Quattro Wireless Acquired By Apple  

Apple recently had the rug pulled out from under them by Google when the search giant purchased AdMob for the gentlemanly sum of $750 million. This move is representative of the growing competitiveness between Google and Apple. The departure of Google's CEO from Apple's board in July was marked by Steve's Job's explanation that Google was entering more of Apple's core businesses (i.e. the Droid phones).

Not content to be the only person at the ball without a date, Apple is acquiring Quattro Wireless for the modest price of $275 million. Apple has been hoarding its cash sitting on approximately $30 billion so the acquisition will barely make a dent in its wallet.

AdMob and Quattro Wireless are competitors in the mobile advertising network. It is expected that Apple will begin creating additional revenue streams using advertising through its app store. My opinion is that Apple will begin offering advertising packages to their iphone/ipod (iTablet?) developers to share in advertising revenue.

This makes me think now. The upcoming tablet (should it ever be released) could serve as a platform for mobile advertising. Apple is known for strong-arming anyone to get its way. With magazines and newpapers salivating over a chance to reverse their fortunes, Apple could force them to use its newly acquired service to deliver real-time targeted advertising to tablet users. Anybody have any opinions?

It should be noted that Apple rarely makes acquisitions so this news is fairly significant and indicative that the company is stretching its legs.

Main story from Cnet.com and Reuters