Yahoo acquires contextual Android launcher Aviate
Aviate was one of the more interesting Android launcher alternatives to pass through the Google Play Store recently, and it looks like the app caught the attention of Marissa Mayer, because Mayer announced during the Yahoo CES keynote that it has purchased Aviate and hired all of the developers on the team. Obviously, Mayer didn't talk financials on stage, but it is known that Aviate has raised about $2 million in funding to date.
Aviate was an incredibly interesting Android launcher that would use your location and your habits to contextually change your homescreen setup, including the app links, and the widgets available. For example, when you woke up, you'd see links for your news apps and email; while traveling, you'd see navigation apps and place review apps; and at work, you'd see your calendar and productivity apps.
Yahoo has been on a mission to offer users contextually aware information and this acquisition fits well into that strategy. We're curious to see if the team is put to work using their skills at determining context for other products, or if maybe Yahoo has plans to offer its own mobile solutions (even a full OS or Android fork maybe?) We've seen hints that Yahoo has a voice command assistant in the works, so that idea may not be so far fetched.
Since Mayer took over as CEO in July of 2012, Yahoo has purchased 31 other companies. And, for those who are worried that Yahoo is planning to close down the app, fear not because along with the announcement comes 25,000 new beta invitations for those who want in on the app.
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