Google acquired Redux, a United Kingdom startup focused on audio and haptics

Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. reportedly has acquired Redux ST, a small United Kingdom -based startup that has developed haptics technology that turns smart device screens into sound speakers.

On Wednesday night, a report revealed on Bloomberg quietly that Google acquisition of "Redux" could have major implications down the road.

It also has technologies that add haptic feedback on mobile displays, which provides vibrations to imitate what it feels like to push physical buttons. The Verge had some hands-on time with the company's tech a year ago, trying out a tablet which vibrated its screen to function as a speaker, as well as a number of displays that used haptic feedback to mimic the feel of buttons, sliders, and dials.

At the time, it said the sound quality was 'decent'.

Redux raised $5M last spring and had granted 178 patents.

Alphabet Inc is the parent company of Google and owns numerous companies, and continues to acquire even more. On Ivanov's profile page, it says that Redux achieved a "successful exit" in August 2017, but it does not state the buyer.

Last year, it received £3.7 million ($5 million) from an array of investors, including Arie Capital.

So far, Redux has only been able to integrate its technologies inside PCs and some infotainment systems for vehicles, but none have made its way to commercially available mobile devices yet. This technology has interesting ramifications and possible uses in Google's consumer lineup.

It has also emerged that the company quietly purchased a United Kingdom startup called Redux in August.

This appears to be the latest in a string of takeovers from the tech conglomerate.

At CES 2018, Google mainly focused on promoting its smart speakers and its new line of Smart Display devices, its direct competitor to the Amazon Echo Show.

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