Google Acquires A UK Startup That Uses Vibrations To Turn Your Screen Into A Speaker
Google is trying to cement its reputation as a software genius.
Acquiring control over a company is not new for the tech giant — Google. In fact it happens so frequently that some acquisitions barely come onto the radar and get noticed. However, you can’t ignore when something makes you curious enough to ask, “Is it the next level of smartphones? Is this the next ‘new’?” This possibility has arisen because of Google’s new acquired treasure — Redux.
Redux, founded in 2013, is a Cambridge based start-up that is known for innovative ideas like using vibrations actuators to turn your display into audio speakers. On its once functional website, Redux had shared that they as an organization have a few cool tricks up their sleeve which aims at taking the panel audio and tactile feedback to the next level. Demonstrations show Redux playing music via a mobile device, which possesses the tiny actuators that vibrate the screen and effectively turn it into a loudspeaker.
The company has some 178 patents under its name. Backed by investors like Arie Capital, the company was infused with $5million in March 2017.
What piqued our interest? The immense possibilities created by the idea of a smartphone minus the micro speakers and apertures. Since you don’t have to give the already scarce physical landscape to the speaker assembly in the mobile device, it implies better batteries and inclusion of other technological innovation like AI functionalities. The possible new design and the idea of an “all touch” phones also gain ground. Other than being a boon to the handsets, it can also bring new and welcome advantages in computing, mobile, automotive and industrial audio entertainment systems. Redux has already integrated similar technology inside PCs and automotive infotainment systems
There is always a dark side — according to the critics, the speakers aren’t the best. However, the idea counts, as it does have a promise to start the ball rolling for future innovations, especially when combined with bendable screens.
What’s more? The company has also developed the haptic feedback mechanism. Apple users are no stranger to it thanks to the 3D touch functionality, but, it will be a new experience for the Android users. The company plans to give desired haptic effect at the desired touch point, giving different feedback to different fingers. It will be fun to see switches and controls replaced by panels with haptic feedback to mimic the feel of buttons, sliders, and dials.
Google has not been very forthcoming about the details of the deal, which probably took place in August last year. The transfer of shares of Redux holding company NVF tech. LTD was confirmed on 13 December 2017, however, Alphabet has not been very clear as to when it acquired Redux. Redux can prove to be an ace for Google, especially now, when Google is trying to cement its reputation as a software genius and establish their dominance as a hardware hunk as well. For a company seeking a route to prove its mettle in hardware technology, Redux can prove to be quite a catch.
Originally published at Chip-Monks.
