Google acquires freeware application creator BumpTop Technologies
04 May 2010
Internet giant Google Inc has acquired Bump Technologies Inc, the creator of BumpTop, a freeware application that transforms one's generic, two-dimensional desktop into a walled, three-dimensional, navigable displays.
Bump's freeware is also compatible with multi-touch gesturing provided the technology has the required hardware support.
BumpTop's website, which shrank to a single page, announced the development in a somewhat roundabout manner saying, "More than three years ago, we set out to completely change the way people use their desktops. We're very grateful for all your support over that time - not just financially but also through all the encouraging messages from people who found BumpTop inspiring, useful, and just downright fun."
"Today, we have a big announcement to make: we're going to be taking BumpTop in an exciting new direction, which means that BumpTop (for both Windows and Mac) will no longer be available for sale. Additionally, no updates to the products are planned."
In an edited, later version the message said, "Today, we have a big announcement to make: we're excited to announce that we've been acquired by Google!"
According to analysts, Google's acquisition of BumpTop could signal Google was positioning itself to take on Apple and its widely popular iPhone smartphone and iPad tablet. BumpTop's technology allows users to scroll through and shuffle documents from the desktop with what the company calls "pile creation techniques" for 3D multitouch desktops on Windows and Macs.
They say the technology could be used in Google's line of Google Android smartphones and rumoured Android tablet to enable multitouch and offer a unique interface experience with a 3D desktop UI.
The acquisition of BumpTop is the latest in a string of pickings by the Mountain View, California-based search giant which has this year acquired a host of companies, including social research company Aardvark, hardware maker Agnilux, Microsoft Office collaboration suite DocVerse, video streaming company Episodic, game application and widget maker LabPixies, online photo editor Picnik, visual search provider Plink and mobile email provider reMail
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Google's 2010 acquisitions are in line with the course it set in late 2009, with the August purchase of video codec provider On2 Technologies, followed by the $750 million acquisition of mobile ad maker AdMob, which is currently awaiting approval of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).