Microsoft today announced its plans acquire operating system competitor Apple Computer Corp. in a bold move that raises a series of anti trust questions. The proposed all stock purchase will result in Apple becoming a division of the Redmond, Washington software giant and retaining its offices in California. The Apple division, which will be renamed Microsoft User Design Research and Development, will be responsible for designing the user interface for the upcoming Longhorn O/S.

When asked about Apples computer hardware division, Steve Jobs was quoted as saying, "Microsoft will benefit from our long experience in desktop and laptop design. When their new XPC is launched in late 2003 it will be designed by our engineers but the actual manufacturing process will be out sourced to long time Microsoft hardware partner Flextronics." Mr. Jobs further stated, "I am extremely happy to bring our focus on the user experience to Microsoft’s long running standard of excellence in creating stable software platforms."