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Microsoft acquires R2 Studios, specialist in SmartGlass-like home automation
Microsoft has beat both Apple and Google in acquiring a startup named R2 Studios, which primarily works in home automation and entertainment. R2 holds a number of patents that have to do with using various mobile devices to control home entertainment software and hardware, and Microsoft is reportedly sending the company to work with its Xbox division. R2 was founded by Blake Krikorian, who also founded the company behind the Slingbox, a set-top device that allows users to stream video across the cloud.This all sounds like fuel for Microsoft's SmartGlass application, which uses various mobile devices to control and interact with the Xbox. Since we're expecting to see a brand new Xbox console this year, R2 could be sent to work on any number of new products or services.
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.
