Microsoft Mobile v iPhone?

This week, Microsoft announced its agreement to purchase Danger Inc. Danger is the software firm responsible for the popular T-Mobile Sidekick. Microsoft hopes this acquisition will make them a real competitor in the consumer phone business.

Microsoft currently markets to business-oriented mobile users (they compete with the Blackberry). How will this new competition pan out? The beauty of the Sidekick is its full-size keyboard without the corporate image associated with the Blackberry. Ideally Microsoft will not only gain the Danger firm but also the Danger customer base of consumers.

Will this acquisition turn Microsoft mobile phones into a true I-Phone competitor? I think the biggest obstacle they will have to overcome is the Mac/PC stereotype. Microsoft has the corporate image while Apple has the hip, young image. Ideally Microsoft will learn from Danger and create a product that is easily marketable to young people. However, they may have another problem.

The Sidekick is an alternative to the Blackberry. In order to compete with the I-Phone, Microsoft is going to need something far more innovative than Danger’s Sidekick. Instead of a full keyboard they’ll need a touch-screen. Instead of “mobile internet” they will have to offer regular internet. It’ll be interesting to see what Danger and Microsoft can come up with, and if it comes anywhere close to the I-Phone.