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It was announced this week that Apple has purchased DeskConnect, the start-up business behind popular iOS app, Workflow. The app allows users to build custom actions that involve multiple apps, for example, linking Maps and messages so your phone sends an automated text to a contact to let them know when you’ll be home, based on your location. At present, the app supports more than 200 actions and integrates into Apple apps… Read More
In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp in a deal worth $19bn. However, more than two years later, the social media giant has been accused of providing EU regulators with misleading information during its takeover of the mobile messaging service. Europe’s main regulator, the European Commission, has stated that it is investigating whether Facebook withheld information regarding its ability to siphon data from WhatsApp. If the investigation confirms what the Commission suspects, Facebook could… Read More
Author Terry Pratchett once said, “A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on.” Nowhere is this truer than in the world of mergers and acquisitions. The potential buy-out of Twitter by Disney has been the subject of much rumour and this article looks at their veracity as well as examining other suitors that may be eyeing the micro-blogging site. Birds and eggs Twitter was launched… Read More
A month is a long time in business and nothing has demonstrated this as much as games giant, Nintendo. Just a few weeks ago we discussed the £11.1bn that gaming phenomenon Pokémon Go had added to the value of Nintendo, with shares soaring by more than 86 per cent. Now, we are looking at quite a different story. “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” Overnight, the whole world was talking about the augmented reality… Read More
If you have children or know any young adults, you may have noticed them being even more engaged in their smartphones than usual. The reason is Pokémon Go – the gaming phenomenon that’s sweeping the world. Its popularity has added £11.1bn to Nintendo’s value within just one week and its share prices are at a six year high. We take a look at why Apps are making companies so profitable and attractive… Read More
M&A within the tech sector saw a relatively slow start to 2016. However, analysts predict that the recent announcement of Microsoft’s intention to acquire professional social network LinkedIn for $26bn could trigger a tech M&A boom. So far, $209bn worth of deals have been announced, placing 2016 back on track to match last year’s record deal making. With this in mind, we reflect on the tech sector’s biggest M&A deals of all… Read More
Oculus, the virtual subsidiary of Facebook, has purchased British firm Surreal Vision as part of a drive to acquire virtual reality-focused businesses. The team at Surreal Vision is said to be moving to Washington to work at the Oculus lab. So how do small IT businesses get on the radar of the bigger companies if their owners have acquisition on their mind? Here are some top tips for you if you are… Read More