Facebook announced yesterday that they are acquiring a mobile app maker, “Mobile Technologies.” The primary app which Facebook is undoubtedly looking to use is called, “Jibbigo” and is a translation app which has a lot of potential uses for Facebook. This app is able to offer real-time translation services, which will be helpful for Facebook chat as well as the translation of News Feeds, Advertisements and more. The app does not require server or internet connections, which makes this a significant technology compared to other translation services.
In addition to the app, Facebook will get access to the highly skilled developers working for Mobile Technologies. These individuals have done a great job coming up with the innovative translation app, and will undoubtedly help to develop additional technologies for the social giant.
Most other translation services harness the power of either Google or Microsoft, both of whom have some of the best translation databases in the industry. With this purchase, however, Facebook might be looking to get into that market as well. The Jibbigo service, however, uses a different type of technology than those provided by Google and Microsoft, which will come with some advantages and some disadvantages. With further development, it seems that the offline options provided by Jibbigo will be quite significant for this type of service.
Jibbigo already has thousands of users who take advantage of the app while traveling or even doing international business. Being able communicate in real time without having to rely on a live translator, is extremely beneficial. When Facebook will integrate this new technology into their social network has not yet been discussed.
The total price paid for the mobile company has not yet been released, though it is not likely going to be a huge number. The company offers significant value to Facebook, though there was not likely many other companies looking to get into this market which likely kept the price at a more reasonable range. Of course, with technology purchases, it is impossible to predict the prices.
You can see the announcement of the purchase HERE.
