Microsoft+Danger=Revived Zune Phone Rumors

As you've probably heard by now today, Microsoft acquired Danger, the maker of the very popular SideKick mobile devices. With the purchase comes the Danger development team and development platform which "delivers voice, Internet and messaging capabilities through mobile devices."

This acquisition resurrects the notion of a Zune phone someday. This can in particular be fueled by word that Microsoft will merger Danger with its Entertainment and Devices division, which houses the Xbox 360 and our lovely Zune. Microsoft, in doing this, said the purchase will provide them 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."

If one reads between the lines on that statement, one could reasonably assume a Zune phone would be a realistic by product of such a move. What would a Zune phone form factor look like? Would it be something similar in size and functionality to an iPhone? Would it perhaps instead look like a modified SideKick? I guess we'll have to wait and find out.

Comments

[Jef]

I definately see a consumer oriented phone platform in Microsoft's future. I do believe that platform will have the Zune applications, but it won't be THE focal point. We as consumers will move beyond just wanting portable media, and MS would be smart to be able to define the next move in their platform.

You can read my other thoughts on this at my blog:

http://www.jeftek.com/gadgets/mobile/microsoft-buys-danger-zune-phone-in-the-works/

[Paul]

I use the Sidekick 3 so I'm excited to see what changes Microsoft will bring :]

I love Danger and I love my Zune...

[stubby boardman]

oh come on! you need to put a poorly photoshopped image of the sidekick with the zune logo on the screen up there. it'll help generate hype

[Gene]

Add this purchase of Danger together with MSFT's purchase of TellMe last year, and a Zune communications device is a sure bet; and one that they'll leveraged as an untethered platform for XBox/Xbox Live - as I've discussed several times on ZuneChannel.com.

Gene from ZuneChannel.com