The worst thing that can spread on computers isn’t always viruses -- it’s false news based on so-called “rumors.”

 

This morning we read a rumor-ish news story from Reuters that Microsoft’s new Windows 7 Phone (News - Alert) OS still doesn’t give the computing He-Man a solid footing in the mobile Internet space. Because of this, Microsoft is eyeing an acquisition, perhaps another smartphone manufacturer like Research in Motion or Nokia (News - Alert).

 

Upon hearing this, we wondered: Is this news just crossing the wires to attract hits – or is it legit?

 

According to Reuters, though Microsoft’s (News - Alert) Windows phone software is a big improvement on its predecessor, it may not be enough to reverse market share losses.

 

“It’s something I know [Microsoft has] talked about -- buying Research in Motion (News - Alert) or even Nokia,” Toan Tran, an analyst at Morningstar, told Reuters. “To really compete in this business, Microsoft needs to get into the hardware business, where they are able to control the entire user experience.”

 

Research in Motion, Nokia and Microsoft were not immediately available for comment.