Microsoft buying Wunderlist developer could seriously bolster its apps

UPDATE: Microsoft is, unfortunately, shuttering Wunderlist after having bought the company last year. It’s not being totally killed off though, Microsoft plans to turn it into its own product, Microsoft To-Do. You can read more about the news over in our up-to-date news story on the matter. The original story continues below.

Microsoft could be in the process of acquiring German-based Wunderlist developer 6wunderkinder according to sources.

Speaking to VentureBeat, a “source familiar with the matter” claimed that Microsoft could purchase the task-management service for less than $250 million if it acquired 6wunderkinder soon.

The move isn’t as shrouded in mystery or secrecy as previous high-profile takeovers. German magazine Manager reported that the two companies were in talks about a deal.  6wunderkinder has also updated Wunderlist to include deep integration with the Microsoft-owned Sunrise calendar app.

While 6wunderkinder would clearly benefit from a deal, it is Microsoft that would stand to gain more. Deep-level integration of Wunderlist-style technology into Microsoft’s suite of apps and services would clearly set it apart from smaller and more nimble alternatives.

Microsoft Outlook would be able to pull meetings, tasks and deadlines and file them automatically into your Wunderlist. Perhaps your Wunderlist could launch applications when you tap to complete a task, such as opening Word when you have to write a report, or taking you to a website in Microsoft’s Edge browser if you need to complete an online form. In addition, with Windows 10 integration, Wunderlist could use voice-assistant Cortana, allowing her to set reminders about tasks or even add new items to your Wunderlist if you ask her to. The potential is huge.