Google has bought BumpTop Technologies, a start-up which created a multitouch 3D desktop interface for Windows and Macs.
BumpTop made the announcement on its website, which said the firm’s software is no longer available for sale, though BumpTop Free is still available for download.
Given the arm wrestling going on between Apple and Google over who will have the sweetest user experience, BumpTop’s cool desktop and underlying technology are a natural piece of Google’s user interface puzzle
“More than three years ago, we set out to completely change the way people use their desktops,” said a message on the site. “Despite our change in strategy, we remain as passionate as ever about helping shape the future of computing.”
Google has remained tight-lipped on how it plans to use BumpTop’s technology, or how much it paid for the Canadian firm. However, Mark McQueen, chief executive officer of Canadian venture debt firm Wellington Financial, has claimed the price was around $30 million.
“Given the arm wrestling going on between Apple and Google over who will have the sweetest user experience, BumpTop’s cool desktop and underlying technology are a natural piece of Google’s user interface puzzle as they prepare to take on the current kings of all consumer electronics,” wrote McQueen.
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