> Microsoft Corp. was recently in advanced discussions with Nokia Corp. about a purchase of the Finnish company’s device business, according to people familiar with the matter, in a marriage that could have reshaped the mobile-phone industry.
> The talks have faltered, they said. One person said talks took place as recently as this month but aren’t likely to be revived.
> The two sides made significant progress on a plan that would stitch the U.S. software giant with a mobile-phone pioneer. Both companies have struggled of late, as each has tried to adapt to a world in which consumers prefer smartphones built by Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
I doubt this merger would have any significant impact on Apple or Samsung. It may help Nokia and Microsoft shake things up, but there’s already a lot at stake in the mobile market, so if they aren’t working closely already there’s little chance they ever will.
It would definitely cement Microsoft as a phone maker and would allow them to focus on a great, fully integrated, experience for their users. Not a bad idea.
Also, would this be the final nail in Blackberry’s coffin? I think it could result in Microsoft being a great third choice in the handheld market.
Too bad that deal didn’t happen. It might have made third place theirs for the taking.
Apparently people have so often repeated the claim that “Google is the new Microsoft” that Microsoft felt it now must act like Google and buy a phone manufacturer that it could ignore.
Not a bad idea.
Because that strategy is working out so well for Google?
Microsoft’s history of partnerships gives no comfort to anyone who would imagine this purchase would have any upside..
Asymco
Actually, I take back what I said. Now that I remember what Microsoft did to Danger’s Sidekick.
Yes. I should have added “another phone manufacturer it could ignore.</B.
They’re a bit like Lenny and the rabbit.