Like Google Maps is not already awesome, Google is acquiring Skybox Imaging to improve satellite imagery. The search giant will pay no less than $500 million for the benefit, the amount that will be paid in cash, subject to adjustments.
Skybox’s satellites will help keep Google Maps accurate with up-to-date imagery. Over time, we also hope that Skybox’s team and technology will be able to help improve Internet access and disaster relief – areas Google has long been interested in.
As that’s usually the case with these sort of things, the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US.
While we’re not sure Google desperately needs Skybox’s technology, we do know they don’t want to see that company being acquired by their rivals. So, one way or another – it makes sense to pay half a billion dollars to cement Google Maps’ dominance among mobile users. Any thoughts?