Id8 Group R2 Studios, a startup from the creators of the Slingbox, has always focused on home automation solutions. Apple and Google wanted to buy this R2 Studios. But surprisingly, software giant Microsoft has recently bought it.
Sling Media founder Blake Krikorian established R2 Studios in May 2011. Since then R2 Studios let users watch television on their computers. In fact, R2 Studios has been working on ways to display content on televisions that could coordinate with Xbox gaming console. However, the Silicon Valley-based business talked to Google and Apple about a possible deal. But the deal that Google and Apple offered R2 Studios couldn’t convince the startup. Then Microsoft went ahead and acquired R2 Studios.
Analysts assume that Microsoft has bought R2 Studios because the company wants to beef up its Xbox unit and to give a tough fight to Netflix, Comcast, TWX, HBO and YouTube.
Apart from acquisition R2 Studios, Microsoft has also acquired some patents owned by R2 Studios related to controlling electronic devices. It’s not been mentioned, at what price, Microsoft has bought R2 Studios. When Microsoft was asked to say something about this matter, the company declined to comment on the deal.
Source: WSJ
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