On December 20th, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was interested in potentially acquiring R2 Studios, a company that specializes in the development of home-media and automation technology.
At the time, it was noted that Microsoft and Google were also among the companies exploring a possible acquisition of the firm.
Given Apple’s purported plans to make the living room more than just a hobby in 2013, R2’s patents and technologies related to “electronic devices and interfaces” were reportedly very interesting to Apple.
But apparently they were more interesting to Microsoft.
On Thursday, the WSJ confirmed that Microsoft – not Apple or Google – has acquired R2.
Microsoft Corp. has acquired a small home-entertainment technology startup to beef up its Xbox unit, according to people familiar with the matter.
As of this writing, Microsoft is yet to comment on the matter. But the WSJ asserts that the deal is done.