Google to acquire video software maker Widevine Technologies

Google has gone on an acquisition spree this month and yesterday said that it would acquire streaming video software maker for devices Widevine Technologies Inc., the Internet search giant's second acquisition in a day.

The proposed acquisition comes after it yesterday acquired Cambridge-based Phonetic Arts, a speech synthesis company and reportedly signed a $1.8-billion deal to buy a massive building in Manhattan, where it already occupies about 50,000 sq ft of the 2.95 million square foot building.

Seattle, Washington-based privately held Widevine provides digital media solutions for the delivery of digital entertainment to any device. With over 60 patents Widevine provides anti-piracy software and video optimization technologies.

With enhanced broadband and wireless speeds, latest powerful smartphones and devices with higher resolution screens Widevine offers the latest in DRM and video optimization for delivering premium, high-quality movies and entertainment to the home via internet-connected PCs and other devices.

With funding from private equity firms like Constellation Ventures, Charter Ventures, Pacesetter Capital Group and The Phoenix Partners and Telus, Cisco Systems, Dai Nippon Printing Co, Widevine customers include AT&T Inc, Best Buy Co and Netflix Inc.

Commenting on merging with Google, Brian Baker, CEO of Widevine said that he was excited about the acquisition and ''By working with Google, we are even further committed to the consumer Internet video experience and to the needs of content owners.''