The company said it had entered an agreement with the French firm Musiwave, an OpenWave subsidiary and leading provider of mobile music and entertainment service to carriers and media companies.
The acquisition brings Musiwave’s relations with music labels, device makers and mobile carriers together with Microsoft’s so-called ‘Connected Entertainment technologies’ – like Windows Mobile, Zune, MSN and Windows Live.
Should the acquisition be approved, Musiwave will continue to operate from its current Paris headquarters.
“Microsoft and Musiwave share the same philosophy in working with hardware and mobile operator partners to deliver great experiences for mobile device users,” said Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business senior vice-president Pieter Knook.
“Bringing Musiwave on board would provide an opportunity for Microsoft to explore new areas in the mobile space previously untapped, and to showcase the power of software plus services,” Mr Knook said.
“This contemplated acquisition reflects Microsoft’s recognition of the software and technology expertise in Europe.”
Microsoft also unveiled a beta version of its Zune Social service, a social networking site based on music. The company said the service was designed to “connect people through music” by helping them to share their music tastes, knowledge and experience.
Also launched was a swag of new Zune portable media players.
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