[notastartup]

This almost sounds like Facebook.

Buying virtual reality was the final smoke signal of danger.

Microsoft has a tough time competing with Google and Apple. It has decades of experience and loads of cash to burn and still be standing.

[m3rc]

How exactly does a "final smoke signal of danger" work? What happens if there's another smoke signal?

[Goopplesoft]

I think in his usage final = definitive. As in there may be more, but that signal was the 'were in danger' moment. Not that I agree, just clarifying for him.