Google confirmed yesterday what the blogosphere has suspected: it has acquired GrandCentral Communications, an online voice communications management startup. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The deal will result in one notable change for GrandCentral users: users will no longer be able to upload their own ring back tones. Instead, GrandCentral users "will be able to choose from a selection of licensed sound files made available within the GrandCentral service."
Looks like Google wants to avoid copyright issues related to users' uploaded music. Another possible reason I read is to assure potential mobile partners that Google isn't a threat to their ringback tones business. I'd really love to hear what you think about this move my dear RBT experts! :)
My first thoughts were the copyright issues. I'd say that's probably the biggest reason.
Posted by: Ricky Cadden | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 02:41
Well, each operator that offers ringback tones deals with copyright issues; and until now, this hasn't stopped hundreds of operators from offering the service.
Posted by: Xen | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 09:01