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Microsoft confirms R2 Studios acquisition, makes Krikorian a VP with the Xbox in mind
Microsoft is silent no longer on its buyout of R2 Studios. The software giant has officially confirmed its purchase of R2, a home automation and entertainment startup, for an unspecified amount. It's also clearer that ex-Sling chief and R2 founder Blake Krikorian is central to the deal -- he's becoming a VP in the Interactive Entertainment Business, and much of the release (after the break) centers on Krikorian's content-related design experience and how it could help the Xbox. We'll just have to be patient enough to wait for the eventual results in our living rooms.
Daily Update for January 3, 2013
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Microsoft acquires home automation startup eyed by Apple
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Microsoft has beaten Apple to the punch in acquiring id8 Group R2 Studios, a startup specializing in home automation technology. Started by Sling Media founder Blake Krikorian in 2011, the company was being eyed for acquisition by Apple, Microsoft and Google according to reports that surfaced last month. Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed. The news comes on the heels of reports this week indicating that Apple is keen to explore the realm of home automation technology. Last year, it began selling the Nest smart thermostat and Philips Hue app-controlled lightbulbs through its online and retail stores. There's little info on exactly what Microsoft intends to have R2 Studios work on, but indications are that the company will be involved with the next Xbox game console in some capacity. Before the acquisition, R2 had released one product, an Android app for communicating with Crestron home automation systems. [Via Apple Insider]
Microsoft acquires home automation startup R2 Studios to bolster Xbox division
Details are expectedly light on this one, but The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Microsoft has acquired R2 Studios, a startup focused on home entertainment and home automation founded by Blake Krikorian (best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Sling). According to the WSJ, Krikorian and a "small team" will be joining Microsoft, with the company's Xbox division apparently the main focus of the deal. The news also follows reported acquisition talks R2 has had with both Apple and Google, although Microsoft's winning bid hasn't been revealed -- it does unsurprisingly include some patents, though. For its part, Microsoft is staying mum on the deal, although R2's current focus (including a home control app for Android) would seem to be a natural fit for Microsoft's SmartGlass efforts.
