Microsoft can Get Home Advantage
Microsoft can Get Home Advantage
Microsoft could be cutting a new entrance into the world of home automation, based on rumors Thursday that the ID8 Group R2 Studios purchased. This acquisition will reportedly strengthen Microsoft's Xbox division, probably a next-generation game console to introduce later this year.
R2 Studios was launched in 2011 by entrepreneur Blake Krikorian, founder of Sling Media, the maker of the home Slingbox TV streaming device.
Besides an Android application that can control heating and lighting, R2 Studios currently has no products on the market. However, Microsoft reportedly also acquired a number of patents for technologies used for electronic devices and device interfaces to control.
"While Microsoft could R2 software to integrate into the next Xbox hardware, the technology can also be used for media control via PC, tablet and phone as part of the rebranding and replacement of Microsoft's Media Center," said Billy Pidgeon, senior analyst at Inside Network.
Microsoft has not responded to our request for more information.
Automated Bidding War
Microsoft was not the only company that has its electronic eyes on R2 Studios.
Apple has also shown interest in the home automation space, but to date has focused on third-party technology that integrates with its iOS platform. These include Philips hue app-controlled wireless light bulbs, which can be controlled by an iOS app and the iOS-controlled Nest Learning Thermostat, both of which are offered at Apple Stores.
That is not where the story ends. One of Apple's rivals Krikorian's interest in babies.
"Google is after R2 Studios," Pidgeon told Tech News World. "Remote control R2 software would have been useful for remote control - and for home automation - as the R2 app in Google Play shows."
"R2 software and patents would have been useful for both Google and Apple," he added. "Both companies are working on devices and home entertainment linking the software for a multi-screen experience."
Homebase
Since 2010, Microsoft has been working on a project called "HomeOS", a suite that could control electronic devices. Microsoft Research has a license from the prototype technology to academic institutions, but so far it has not moved much further.
With the technology of R2, Microsoft could now look for the automation efforts beyond synchronizing electronic devices with each other.
R2 Studios was launched in 2011 by entrepreneur Blake Krikorian, founder of Sling Media, the maker of the home Slingbox TV streaming device.
Besides an Android application that can control heating and lighting, R2 Studios currently has no products on the market. However, Microsoft reportedly also acquired a number of patents for technologies used for electronic devices and device interfaces to control.
"While Microsoft could R2 software to integrate into the next Xbox hardware, the technology can also be used for media control via PC, tablet and phone as part of the rebranding and replacement of Microsoft's Media Center," said Billy Pidgeon, senior analyst at Inside Network.
Microsoft has not responded to our request for more information.
Automated Bidding War
Microsoft was not the only company that has its electronic eyes on R2 Studios.
Apple has also shown interest in the home automation space, but to date has focused on third-party technology that integrates with its iOS platform. These include Philips hue app-controlled wireless light bulbs, which can be controlled by an iOS app and the iOS-controlled Nest Learning Thermostat, both of which are offered at Apple Stores.
That is not where the story ends. One of Apple's rivals Krikorian's interest in babies.
"Google is after R2 Studios," Pidgeon told Tech News World. "Remote control R2 software would have been useful for remote control - and for home automation - as the R2 app in Google Play shows."
"R2 software and patents would have been useful for both Google and Apple," he added. "Both companies are working on devices and home entertainment linking the software for a multi-screen experience."
Homebase
Since 2010, Microsoft has been working on a project called "HomeOS", a suite that could control electronic devices. Microsoft Research has a license from the prototype technology to academic institutions, but so far it has not moved much further.
With the technology of R2, Microsoft could now look for the automation efforts beyond synchronizing electronic devices with each other.
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