Google Buys UK-Based Redux, a Firm That Uses Vibrations to Turn Displays Into Speakers

Google has reportedly acquired a UK startup specialising in technology that turns displays into speakers, using vibration. UK-based Redux is said to have been bought by Google at an undisclosed price as well as on an undisclosed date. Redux displayed its speaker technology at MWC 2017.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Google has bought UK startup Redux for an undisclosed amount, citing a UK regulatory filing. Even the date of the acquisition is unknown, although Crunchbase claims that it was on August 6 last year. Redux showed off its technology at last year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The company works on transforming surfaces, such as mobile phone displays, into small speakers using vibrations.

A live demo, reported by Mashable in February last year, showed how Redux's technology can turn any LCD or OLED display into a speaker as well as a surface that offers haptic feedback. The haptic feedback could be used by Google as a ploy to pitch against Apple's 3D Touch technology.

Redux was founded in 2013, according to Crunchbase's organisation profile. It has received a Series B funding round for $5 million from Arie Capital in March last year.

Google's buyout of Redux can help the company incorporate this technology in its future smartphones or even smart speakers. It will create more real estate to fit in more efficient motherboards, bigger batteries, or other components that were earlier not possible due to the restricted amount of area. There is no official confirmation from the Mountain View giant on this front, but we can expect one, possibly, at Google's 2018 I/O conference.

Google's currently flagship smartphone, Pixel 2 (64GB) is available offline for as low as Rs. 49,999 under the festive offer in India. The offer is expected to run until January 14.