Skype Snaps Up Qik
Skype uses the CES as the forum to announce its acquisition of Qik, a developer of streaming video applications for mobile devices.
LAS VEGAS -- Skype today announced the acquisition of Qik, a provider of mobile video software applications for smartphones and tablet PCs.
Financial terms of the deal, which was announced during the Consumer Electronics Show, were not disclosed. The merger is expected to close by month's end.
Redwood City, Calif.-based Qik was founded in 2006 and counted more than 5 million users at the end of December. Its Video Chat software has been installed on more than 200 mobile devices including smartphones and tablets made by leading vendors such as Nokia, Sprint, T-Mobile and Samsung.
Skype officials said the company plans to blend Qik apps with its own applications and services to deliver a "richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms, as well as store those moments so they can be viewed any time later."
In August 2010, Skype announced its plans for initial public offering that analysts predict will help the company raise more than $100 million.
Larry Barrett is a senior editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.
