Microsoft Nearing Search Deal with Verizon?

By Geoff Duncan November 12, 2008

Microsoft Nearing Search Deal with Verizon?

If industry reports are to be believed, we’re starting to see some of Microsoft’s multi-pronged strategy to ratchet up search competition with Google in the wake of its failed takeover offer for Yahoo earlier this year. According to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) and other sources, Microsoft is close to inking a deal with Verizon Wireless to make its Live Search Internet search service the default search for Verizon mobile phones. If the deal goes through, it would be seen as something of a defeat for Google, which has also been lobbying hard to land the default search spot on Verizon handsets.

Some reports have Microsoft offering Verizon a revenue sharing arrangement on money earned from advertisements shown alongside mobile search results; although different reports have different takes on possible revenue arrangements, Microsoft seems to be guaranteeing Verizon a minimum of $500 million over a period of five years…and most industry watchers agree that’s far more than what Google offered the mobile carrier.

Sources close to Verizon indicate the company hasn’t made any decision on a mobile search provider, and negotiations are still active with both Google and Microsoft.

Microsoft may have some additional leverage to bring to the table besides cold, hard cash: the company is separately negotiating an agreement for Verizon Wireless to offer more devices based on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform. The Wall Street Journal indicates there’s a possibility Microsoft might let Verizon put Windows Mobile on devices for free, or even pay the carrier to use Windows Mobile.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

Foldable phone deals: Samsung, Motorola, Google, and more, from $500

Motorola Razr Plus and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in hand with cover display turned on.

Now's a great time to buy a foldable phone because of the discounts that are available through phone deals from Motorola and Best Buy. If you've been following the recent resurgence of stylish and functional folding phones from brands like Motorola, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus, don't miss this chance at huge savings. If any of the bargains below catch your eye, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase right away, because for some of these offers, tomorrow may already be too late.
Motorola Razr 2023 (128GB) -- $500, was $700

The Motorola Razr 2023 is the most affordable option in this list, but it offers everything that you would expect from a foldable phone. It's lightweight and compact when folded, with notifications and other essential information displayed on its 1.5-inch OLED cover screen, but it features a 6.9-inch Full HD+ pOLED inner display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The Motorola Razr 2023 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, and it has a a 64MP main camera and a 13MP wide-angle camera at the back.

Mobile

Best Samsung Galaxy deals: S24, Buds, Watches and more

The Galaxy Z Fold 4's Cover Screen.

If you’re shopping as much for some savings as you are for some tech, we’d like to direct you to Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, where you’ll find discounts on all sorts of cool devices, including wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and phones. The best Samsung Galaxy deals even include a massive trade-in discount on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is one of Samsung’s flagship smartphones. We’ve compiled all of our favorite Samsung Galaxy deals below, so read onward for more information on how to save.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 -- $110, was $150

If you're looking for headphone deals but you want an alternative to Apple's AirPods, you should consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. The wireless earbuds have great battery life that's made even better with an included charging case. While some of the other Galaxy Buds out there include the Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Galaxy Buds+, but with the Galaxy Buds 2's active noise-cancelation you can block out unwanted sounds and keep your focus on whatever you’re working on, watching, or listening to. You can also control the headphones with touch controls on each earbud, and they connect easily to any Bluetooth device.

Mobile

Best Samsung deals: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is up to $750 off

Best Android Phone 2022 Galaxy S22 Ultra in hand with S Pen feat image.

Samsung makes some of the coolest and most popular devices around. It regularly places amongst the best TV brands, and the best smartwatches, best wireless headphones, and best phones almost always include something from Samsung among their ranks. Samsung devices make a great opportunity to save as well. They’re regularly priced pretty well as modern tech goes, and right now there are plenty of Samsung deals out there to make them even more affordable. We’ve put together what we feel are the best Samsung deals, and among them you’ll find discounts on TVs, smartwatches and phones, including a way to save on the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Galaxy Watch 4 — $187, was $200

On the surface, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 may look like a watch with a cool digital screen. And, of course, that'd be quite nice. But it turns out to be more of a wearable health monitor, giving you access to info on your overall fitness, running capabilities, and sleep cycles. Our Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review compliments it for its seamless pairing with Samsung devices and its compatibility with small wrists. As you're sure to be adventuring, running, and exploring with this watch, be sure to grab one of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors to preserve its longevity.