Microsoft to acquire Danger Inc; strengthens mobile consumer vision

Microsoft Corp has announced that it would acquire popular software and mobile services company Danger Inc, the company responsible for the software and services powering many popular consumer handsets.

The acquisition will enhance Microsoft's ability to broadly deliver more compelling mobile communication and social networking.

Applications on Danger-powered handsets include HTML Web browsing, instant messaging, games, multimedia, social networking, Web e-mail and personal information management applications.

Combining these services with Microsoft's connected entertainment and experiences technologies, including MSN, Xbox, Zune, Windows Live and Windows Mobile, will provide Microsoft with the tools to accelerate its work to create industry-leading entertainment and communication experiences for consumers

"The addition of Danger serves as a perfect complement to our existing software and services, and also strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences cantered around individuals and what they like," said Robbie Bach, president of the entertainment and devices division at Microsoft.

The acquisition will align Danger's nearly 10 years of expertise in the mobile consumer segment with Microsoft's Windows Mobile to reach a a larger customer base as Microsoft software comes loaded on 160 mobile models and are serviced by as many mobile service providers globally.
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Adding Danger to the entertainment and devices division will provide Microsoft with additional assets and resources that will accelerate the company's entry into the consumer space and complement the company's focus on delivering innovative technologies and services that connect people's entertainment and information.

"Danger continues to provide an effortless and fun mobile experience for consumers," said Henry R. Nothhaft, chairman and CEO of Danger Inc. "By combining our uncompromised application software and powerful back-end service with Microsoft, we can expand our innovative service offerings even further and take mobility to a new level."

Danger says it has connected with a customer base that is young and enthusiastic, internet-savvy and socially inclined and a deep understanding of consumers and a hold on what people want from mobility, making it an ideal group to work with in delivering connected experiences.