GoPro Inc. went public in June of this year, and the company is currently valued at $9 billion. Various reports, such as those from ValueWalk and Wareable, say this will not be a problem for Google, who has spent $5 billion on 33 acquisitions this year alone.
Mutually Beneficial Acquisition
Both Google and GoPro stand to benefit from an acquisition if one were to occur. ValueWalk reports that GoPro will benefit from Google's investment in their company by exploiting opportunities and a significantly expanded market base. Under Google's tutelage, GoPro may begin to offer video processing services and cloud storage. On the other hand, Google stands to gain from the acquisition by improving their wearable devices, such as Google Glass, using GoPro's technical expertise and wide user base.
Other Predictions on Wearable Technology
If Google were to purchase GoPro next year, it wouldn't be the first time they absorbed a company that can improve their wearable technology and expand their product base. Wareable notes that back in 2011, Google bought Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.
Other predictions point to the development of wearable technology equipped with health and wellness features. Value Walk also added in its report that CSS Insight expects Qualcomm to buy Fitbit next year, and they expect brands like Nike or Adidas to do the same with either Fitbit, Jabra, or Jawbone.
Google Maps Updated; Destinations Improved
Meanwhile, a minor update on Google Maps was released following the Android Lollipop 5.0 update. The Maps 9.1 update focuses on improving the quality of information users receive about their destinations. Users can tap on map pins to see snippets of the destination's description, local weather, and time.
PCWorld gave an example of the descriptions users will see in the updated Maps. When a user taps the pin to San Francisco Marriott Marquis, it gives the description"sophisticated rooms in a modern high-rise, plus business perks, indoor pool and penthouse lounge. 4 stars."
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