Microsoft acquires start-up id8 Group R2 Studios
Microsoft acquired a start-up named id8 Group R2 Studios Inc as it looks to expand further in technology sector focused on the home and entertainment division. R2 Studios is reportedly working on technology regarding the distribution and display of digital media on television, which would help Microsoft expand its Xbox gaming console by adding television entertainment and making it a better home entertainment system.
id8 Group R2 Studios was started in 2011 by entrepreneur and investor Blake Krikorian, the founder of Sling Media, whose product ”Slingbox” is widely used for watching TV on computers. Sling Media was sold to EchoStar Corp. in 2007. R2 Studios had recently launched a home automation Google Android app allowing users to control home heating and lighting systems right from their smartphones.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Krikorian will join Microsoft with a small team to aid them in their quest for home entertainment. As part of the deal Microsoft has reportedly acquired some patents owned by the start-up related to controlling electronic devices. With increasing competition from Sony’s PS3 as a media centric device, Microsoft has been focusing on expanding Xbox from just a gaming console to a machine connecting traditional television with web video and other media.
Via: Reuters
Source: WSJ
Salman Ravoof
Salman Ravoof is a freelance writer, a mechanical engineer and an avid science and technology enthusiast. He likes creativity and is a great fan of fantasy and sci-fi genre. When not busy, he revels in experimenting and spends most of his time pondering about the existence of reality.