Google latest acquisition is the instant messaging company, Emu, that left beta status earlier this year. Emu set itself apart from other messaging services by allowing users to use voice controls to do things like set calendar appointments and other tasks, not unlike a Google Now or Siri. Not only that, but Emu used contextual information from the conversations you were having to make recommendations on things like restaurants or places of interest that you might enjoy.
With all of the nifty information-aware stuff that Emu did, it's no surprise that Google wanted the company. Google has pretty clearly been pushing towards services that know what you want before you ask and let you use your device without ever touching it, and in that sense, the technology behind Emu fits right in. Plus, as a messaging client, there's a pretty good chance we might see some of the features make their way into either Hangouts or Android default messaging application, assuming Hangouts doesn't eventually replace it.
If you are currently using Emu, you'll be able to continue using it until August 25th, when it will be unfortunately shut down. Here's to hoping for great things from the buyout.
source: TechCrunch
