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Microsoft buys R2 Studios startup to boost Xbox

The small startup that works on home entertainment technology is heading to Redmond.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
Dara Kerr
Microsoft

Word has it that Microsoft was able to get ahead of Apple and Google and buy the home entertainment technology startup R2 Studios, according to the Wall Street Journal. This acquisition will most likely help amplify Microsoft's Xbox platform.

R2 Studios was created by Sling Media founder Blake Krikorian in May 2011. Sling Media developed Slingbox, which let users watch television on their computers. According to the Wall Street Journal, R2 Studios has been working on ways to display content on televisions, which could coordinate with Xbox's focus of adding TV entertainment to its gaming console.

Before R2 Studios was snapped up by Microsoft, it was also in talks with Apple and Google, according to the Wall Street Journal. Along with buying R2 Studios, Microsoft is also getting its hands on several patents for controlling certain electronic devices.

The price of the acquisition was not disclosed, and Microsoft declined to comment on the deal.