Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has recently acquired companies that make apps for rivals Apple and Google.

Last year, Microsoft bought Acompli, a startup that provides email client service to both iOS and Android. Just recently, the company purchased calendar app maker Sunrise. 

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It's interesting to note that both companies don't have working versions for Windows. This is probably the reason why Microsoft bought them.

But instead of shutting them down, the Windows giant simply continued offering Accompli and Sunrise's products to iOS and Android users. That's not all.

Acompli is now a cross-platform email app for Outlook. Experts are also sure that Sunrise will also be use as an Office calendar app.

This strategy clearly marks the difference between Nadella and former CEO Steve Ballmer.  In an interview last year, Nadella said, "If you don't jump on the new, you don't survive."

Microsoft is really trying hard to entice iOS and Android users to make Office their productivity tool of choice for mobile use. 

A few months ago Microsoft, offered its Office app for free to all Android, iPad and iPhone users. This unexpected move astonished everyone because Microsoft doesn't exactly have a reputation for offering valuable software like Office for free. 

While consumers are happy about a free Office app, it's also clear Microsoft won't earn money by giving away apps.

For now, Microsoft is aiming to maintain its software's relevance. If the Windows maker doesn't offer Office for free, consumers will likely turn to other productivity apps like Google Docs. 

Microsoft Office has the advantage of reliability and familiarity among many users compared to Google Docs.

TagsMicrosoft news, Microsoft Latest News, Microsoft Acquisitions, Microsoft Updates