id8 Group R2 Studios: Are Apple, Google and Microsoft Fighting for an Acquisition?

id8 Group R2 Studios: As reported yesterday by The Wall Street Journal, startup company id8 Group R2 Studios Inc. is a hot commodity at the present time. In fact, the home automation startup is so hot that many big name companies – including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) – are interested in an acquisition.

While it is common for these types of tech companies to acquire start-ups, it is a bit rare when all three of the “big dogs” are chasing after the same one.

Making this even more amazing is the fact that R2 Studios only has one product on the market – and it is nothing special or unique. AppleInsider has shed some light on this detail:

R2 Studios is developing home automation technology, but as of yet does not have any products on the market aside from an Android application that can control heating and lighting systems.

R2 Studios has been a bit secretive regarding its plans for the future. Here is an excerpt from The Wall Street Journal (linked above) explaining the company’s past in greater detail:

R2 Studios, which is developing home-media and automation technology, has remained largely mum about its plans but last year released an app that turns Android phones into touch panels for controlling heating and lighting systems wirelessly. R2 Studios also holds some patents related to controlling electronic devices and interfaces.

Is it possible that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) are all interested in the company more for its patents and less for its actual products? While there is no concrete evidence to suggest this, it is something to keep an eye on as discussions continue into the future.

If past patent applications are any indication, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may be the frontrunner. AppleInsider added:

One (patent) filing discovered this year by AppleInsider showed how multiple devices, including Apple hardware as well as third-party devices like cable boxes, PlayStation gaming controllers and home sprinkler systems, could be connected and controlled through near-field communication technology.

At this point, it appears that talks between R2 Studios and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) are preliminary. A deal could be coming soon or a deal could never happen. However, it is a story that we will continue to track.

Check back here for more updates on id8 Group R2 Studios.

For more information on these three companies, visit the following links:

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