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

Google acquires Timely app developer

We have more acquisition news for you today. For this round, Google has bought company Bitspin. The app developer created alarm clock app Timely for Android. Bitspin posted on their site that Timely “will continue to work as it always has.” Although, we won’t be surprised if Google pulls the plug on the app down the line.

Source: The Next Web

Apple reportedly purchases maker of burst photo app SnappyCam

Apple is rumoured to have bought company SnappyLabs, a one-man app maker of the discontinued SnappyCam app. Before it was taken down from the App Store, the app allows users to take full-quality burst mode photos. Perhaps Apple is looking to develop the burst mode photo capabilities of their devices with the new acquisition.

Source: MacRumors