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Google Buys Mobile Software Maker Jaiku

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 October 2007, 18:00 CDT

By The Associated Press

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Internet search leader Google Inc. said Tuesday that it has bought Finnish startup Jaiku, which makes a mobile phone application people can use to send short messages about where they are and what they're doing.

Terms of the acquisition weren't disclosed.

Google believes Jaiku's technology can help develop new ways to use mobile devices, according to a note posted Tuesday on Google's blog by Tony Hsieh, a product manager for the Mountain View-based company.

It hasn't made a formal announcement, but Google reportedly is working on a new operating platform for mobile devices to make it easier for people to access Google products when they're away from their personal computers.

Founded last year in Helsinki, Jaiku specializes in mobile phone software that makes it easier to share updates about their whereabouts and thoughts. The concept, known as "microblogging," also is being promoted by another startup, San Francisco-based Twitter.

Google shares soared to a new high of $623.78 Tuesday, before falling back to $615.18, up $5.57 for the day. The company's stock price has reached a new peak in seven of the last 13 trading sessions.

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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