Microsoft acquires R2 Studios

Microsoft has acquired US home entertainment start-up R2 Studios for an undisclosed sum.

The technology giant has also obtained some patents related to controlling electronics as part of its deal with R2, which was originally reported by the Wall Street Journal. It is thought that these will be used to bolster Microsoft’s Xbox home console.

Last year Microsoft released Xbox SmartGlass, app designed to enable users to control their home entertainment using their mobile or tablet devices. This deal supports Microsoft’s move to reposition the Xbox console as a home entertainment and media hub.

R2’s founder Blake Krikorian and his small team will now be heading to Microsoft’s Redmond campus.

The Silicon Valley-based business has been developing technology related to distributing and displaying digital media on TVs, which games and electronics companies are all flocking to.

It was also in talks with Google and Apple about a possible deal, sources familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.

R2 Studios was founded by entrepreneur Krikorian in May 2011. Previously, Kirkorian founded the firm behind the Slingbox, which allowed users to watch TV on their PCs. He also served on the board at Amazon.com, though he resigned from the position last week.