Airbnb acquires HotelTonight

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Airbnb makes its biggest acquisition yet as it moves to increase hotel listings on its site. The company has agreed to buy HotelTonight, a provider of last-minute, boutique options for a night’s stay. It does so ahead of an eventual initial public offering. Airbnb hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but according to a person “familiar with the matter” said its price is close to HotelTonight’s last private valuation, which is at US$463 million. Airbnb’s last big purchase was Luxury Retreats, which it bought for $300 million.

The move has Airbnb encroaching further into the hotel industry and puts them into the position of being what Bloomberg calls the Amazon for travel or a “one-stop-shop for holiday-goers.” HotelTonight’s app and site will continue to operate independently of Airbnb. But the company might integrate its listings on its site in the future. And once the acquisition is complete, HotelTonight’s founder will report to Airbnb’s President of Homes, Greg Greeley.

Apple acquires AI voice startup PullString

Apple just acquired San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup called PullString, which helps other companies create conversational voice apps. PullString is known within the industry for creating the software backbone for voice systems behind popular toys (like Mattel's talking Hello Barbie doll). But the company has also helped companies build skills and apps for Amazon's Alexa platform and Google Assistant. It isn't clear what Apple will gain from the deal. But from the looks of it, the most obvious one is to help Siri catch up with its competition. PullString was founded back in 2011 by former Pixar employees. Its CEO Oren Jacob was Pixar's chief technology officer for a time.

Source: The Verge

Apple acquires musician development platform Platoon

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Apple continues to expand its media-related services and its latest acquisition hopes to grow its business in the music realm. Apple reportedly just bought Platoon, a London-based startup that works primarily with musicians (but also other creators like writers) to produce, distribute, and sell their work. The company makes use of analytics to source talent and figure out what’s the best way to market their talents, which TechCrunch likens to being a “modern-day tech equivalent of A&R services.”

Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the news nor what it plans to do with the company. But it can boost its Up Next platform, which focuses on working with up-and-coming artists. It’ll also help with music discovery for its users, perhaps even offer exclusives to its subscribers. From a creator’s perspective though, it could help Apple draw in lesser-known, unsigned artists and establish a long-term relationship with them. Platoon has worked with the likes of Billie Eilish and Jorja Smith before they got signed to big labels.

Source: The Verge

Report claims Logitech wants to purchase Plantronics for over US $2 billion

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Logitech still seems to be keen on purchasing other accessories makers. This time around, the company has reportedly set its sights on Plantronics. Logitech has reportedly offered as much as US $2.2 billion to purchase the headset maker. And if the deal pushes through, we should hear about it in the coming week. This acquisition will be Logitech’s most expensive purchase to date. But it would also boost the company’s lineup of PC and mobile accessories. According to Reuters, both companies are trying to reduce manufacturing costs and hope to lessen the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on Chinese imports into the US. Working together is one way to do just that.

Plantronics main business focuses on Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, unified communications systems, wireless headsets, conferencing systems, and some software, which it sells to businesses and consumers. It also has fitness-focused accessories. The company claims the headphones worn by Neil Armstrong during his first moonwalk was made by Plantronics.