04 July 2013, 11:52

Boxee bought by Samsung

Boxee logo

Boxee, the company that built a business around devices that ran their own version of XBMC Media Center, has been acquired by Samsung. It appears that the acquisition is for the people and assets of Boxee, rather than the devices and services that Boxee offered. Boxee had previously raised around $30 million in three rounds of funding to develop its TV and media centre. In April, the company rebranded as a Cloud DVR service and last month it was reported to be looking for more funding or a buyer.

Now, Samsung has stepped forward with what has been said to be a $30 million purchase of Boxee. It appears Samsung want to use the Boxee acquisition to "improve the overall user experience across our connected devices". Samsung has been active in the Smart TV business pushing internet-connected televisions, but without much widespread consumer take up and some harsh criticism.

Existing Boxee users are, though, going to lose their Cloud DVR service which, despite the rebranding, was still in beta. In a statement on the company's front page it says that service will be turned off on 10 July.

(djwm)

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