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Microsoft exec rekindles iPhone rival rumors, gives Zune a B-
It's probably not shocking to anyone that the Zune hasn't exactly lived up to the high hopes Microsoft had for it, and at the recent Citigroup technology conference in New York, Mindy Mount -- corporate vice president and CFO of the firm's entertainment and device division -- noted that she'd "give it a B-," and also stated that it was a "solid effort for the first year." More intriguing, however, was her comments on the future of the Windows Mobile OS, and while she was tight-lipped in regard to RIM acquisition whispers, she did hint at the possibility of a tweaked system to compete with Apple's iPhone interface. Reportedly, Mount stated that Microsoft "identified [Windows] Mobile being more integrated with photos and music," and concluded by proclaiming that it was "a natural thing to have in its product roadmap." Of course, this corporate speak can't really be regarded as much more than just that at the moment, but feel free to make of it what you will.[Via Zune-Online]Read - Microsoft Exec Hints at iPhone RivalRead - Microsoft exec: Zune gets a B-; Xbox profitability; Windows Mobile's future
Dell plans to acquire Zing Systems, bolster 'entertainment experiences'
Not too many details on this one just yet, but the Round Rock powerhouse is all set to acquire Zing Systems. Reportedly, Dell has just announced that it has "entered into an agreement to acquire privately-held Zing Systems, Inc.," and the move is said to be one that "reflects [Dell's] renewed interest and energy being directed at its consumer business." More specifically, it was stated that Dell would be using Zing and its capabilities to "continue improving the entertainment experiences it provides its customers," but unfortunately, that teaser is the last tidbit that was divulged for the time being.
Planar dives head first into high-end home theater market by acquiring Runco
Joining the growing array of recent acquisitions is Planar and Runco International, as just today Planar has written a check for $36.7 million to take on the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. Planar, while not a household name in the home theater biz, managed to hold its own amongst competitors in the HT market, and while the majority of its products catered to the mid-range consumer, we suspect that picking up Runco was the easiest way to launch into the high-end realm. As expected, it looks like the Planar, Runco, and Vidikron brand names will remain as they are, and just as Planar will continue to sell through its current network of distributors, it sure sounds like Runco will remain a niche offering rather than bleeding over towards the mainstream.
Alltel sells out to investment firms for $27.5B
It's been no secret that Alltel's been courting suitors for a few months now, and someone's finally bit the bait to the tune of $27.5 billion. A pair of firms, TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners (of Goldman Sachs), have hooked up to make the deal happen by offering $71.50 in cold, hard cash for each of Alltel's shares, a fair premium over the $65.21 each share commanded as of market close on Friday. Assuming the deal clears the usual regulatory hurdles -- which we're guessing will be considerably lower, since Alltel's buyer isn't a fellow carrier -- it thinks it can get everything squared away by Q4 of this year or Q1 of 2008.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Palm selling this week?
Alright, Palm, your days of making incrementally improved, merely evolutionary Treos may finally be numbered. Or not, depending on how your new owner wants to roll, but either way, rumors have now gone from a simmer to a full boil that a Palm sale is imminent. Like, seriously imminent -- Morgan Stanley, which Palm hired to court suitors, allegedly wants to get a deal sealed by March 22. The company -- which rose to stardom as a division of USRobotics and 3Com and made a huge splash in the then-budding smartphone market -- is now a shadow of its former self thanks largely to a split which saw its software division ultimately getting bought by Japan's ACCESS. Be that as it may, word has it the sale should command $20 a share -- a healthy premium over Palm's recent pricing -- and at least four companies are rumored to have interest: Nokia (could we finally see that Symbian-powered Treo?), Motorola, and a pair of private investment firms. We wish you the best of luck, Palm; there's definitely a certain sentimental value associated with your name these days, and we hope your new owners do what it takes to get you back on the straight and narrow. Keep pluggin' away at that WiMAX handset!
China Mobile buys Paktel, begins quest for world domination
Vodafone might be the more globally recognizable mobile mega-conglomerate of the two, but if China Mobile has anything to say about it, that's all about to change. The world's largest carrier (Voda weighs in at number two) -- which has historically built its hefty subscriber base in its domestic market -- has made a bold move beyond Chinese borders by purchasing 88.9 percent of Pakistan's Paktel from Millicom International Cellular for a stiff $284 million in cash. Granted, Pakistan isn't any closer to home than China, but if this acquisition-happy philosophy eventually finds its way to the States and ends up scoring us an Amoi, we say "bring it on."[Via The Wireless Report]
Sony Ericsson pwns UIQ (literally)
When a single manufacturer accounts for an overwhelming majority of your license revenue, it stands to reason that said manufacturer might save a little dough in the long haul by acquiring you outright. And so it goes for the long, passionate relationship between UIQ and licensee Sony Ericsson; of the 13 handsets running the Symbian-based platform, nearly half -- six in all -- have been designed and produced by Sony Ericsson, with the remainder split between Motorola and Arima units that haven't seen been met with nearly as much publicity. The Swedish company, currently owned by Symbian itself, will be transferred to Sony Ericsson (pending clearance of the typical bureaucratic stuff, of course) for an undisclosed sum but will continue to operate as an independent entity with the current management team in place. Though UIQ promises that its platform will continue to be available "on equal terms to all its licensees," the move makes official what's been known for years: that UIQ is to Sony Ericsson what S60 is to Nokia, an interpretation of the Symbian smartphone operating system to call its own. Will UIQ ever match S60's popularity, particularly in the Symbian-friendly European market? Probably not, but with a committed partner now laying out the requisite cash, it does seem more likely than ever that UIQ's here to stay -- and as always, we're all about choice.[Via All About Symbian]
Motorola mulling Sagem purchase
Now that Motorola's back to its old industry-dominating self, it sounds like an acquisition or two might be in order. Ron Garriques, head of Moto's Mobile Devices division, apparently mentioned in an interview that the company has a "serious interest" in scooping up Sagem from current parent SAFRAN Group. As expected, the comment has put both SAFRAN and Motorola in damage-control mode, with Motorola France insisting that Garriques' comment has no bearing on the company's plans and SAFRAN noting that they're still exploring all their options for flipping Sagem, which has had a for-sale sign around its neck since September. If the sale were to materialize it probably wouldn't mean much this side of the Atlantic, but it'd give Motorola a significantly expanded presence in Europe where France-based Sagem does the lion's share of its business. More importantly, though, it'd mark the union of two of the more unusual marketing schemes in the industry: Sagem's "my"-everything and Motorola's MOTOBRNDs. Who wouldn't want a myMOTOKRZR?
