After taking over Zinku, Google now acquired another mobile-based company: Jaiku. Helsinki-based Jaiku is sort of a Twitter. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Why buy Jaiku if you already have Zinku? And why not directly acquire Twitter?! Also, these apps are pretty simple, why not develop it by yourself Google?
Regarding Jaiku, they say:
Activity streams and mobile presence are important areas where we believe Google can add a lot of value for users. Jaiku’s technology and talented team are a great addition to Google’s current application and mobile teams.
Google says:
We plan to use the ideas and technology behind Jaiku to make compelling and useful products. Although we don’t have definite plans to announce at this time, […]
I do think that Google already has definite plans. Google is more and more investing in social networks and in mobile-based apps. Mobile social networking and mobile blogging are on the rise and Google plans its GooglePhone. The mobile web is juicy enough to be invaded by AdSense/AdWords. Good reasons to invest in mobile companies and to acquire know-how. Well, and compared to Twitter, Jaiku has some interesting features like group creation, RSS import and threaded conversation.
Google has the power to market and scale Jaiku and definitely scare Twitter.
Regarding Twitter, RedMonk analyst James Governor thinks that RIM and Yahoo! would be acquisition candidates.
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