Microsoft acquires Sidekick designer

Flirts with Danger, then goes the whole way

Microsoft has agreed to purchase mobile software developer Danger Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which has not yet been finalised, means the software vendor has closed at least one bid this week - its unsolicited bid for web search competitor Yahoo! was officially snubbed earlier today.

Danger designed the popular T-Mobile Sidekick, also known as the Danger Hiptop, and is responsible for the software powering many mobile handsets. The purchase is expected to strengthen Microsoft's hand in the mobile consumer market.

"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 Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

Paris Hilton's Sidekick was famously hacked in 2005, leading to the demure heiress' address book being circulated willy-nilly and her celeb buddies suffering undue harrassment. ®