Battle will be good for consumers

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The move would allow Microsoft to take on arch-rival Google with a new arsenal of consumer products, and things we use every day - email, search engines and instant messaging - are likely to undergo major changes with the aim of bettering anything Google can produce. But it is undoubtedly the entertainment arena which Microsoft stands to gain most from.

With that under its belt, Microsoft will also be able to launch a fresh assault on Apple, in a battle that will spread into the living room - Microsoft has already announced a deal with BT to offer TV through its Xbox ... games console, and the introduction of Yahoo's services into that would only boost Microsoft's chances.

Outgoing Microsoft boss Bill Gates has often said that the company 'missed the internet' when it first emerged. But by buying Yahoo, Microsoft can instantly play catch up with Google - integrating the two companies' products without alienating both sets of staff and users.