Breaking: WhatsApp sold to Facebook for US $19 Billion in cash and stock

Owners of popular cross-platform WhatsApp mobile messaging app resisted selling the company to Google a year ago for US $1 Billion stating numerous times that they were not for sale. Well, all of that has changed today as Facebook has purchased WhatsApp for cash and stock. This causes a tidal shift in the messaging landscape and gives Facebook access to 430 million WhatsApp users and the presence in mobile that they've long desired. 

Specfics of the deal need to be formalized but the transaction involves $12 billion in Facebook stock and $4 billion in cash for WhatsApp. WhatsApp's founders and employees will also get $3 billion in restricted stock.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says WhatsApp is on its way to 1 billion global users. This is huge global push for Facebook since WhatsApp is a familiar and trusted platform right now. Facebook also purchased popular photo sharing service Instagram $ 1 Billion in 2012. Facebook's stock fell 5% in after hours trading following the news of the acquisition. Some user may not relish Facebook owning their mobile messaging app, competitors include BlackBerry Messenger, which was the originator of this type of free SMS, voice and photo-capable messaging application. BBM is currently cross platform for BlackBerry, iOS and Android.

Google buys company behind sound-based password alternative

Google has just acquired the recently launched SlickLogin. The company introduced a new concept for account security. SlickLogin will verify a user’s identity with the help of a website meant to generate a unique and almost silent sound that will be played over the computer speakers. And then an app on your phone will pick up and analyze the sound and then send it back to the site to confirm your identity. We will inform you about details of the acquisition once more information surface.

Source: Tech Crunch

Nokia aims to close Microsoft acquisition deal by end of Q1

Nokia wants to assure the public that the company plans to close Microsoft’s purchase of the Finnish brand by the end of March. A new press release from Nokia wanted to emphasize that an ongoing tax dispute in India over one factory in the country will not affect the deal. Nokia has petitioned the Indian Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that was expected to complicate the agreement. But the company is quick to say the deal is expected to push through during this first quarter of the year.

Google to enter smart home appliance market with Nest Labs acquisition

From left: Nest Labs co-founder Matt Rogers, Google CEO Larry Page, and Nest Labs co-founder Tony Fadell

Google aims to increase its presence in your home with the planned acquisition of Nest Labs for US$3.2 billion. Nest Labs develops smart thermostats and smoke detectors, signifying a move to enter the app-controlled household gadgets market internationally.

Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement, “They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now—thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

Nest CEO Tony Fadell said in a blog post the company will retain leadership and brand identity and will still support Apple users.

Source: The Guardian