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Belkin acquires Linksys, plans to continue marketing products under both brands
Linksys and Cisco are no longer one. The enterprise infrastructure giant, which acquired the home networking line in 2003, has officially passed the baton to Belkin. Under the new arrangement, Linksys devices and services, such as routers and Smart WiFi products, will fall under the Belkin umbrella. CEO Chet Pipkin announced plans to maintain both brands, adding that Linksys "will continue to exist and evolve to include even richer user experiences and network management functionality." Going forward, teams from both Linksys and Belkin may work together to create certain products, so we might begin to see new innovations that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Consumers are unlikely to experience any hiccups during the transition -- the Linksys website will remain intact and support services will be available as always. Hit up the press release after the break for a few more details surrounding the acquisition.
Nokia Siemens Networks hands business support division to Redknee, reaffirms focus on mobile broadband
There aren't too many surefire ways to get oneself focused in the business world, but completely detaching a corporation from a business division ain't a bad tactic. Just two days after Nokia Siemens Networks announced that it'd be selling off its optical business in order to focus on LTE, the firm has relinquished absolute control over yet another division. Dubbed a "planned acquisition" by Redknee CEO Lucas Skoczkowski, his company will be taking ownership of NSN's Business Support Systems. For Nokia Siemens Networks, it means 1,200 fewer employees to handle (they'll be moving to Redknee, not fired), and who knows how many saved headaches. The division is presently responsible for providing "real-time charging, rating, policy, and customer care solutions to more than 130 communication service providers, including half of the top 100 global mobile operators." In other words, precisely the type of baggage you'd hope to drop if looking to "focus on mobile broadband," as stated by NSN CEO Rajeev Suri. Nothing like a little spring cleaning in December, huh?
Intel acquires ZiiLabs from Creative Technology for $50 million
Intel has signed a $50 million deal with Creative Technology to acquire ZiiLabs, a UK-based subsidiary responsible for Android-optimized chip designs like the ZMS-40 and the ZMS-20. Of that $50 million, $30m will be for asset sales and engineering resources while the remainder will be for patent licensing in regards to ZiiLabs GPU technology, which might indicate a move away from PowerVR. We're not sure if this means Creative will soldier on with OEM-focused devices like the HanZPad, but at least now it'll have more money in the bank to explore alternative endeavors.
Clan of Champions thumps PSN November 20
Clan of Champions rampages onto PlayStation Network on November 20. The multiplayer brawler which seeks one ultimate warrior was developed by Acquire, makers of Way of the Samurai and Tenchu games. It bustled onto Steam last month. and now NIS America is bringing it to North America's PSN in two weeks time. A European release is scheduled for a later date.With no sight of the Xbox 360 version initially mentioned by NIS America, it seems the Clan may settle down on PS3 and PC for now. And by settle down, we mean beat the bejeezus out of each other until one warrior is left standing. It's a clan with a plan.
Orgarhythm review: Laying down godlike beats
If it's possible to have a favorite "type" of game – not genre, mind you, but favorite "type" – I'd have to say that the games I love most are "ambitious but imperfect." These are games that try to do intriguing, daring things: meld genres together, build themselves around an interesting theme, tell a story in an unconventional manner. Often they run into more than a few technical and design hiccups, perhaps because the developers' ambitions outstripped their team's capability to realize them. But in spite of their flaws, there's something secretly awesome about them that makes wrestling with all their foibles worth it.Having read all that, you've probably already guessed that Orgarhythm falls into this category. It's a bizarre mix of god-sim, rhythm game, and RTS that mostly – mostly – works. When it shines brightest, it's a fabulous and unique experience.%Gallery-169120%
Clan of Champions muscles onto Steam on October 30
Clan of Champions, a multiplayer action game from NIS America and Tenchu developer Acquire Corp., will hit Steam on October 30. It's set to launch on PSN at a later date.The first we heard of Clan of Champions, NIS was planning a release on Xbox 360 and PS3. Looks like plans have changed. Clan of Champions enables single-player or online multiplayer, with warriors fighting to become the one true champion using short-range magic spells or close-range combat. Remember: There can only be one. Unless you're on a multiplayer run.%Gallery-168157%
WSJ: Google set to acquire Frommer's from Wiley, add trusted travel reviews
Just one year after its Zagat acquisition, Google has made a move on another trusted lifestyle brand. John Wiley & Sons Inc., the current owner of the Frommer's network of travel sites and guide books, confirmed the Mountain View acquisition, with a closing expected shortly. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google hasn't made a call concerning Frommer's printed guidebooks, which don't necessarily fall in line with the company's otherwise online-only model. It's also unclear whether or not the new content arm will fall under Zagat's leadership, though a department executive did comment on the acquisition in an interview, saying that Google planned to keep Frommer's on its current path for the time being. Neither company was able to confirm pricing for the buyout, which could help Google boost its reviews portfolio, backing user-submitted travel content with professional credibility. Full details are at the source link below. Update: As it turns out, Google will reportedly be keeping the print staff on board, moving the team to its NYC offices. Online editors are less fortunate, however, with layoffs having already begun.
Green Automotive to acquire Land Rover-converter Liberty Electric for $17 million
Liberty Electric Cars hasn't cropper up on our radar too much in recent years, but it looks like it has been on Green Automotive's. It recently announced that it's acquiring the UK-based company, which specializes in converting Land Rovers to electric vehicles, for $17 million in an all-stock deal. In a statement, Liberty Electric CEO Ian Hobday said that the acquisition wouldn't affect the company's business in Europe or its management structure, adding that the deal "provides us with a huge opportunity to expand in America," as well as the ability invest further in R&D and bring new products to market. Exactly when we can expect to see that expansion into the US isn't clear, but it will presumably have some company from Green Automotive's own EVs when it does make the move.
Orgarhythm combines rhythm and strategy into one weird game
Pikmin 3 might have been the best-known crowd-control strategy game at E3, but it wasn't the most memorable. That distinction goes to Orgarhythm, a Vita game demonstrated to me during a meeting with publisher XSEED.Orgarhythm mashes up two of the least mashuppable genres imaginable: rhythm game and strategy. Players control a giant, strutting god who follows a predetermined path through each level. The god has the ability to direct elemental troops, representing earth, water, and fire, to fight enemy troops who are also elemental, being sure to attack with the element that those enemies are weak against. Each element has multiple attack options, including melee, ranged, and even a catapult attack to affect enemies on a higher plane.
Facebook likes Karma app, buys the whole darn thing
What does one do after generating billions from an initial public stock offering? Go shopping, of course. After falling short of expectations following its somewhat helter-skelter IPO debut, Facebook simply shook off the whole thing and acquired itself some good Karma. No, we're not talking about that Karma. Instead, Facebook purchased the startup responsible for the Karma social gifting app. The move was apparently made to bolster Facebook's mobile chops -- an area the company considers ripe for opportunity. Just recently, Facebook also acquired mobile stalwart Instagram and the Lightbox team, for example. As for its newest purchase, Karma will be allowed to "continue to operate in full force" despite its recent status change, according to a blog post by co-founders Lee Linden and Ben Lewis. Details weren't disclosed about how much the deal was worth but judging from celebratory nature of their post, it doesn't look like Linden and Lewis will "Unlike" the agreement any time soon.
XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita
Move over Theatrhythm, there's a new absurdly titled and unpronounceable handheld rhythm game in town: Orgarhythm. Developed by Acquire (in association with Neilo) and set to be published in North America by XSEED sometime this year, Orgarhythm is a hybrid rhythm/strategy game for the Vita.Acting as the God of Light, players do battle against the diametrically named God of Darkness by commanding armies of elementally-themed soldiers. The game's soundtrack, described as "a hypnotic mix of rock, club and tribal music," affects how and when your units attack, with the beat of the music acting as a quantifiable resource to be spent on stronger attacks. The music also dynamically alters itself depending on the circumstances of the battle, adding additional layers of complexity as more troops enter the fray.As implied by the rather artsy trailer above, commanding your army is handled entirely by the Vita's touchscreen – tapping to select troops, swiping to direct them towards the desired target, etc. Said troops also have a Pokemon-esque relationship with the enemy, due to the fact that every unit is either an Earth, water or fire-type, with all the inferred weaknesses and strengths you'd expect from such a system.Eventual DLC is mentioned by the press release tucked away after the break, but no specific plans are actually outlined. If you're an aspiring musician, however, take note: XSEED will be looking for independent artists sometime in the near future to bolstier Orgarhythm's aural catalog.%Gallery-154740%
Facebook to buy Instagram
How's this for some big news on an otherwise slow Monday? Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has let slip that his company plans to buy popular photo-sharing app Instagram (pending all of the standard regulatory approvals, naturally). According to a report from All Things D's Kara Swisher, Facebook will pick up the social app, which got its own long-awaited Android version, for a cool $1 billion in cash and shares. Ole Zuck confirmed the news on his personal blog, adding that the deal won't affect Instagram's integration with competing social networks: We think the fact that Instagram is connected to other services beyond Facebook is an important part of the experience. We plan on keeping features like the ability to post to other social networks, the ability to not share your Instagrams on Facebook if you want, and the ability to have followers and follow people separately from your friends on Facebook. Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom confirmed via his site's blog that the service, "is not going away," adding, "The Instagram app will still be the same one you know and love." Check out some PR on the subject after the break.
MonkeyPaw and Gaijinworks Kickstart a Class of Heroes 2 localization
MonkeyPaw Games and GaijinWorks, two companies dedicated to bringing classic Japanese games to the west, are testing the utility of Kickstarter for localization of Japanese games, with the most random test subject imaginable.Class of Heroes 2 is a sequel to a PSP dungeon crawler released here by Atlus in 2009. Like the original, it's a game about first-person, turn-based dungeon battling. The two companies plan to release it digitally -- but also, for supporters, in a crazy physical limited edition that promises to outpace any of the giant boxes sold by Ireland's former company, Working Designs.Bonuses in this Deluxe Pack include a custom box, a soundtrack, and other secret items that are still being prototyped. In addition to this, Kickstarter rewards include lapel pins, posters, plushes, pocket watches, and music boxes. Higher-level backers get things like trips to LA to go to E3 and meet with the team, and in-game credits in the placement of their choice.The Kickstarter is designed not to sell the game, but to fund both the digital and physical releases. "Our Kickstarter project is designed to allow fans that plan to download it digitally to support the game now," the companies explain, "helping it reach the funding threshold and expand the scope and depth of localization for BOTH the digital and physical releases." If successful, the companies hope to localize other Class of Heroes releases as well. "So if you're along for the whole ride, you'll eventually have a line of awesome Class of Heroes games on your shelf."
Rovio buys fellow Finns Futuremark Games Studio
Rovio, the team responsible for Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space (and parts of this), has acquired Futuremark Games Studio, creator of Unstoppable Gorg and Shattered Horizon, among other titles. Futuremark Games was founded in 2008 and is based in Finland alongside Rovio, which may explain why Rovio chose to acquire this particular smaller studio over your own basement operation in Florida. Maybe."They are an incredibly talented and experienced team, and we are thrilled to have them on board," Rovio Entertainment CEO Mikael Hed said. "Rovio's success is founded on the excellence of our team, and Futuremark Games Studio is going to be a superb addition."That might also be why Rovio chose Futuremark Games, but if it helps just keep telling yourself that this is a classic case of nationalism.
Broadcom extends fiber reach with BroadLight acquisition, intros new location architecture
Here's a question: did Broadcom get a 50 percent discount for acquiring a company that already had "Broad" in the name? Hard to say at this point, but regardless of semantics, the aforesaid company has snapped up BroadLight in a bid to extend its fiber access portfolio. In lay terms, it's hoping to use BroadLight's inroads to roll out next-gen fiber networks across the globe -- perhaps even through the arctic. In semi-related news, Broadcom has also chosen today to reveal a new location architecture, which will reportedly provide "more responsive outdoor and indoor positioning capabilities for smartphone devices." The new system opens the door for even more indoor GPS locks, and it relies on a minty fresh Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chip that "significantly reduces time-to-first-fix (TTFF) for outdoor positioning applications." The full deets on both can be found in the source link, but sadly there's no word on when the fancy new positioning tech will meander into your next handset.
Gowalla officially shut down, uses Facebook to check-in at SXSW 2012
SXSW attendees may remember that both Gowalla and Foursquare launched at the aforementioned conference in 2009, and during its 2012 edition, the former is formally saying goodbye. Just three months after we heard that Facebook had picked up (but two months after the shutdown was promised), Gowalla is saying its final words. Specifically: "Thank you for going out with Gowalla. It was a pleasure to journey with you around the world. Download your check-ins, photos and lists here soon."Don't cry, Gowalla -- at least you won't have to deal with any more SXSW registration lines.
Samsung wasn't interested in buying RIM, still isn't interested in buying RIM
Samsung already passed on webOS, and now, it's passing on RIM. The flagging handset maker was reportedly in talks with Samsung about a buyout, but according to a fresh Reuters report, Sammy's "not interested" in taking over Research In Motion. Samsung spokesman James Chun said the following: "We haven't considered acquiring the firm and are not interested in (buying RIM)." Why even respond to a rumor? Well, RIM's shares surged some ten percent at just the whisper, further proving that stocks in the digital age are little more than sophisticated gambling blocks when unfounded rumors are bandied about. So, that's that -- Samsung's not buying RIM, the sun's still warm, and RIM is still too far away from BlackBerry 10.
Amazon reportedly considered a RIM purchase, 'commercial partnership' still on the table
According to those all-knowing "people with knowledge," Research in Motion could've been cut down to a single CEO company -- that is, if Amazon would've pushed through with its purported takeover wishes. Based on a new Reuters report, the same company shipping out your grandmother's holiday gifts was hot-to-trot on the idea of buying RIM, but those desires seemingly cooled after the BlackBerry maker decided that it'd rather "fix its problems on its own." Wildly enough, the report states that an investment bank was hired earlier this summer "to review a potential merger with RIM," but no formal offer was ever extended. Of course, it's not atypical to hear of Amazon buying unusual assets -- it's snapped up everything from a touchscreen startup to a UK-based movie streaming and rental service -- and sources have affirmed that "other kinds of commercial partnerships" could still be in the cards. In fact, the two are rumored to be actively discussing ways to "expand their commercial ties, which currently include a service launched last year to make Amazon's music catalog available to some BlackBerry users." BBM for the Kindle ecosystem? Zanier things have come to pass.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen trailer says it all
This weekend, we saw the announcement of Sumioni: Demon Arts for PlayStation Vita. Today, Namco Bandai released a new trailer for developer Acquire's other Vita launch window game: Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen, a game that has stealthy ninja action, and, apparently, kind of a lot of voice acting. We'd expect ninja to be more reticent. Shinobido 2 will be a launch-day release in both North America and Europe, shipping February 22.
XSEED inks publishing deal for Vita platformer Sumioni: Demon Arts
XSEED is one of the most doggedly prolific PSP publishers, and it's continuing the trend with the Vita, announcing plans to publish Acquire's Sumioni: Demon Arts this spring in North America. Sumioni casts the player as an "ink demon," fighting through a sumi-e landscape. It combines traditional button controls for locomotion and combat, and touchscreen-based drawing to make new platforms, summon fire and lightning, and perform other feats. It's also, like, way pretty. You don't need us to tell you that! Gawk at the above trailer and see for yourself. Thanks, XSEED, for localizing one of the more interesting Japanese Vita launch games! It's not like we can just buy it from PSN in Japan.
