Microsoft Buys Consumer Smart Phone Maker

Microsoft this week announced that it would purchase Danger Inc., makers of the Sidekick, a communications device that is widely credited with kicking off the current era of mobile and wireless data access. Microsoft says it will use the purchase to accelerate its push into the consumer market for smart phones and other connected experiences.

"The addition of Danger serves as a perfect complement to our existing software and services, and also strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences centered around individuals and what they like," said Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division president Robbie Bach. "We believe wherever you go, your phone should bring your world with you."

Danger was founded a decade ago by Apple, WebTV and General Magic alumnus and currently has about 1.2 million subscribers using its devices. Danger executives say that Microsoft will use the company as the "foundation for its consumer Internet experience," which is certainly a broader statement than any Microsoft executive has made thus far. Danger was being actively courted by a wide range of companies, according to reports, with Google being one of the chief suitors.