Mobile customer base.
However, it is unknown how this might affect Microsoft's relationships with other phone manufacturers offering Windows Mobile devices as Microsoft now becomes a direct competitor.
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Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea. Rep [S], Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA - World
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categories:
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published:17-Jun-08
territories:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea. Rep [S], Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA - World
categories:
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Christine
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Industry reports
Articles
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