Microsoft snaps up MotionBridge for mobile search

Microsoft has announced the acquisition of MotionBridge, a provider of search technology designed for mobile operators.

The Redmond giant said that key assets obtained in the acquisition include the company's technology and mobile operator relationships, in addition to the expertise of the MotionBridge team.

Christopher Payne, corporate vice president of MSN Search at Microsoft, said that the move fitted with Microsoft's aim of developing services across multiple devices for its Windows Live clients.

"By combining the mobile search solutions of MotionBridge with Microsoft mobile search instruments such as local and web search, we will provide mobile operators and consumers with an even richer search experience."

MotionBridge, which is based in Paris, develops mobile search technology that is currently available to customers with major mobile communications companies in Europe and North America.

The firm's technology is designed to offer users clustered results and deep links to downloadable content from multiple providers with device filtering.

Microsoft stressed that it will continue to support MotionBridge's existing operator partners, which include Orange, Sprint and O2, as part of the acquisition.