Microsoft buys TellMe

I have tons of respect for TellMe. I have friends there. There are many times that I wish I had taken that interview and ended up in California. On the other hand, now that Microsoft has bought them I have to be honest that this was my reaction:

I hate to be cynical but I’m curious if Microsoft:

1. Believes the future of the Internet is in voice-based search, or that it is as important enough to be able to do in “in house”.

or

2. Has identified TellMe as a competitor and is shutting them down.

or

3. Has no idea what to do, is lost their way. However, since inaction is bad, they’re buying a random company to look “mysterious” rather than lost.

I’m guessing “3”.