Bump the mobile service, which allows users to share images, contacts and files by bumping phones together, has been bought by Google for an undisclosed amount. Bump is not NFC enabled but allows users to transfer data with normal Wi-Fi or data connections available. The mobile app uses the phone’s sensors to “feel” the bump and make the actual transfer.
The acquisition was announced by Bump’s CEO David Lieb via a blog post. Bump’s David Lieb writes “We strive to create experiences that feel like magic, enabled behind the scene with innovations in math, data processing, and algorithms. So we couldn’t be more thrilled to join Google.” The acquisition will not affect Bump and it will continue to run its services for now.
Lieb added that Bump and its collaborative photo sharing app Flock “will continue to work as they always have for now; stay tuned for future updates.” Bumps 25-person team including CEO Lieb and co-founder Andy Huibers will be joining Google.
Google said in an emailed statement, “The Bump team has demonstrated a strong ability to quickly build and develop products that users love, and we think they’ll be a great fit at Google.”
Google had recently bought Waze navigation app for reportedly $966 million — which also happens to be the company’s fourth biggest acquisition till date. Waze has over 50 million users world wide and gives live traffic updates, suggestions for short-cuts as well as interesting stops on the way. The application encourages drivers to share their driving conditions and experience with other users on Waze. The company will operate independently from Google for the time being according to the deal.
Source: Bump Blog