News

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Opera Denied as Rumor by Opera

December 26, 2005

On Friday, Opera denied rumors that Microsoft is all set to acquire the Norwegian browser maker for its mobile phone software. The rumor has spread because Google was said to have shown interest in the Oslo based firm, the previous week. This was also apparently denied by Opera.

The talk began early Friday when U.S.-based Web site CoolTechZone ran a story claiming that sources within Microsoft said the Redmond, Wash.-based developer had purchased Opera and would announce the acquisition shortly. One analyst noted that it would have been a smart move by Microsoft if the story had been true.

"For Microsoft, it's a very good move," wrote JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg on his blog earlier Friday. "It gives them some excellent technologies they can incorporate into Internet Explorer and that can help serve them well in their battles with Firefox. There's no doubt that Opera on Windows Mobile is a far better browser experience and it also allows Microsoft to push IE down to other phone platforms via the Java version of Opera Mini," Gartenberg continued.

Even Opera thinks that its mobile browser, dubbed "Opera Mini," is its crown jewel.