Today Google acquired a startup from Israel, LabPixies. A small acquisition for them, if you consider spending $15-$25 million on a company small, which no doubt Google does.
LabPixies is known best to iPhone users as the maker of Flood-It!, one of the most popular games on the device run exclusively on the network of Dallas-based AT&T. In fact, iPhone games are where the company makes the bulk of its money.
LabPixies does more than create games for the iPhone however, including such other gaming ventures such as; Facebook applications, Hi5 games, MySpace (remember MySpace?) games, iGoogle gadgets and apps for Android devices.
The acquisition is apparently an attempt by Google to add to its research and development operations office in Israel, in order to create a slough of greater apps on the Web and mobile platforms. Google bought LabPixies for the talent to add to its Israeli R&D center, and to create better apps across both Web and mobile platforms.
In a blog post by iGoogle’s Don Loeb, he states; “The team will be based in our ever-growing Tel Aviv office and will anchor our iGoogle efforts across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We are looking forward to working with Labpixies to develop great web apps and leverage their knowledge and expertise to help developers and improve the ecosystem overall.”
LabPixies is especially proficient at developing iPhone and Android games based on those already on the Web. In particular, games for its iGoogle gadget generate upwards of one billion impressions per month. By acquiring LabPixies Google will no doubt try to add some flair to apps for Android powered devices. In keeping with that mentioned above, LabPixies may create apps for iGoogle first, and then create the Android version.
Do you think the acquisition will make Android gaming more popular? What, if any, impact will this have on the tepid, at best, relationship between Apple and Google? Comment below, submit any questions to us via Formspring, follow us on Twitter, and “Like” our Facebook page, for the latest in social media, and technology news!
Comments
Since I am the first person commenting, quick change this phrase in your blog before the grammar police gets here.
The acquisition is apparently an attempt "buy" Google" to "The acquisition is apparently an attempt "by" Google"
OK back to Google. Great move by them. If you can't make it buy it. That simple.
Whoops! Thank you. Proofreading software and my own eyes didn't catch that one. Thanks again and thanks for reading the article!
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