It looks like Google has another acquisition in the works. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, Google is looking to buy satellite startup Skybox in a deal which is reported to be worth more than $1 billion.
Skybox specializes in recording detailed videos and images of landscapes. The company has apparently received around $70 million in funding back in 2012. This significant investment has allowed Skybox to develop cutting-edge technology that captures high-resolution imagery and video from space, providing unprecedented detail and accuracy.
Skybox’s Advanced Technology
Skybox Imaging, founded in 2009, has made significant strides in the satellite imaging industry. Their satellites are capable of capturing high-definition video clips lasting up to 90 seconds, with a resolution high enough to discern objects as small as a car. This capability is not just limited to still images; the video functionality allows for dynamic monitoring of events and changes on the Earth’s surface. This technology can be incredibly useful for various applications, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.
The high-resolution images and videos produced by Skybox can be used to monitor agricultural fields, track shipping routes, and even observe construction projects in real-time. This level of detail and the ability to frequently update imagery can provide businesses and governments with critical data to make informed decisions.
Google’s Strategic Move
Google is said to be paying around $1 billion for Skybox, and the deal is apparently in the advanced stages. Google is looking to use Skybox technology for Google Maps and also for their Earth Enterprise business, which provides mapping data for large companies. The integration of Skybox’s satellite imagery into Google Maps could significantly enhance the detail and accuracy of the service, providing users with more up-to-date and precise information.
Moreover, Google Earth Enterprise, which allows businesses to create their own private maps and geospatial applications, could benefit immensely from Skybox’s technology. Companies in industries such as logistics, agriculture, and real estate could leverage this enhanced mapping data to optimize their operations and gain a competitive edge.
In addition to these applications, there is speculation that Google might use Skybox’s technology to improve internet connectivity in remote areas. By deploying satellites equipped with Skybox’s imaging technology, Google could potentially provide high-speed internet access to underserved regions, furthering their mission to make information accessible to everyone.
Of course, there is nothing official on the deal as yet. As soon as we get some more information on whether the deal will be going ahead, we will let you guys know. The acquisition of Skybox would mark another significant step in Google’s ongoing efforts to expand its technological capabilities and services.
In recent years, Google has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its portfolio. For instance, the acquisition of Waze in 2013 enhanced Google Maps with real-time traffic updates and user-generated content. Similarly, the purchase of Nest Labs in 2014 allowed Google to enter the smart home market. The potential acquisition of Skybox aligns with this trend of acquiring innovative companies to enhance and diversify Google’s offerings.
Source TechCrunch
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
