The irresistible power of marchitecture - The Good Spinola
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Google buys a 3D software company
THE PURVEYORS of 3D desktop computer software, Bump Technologies has told the world plus dog that it has been bought by the search outfit Google.
The Canadian startup was created by a University of Toronto student as a masters thesis project. Its software works on both Windows and Macs to make screens appear more similar to real desktops where boxes can be moved or stacked using gestures or a stylus.
Bump said that more than three years ago, "we set out to completely change the way people use their desktops." Well, it does not seem to be doing that. The software will no longer be available for sale, and users won't be able to download updates.
In short its technology might one day see the light of day in a Google product, but it is certainly not going to be changing the way people use the desktop any time soon.
It is not clear how much Google paid for the company, however it seems to have been opening its cheque book lately after pulling back on acquisitions during the recession.
It has announced nine acquisitions this year, mostly of small companies, including Labpixies, an Israeli developer of mini applications such as games and calendars that Internet users can post on their personal pages.
Meanwhile Google has also invested in a "utility-scale renewable energy project that generates 169.5 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 55,000 homes."
The wind farms, run by Nextera Energy Resources, were part of a larger $190 million capital raising. µ
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I purchased this program about a year ago and have been using it since. I was disappointed to hear they plan no more updates, but I was VERY pleased to find all I needed to do was request a refund for my purchase price. I even thought about not asking, but went ahead. Yesterday, I received notice my Paypal account had been credited what I spent over a year ago and have enjoyed, and still do. No long forms, no hassel, in my book a very stand up company. I did wonder why they were pulling the plug, so quickly, and after I found this story today I understand why. Must have gotten a pretty good pay-off from Google. I wish them the very best in the future.
I remember bump top. Downloaded it a few years back. Liked the concept, but I can't really see it taking off. It was a good experiment, but that's as far as I can see it going. Main reason being that I personally always clear my desktop from all icons except for 3: My Computer, Network, and Recycle Bin.
Anything more than that, and its like having a real life desk cluttered with files. Yeah sure you can organize everything into folders, but you still wouldn't place all your folders on your desktop, you keep them in drawers!
But if google sees something in it, they must have a pretty good concept of where they want to take it. Like making it the central desktop for their upcoming Chrome Operating System. After all its supposed to be a "cloud" system, so the desktop can be filled with internet shortcuts, mail, settings & options .. etc