Google interested in acquiring Skype?
updated 12:15 pm EST, Mon November 19, 2007
Google to buy Skype?
Google may be looking into acquiring Skype, creators of the famous VoIP network and software, rumors suggest. Anonymous individuals within the London web industry hint that Google is already in negotiations for Skype, which Google would have to buy from the current owner, auction site company eBay. The latter is said to be unhappy with how much it paid, which amounted to $1.3 billion plus 32.8 million shares; in the third quarter of 2007, Skype produced only $98 million in net revenue. Aiding the rumor is the fact that Google's mobile projects are based in London, which may mean that it plans to incorporate Skype technology into Android.
The United Kingdom was the first launchpoint for the Skypephone, a device that allows Skype users to call each other for free over cellular lines. Google could in theory seek to place Android on future incarnations of the Skypephone, or do the reverse, by incorporating Skypephone technology into Android on more conventional phones. [via The Guardian]
Many times I have thought
11/19, 12:19pm reply
Apple should buy this & merge it + iChat...!
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
why buy Skype?!
11/19, 01:53pm reply
Google has no reason to buy Skype.. Google Talk already does voice over XMPP, and they can just hire for SIP/VoIP.. Maybe they would be better off buying Vonage for pennies on the dollar after they finally get killed by a patent lawsuit they can't license their way out of?
OtisWild
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
what's in a name...
11/19, 02:07pm reply
If eBay are happy and willing to offload Skype, doubtless at a loss, they would be lucky to find a buyer and of course cash-rich Google sees value in terms of brand recognition alone notwithstanding any IP that might be of use. Skype's very association with eBay and PayPal is enough to put many people off. Google would be (perceived as) a far more consumer friendly home for Skype. I hope it happens!
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
A little strange
11/19, 05:06pm reply
Gizmo Project seems more google-esque actually http://www.gizmoproject.com/
Okonomiyaki
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2003