The acquisition aims to strengthen the software giant's mobile services portfolio

Microsoft has acquired mobile software company Danger in a move to increase its market share in the consumer mobile market.

The firm develops mobile systems focused on the web, providing users with services such as browsing, messaging, games and personal information management applications.

The acquisition means that in future, Danger-enabled handsets could benefit from Microsoft's software portfolio such as Xbox games, as well as the retail distribution network that Microsoft already holds with Windows Mobile phones.

“Microsoft is a global leader with our Windows Mobile software and expanding mobile services and the addition of Danger serves as a perfect complement to our existing software and services,” said Microsoft president of the entertainment and devices division Robbie Bach.

"It also strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences centred around individuals and what they like,” he said.

The acquired company hopes to expand people’s mobile options with its extra firepower.

“Now by combining our uncompromised application software and powerful back-end service with Microsoft, we can expand our innovative service offerings even further and take mobility to a new level,” said Henry Nothhaft, chairman and chief executive of Danger.