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Microsoft Will Buy Maker of Sidekick

After Yahoo! rebuff, Redmond giant scoops up Danger

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 11, 2008 7:56 PM CST
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(Newser) – Microsoft is poised to buy Danger, the maker of the T-Mobile Sidekick, in a move that follows on the heels of Yahoo's rebuff of the software behemoth's $44 billion buyout offer. Microsoft hasn't said how much it's forking over, but called Danger the "perfect complement to our existing software and services," CNET reports. Danger's founder now runs the Android mobile project for Microsoft competitor Google.

The deal "strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences centered around individuals and what they like," Microsoft said. One foreseeable roadblock is that Danger has its own operating system, competing with Windows Mobile. Danger also generates revenue with monthly service fees, whereas Microsoft licenses its OS out to phone makers. But Microsoft remains confident it will find its new partner compatible on both business and software fronts.

Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, reacts during Tech.Ed, a technology conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, reacts during Tech.Ed, a technology conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)   (Associated Press)
This photo provided by T-Mobile shows the T-Mobile Sidekick LX. (AP Photo/T-Mobile)
This photo provided by T-Mobile shows the T-Mobile Sidekick LX. (AP Photo/T-Mobile)   (Associated Press)
In this May 8, 2003 file photo, the T-Mobile Sidekick, top, and the Nokia 6800 are shown. The NCAA's board of directors approved a ban Thursday to eliminate all text messages from coaches to recruits beginning in August, then left open the possibility of revisiting that legislation as early as...
In this May 8, 2003 file photo, the T-Mobile Sidekick, top, and the Nokia 6800 are shown. The NCAA's board of directors approved a ban Thursday to eliminate all text messages from coaches to recruits...   (Associated Press)
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Investors puzzled by Yahoo Microsoft rebuff
Associated Press

Microsoft moves to buy mobile maker Danger
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Microsoft • Sidekick • wireless industry • Windows Mobile • Danger

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