Microsoft in talks to Acquire Adobe to unite against Apple
If rumors are to be believed, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen were in a meeting to discuss over Apple and its control of the mobile phone market and how the two companies could collaborate in the battle against Apple. A possible acquisition of Adobe by Microsoft was among the options.
Formally, Adobe and Microsoft have been opponents with challenging software and the companies became really aggressive in 2007 when Microsoft began promoting Silverlight, its software plug-in for the Web that directly competes with Adobe Flash.
According to sources, the two companies had talked about the obstruction that Apple’s chief executive, Steven P. Jobs, had placed on Adobe’s Flash software for its hand-held devices and whether a partnership by Adobe and Microsoft could fend off Apple, which continues to grow at juggernaut speeds. Microsoft had courted Adobe several years ago. But the deal never moved past informal talks as Microsoft feared that the Justice Department would most likely block the acquisition on antitrust grounds.
The source noted that Microsoft was the dominant force in technology, Google and Apple were not the giants they are today.
Nokia Laptop (Booklet 3G) to sell for $299 in the US
Nokia’s Booklet3G, a Windows 7 based notebook computer will be sold in November through AT&T and Best Buy. It will be on offer for $299.99 with a 2 Year AT&T Data Connect plan.
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sleek, strong Windows 7-based mini-laptop hits Best Buy stores for 299.99 USD in time for the holidays
New York, NY, USA – Drawing upon its rich heritage and leadership in the mobile industry, Nokia is opening a new chapter in mobility with the introduction of the Nokia Booklet 3G to the U.S. together with AT&T, Best Buy and Microsoft. Developed for connectivity just about anytime and virtually anywhere, the Nokia Booklet 3G is refining what consumers can expect at the crossroads of mobility and the personal computer.
“Nokia understands mobility like no other company and recognizes that the most ‘powerful’ device is the one that doesn’t have you running for the power plug or network point” said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, president and CEO of Nokia. “By combining the Booklet’s sleek design, impressive features and competitive price together with the new Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft, AT&T’s nationwide 3G coverage and Best Buy’s unmatched national retail footprint, we believe we have a winning combination for U.S. consumers” (more…)
France Telecom to fit phones with MSN-report
PARIS, Oct 18 (Reuters) – French operator France Telecom (FTE.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday will announce a deal with Microsoft (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) to equip its mobile phones with the software maker’s MSN instant messaging system, Le Figaro reported on Wednesday.
The deal, which is aimed at attracting young MSN users, is set to be announced on Wednesday at a news conference with Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and France Telecom Chief Executive Didier Lombard, the paper added.
France Telecom declined to comment and no one at Microsoft in France could be reached immediately.
Source- http://today.reuters.com
