Report: Google to buy Waze traffic service for $1.3B

On the heels of an official Windows Phone release of the popular traffic service Waze, a report from the well-established Israeli paper the Globe states that Google will pick up the company for $1.3 billion USD.

Google, Facebook and fifty-fifty Apple were all rumored to be interested in buying the Israeli-based company, with Apple gaining the nigh from the buy as they could proceed to distance themselves from Google and their Maps. Evidently, due to the high price though, Apple never submitted an official offering.

Facebook though was serious well-nigh a purchase simply because they could not guarantee that Waze evolution would stay in Israel, Waze was less interested. Meanwhile, Google had previously bought two other Israeli companies--Labpixies acquired for $25 1000000 and Quix for eight-10 one thousand thousand—dorsum in 2022. Both companies take retained operations in Israel.

With the absolutely massive buy, Google is expected to strengthen its grip on mapping and traffic information, expanding their focus on social-interaction in information-mining. For those who aren't familiar, Waze is a method by which users on their smartphones can both view traffic and report on incidents for live, local and upwardly-to-appointment information relating to diving conditions.

The electric current Windows Phone beta for Waze, which is in private testing, is expected to go on development and release in the coming weeks. Though if Waze becomes a Google property, it remains to be seen if development will go on (Google feels that the smaller marketplace accomplish for Windows Telephone is non incentive for investment in their services).

Interestingly, Microsoft was reportedly an early investor in Waze back in 2009, helping the fledgling start-up with building upper-case letter. Microsoft (or Nokia and their HERE services) were non part of the latest round of negotiations, which means either they did not run into the value in the company, had alternatives or were simply caught off guard.

Who do y'all think would accept benefitted almost from a Waze purchase? Google, Microsoft-Nokia or Apple tree? Will this change your opinion on using the service when information technology comes out? Let us know in comments.

Source: Earth; Thank you, Ori, for the tip!

New report reveals Microsoft's future AR strategy; HoloLens 3 is dead

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New report reveals Microsoft'south future AR strategy; HoloLens 3 is dead

Business organisation Insider has today published a follow-up study with more details virtually Microsoft's canceled HoloLens iii augmented reality headset. The partnership with Samsung is said to include a headset with a set of screens inside, powered by a Samsung phone in your pocket.

Keeping information technology affordable

Review: Surface Laptop SE is the new standard for K-8 Windows PCs

Starting at just $250, Microsoft's showtime foray into affordable laptops for the instruction market is a winner. With a gorgeous design, excellent thermals, and a fantastic typing experience, Microsoft would practise right to sell this directly to consumers besides. Let's just hope Intel can make a amend CPU.