Mickey Mouse is embracing Bill Gates in a partnership aimed at cementing Microsoft Corp.'s leadership in providing digital entertainment software and providing The Walt Disney Co. with new, potentially lucrative distribution channels. But as various news organizations noted, the deal gives the two partners a chance to thumb their noses at rival Apple Computer. Disney, after all, just lost its lucrative partnership with animation innovator Pixar, which is lead by Apple chief Steve Jobs. And it's no secret that Apple is running circles around Microsoft when it comes to pushing the digital entertainment envelope.
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