Microsoft to acquire perceptive pixel Inc

By Emeka Aginam, in Sydney, Australia

The software giant, Microsoft Corp. yesterday in collaboration with Perceptive Pixel Inc. (PPI) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire PPI, a recognized leader in research, development and production of large-scale, multi-touch display solutions.

Although the the terms of the deal were not disclosed as at press time, the acquisition, it was learnt, was still subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

“The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we’re excited to accelerate this market evolution,” Kurt DelBene, president, Office Division for Microsoft” , said adding that , “PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration.”

Reacting to the new development, Jeff Han, the founder of PPI said that , “We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion to build technologies that enable people to collaborate and communicate.

“By joining Microsoft, we will be able to take advantage of the tremendous momentum of the Microsoft Office Division, tightly interoperate with its products, and deliver this technology to a very broad set of customers.”

Founded in 2006 by Jeff Han, a renowned pioneer in multi-touch technology, PPI shipped its first multi-touch workstation and large wall solutions in early 2007.

In 2008 its technology gained widespread recognition for transforming the way CNN and other broadcasters covered the 2008 U.S. presidential election. In 2009 the Smithsonian awarded the company the National Design Award in the inaugural category of Interaction Design.

PPI’s patented technologies are used across a wide variety of industries such as government, defense, broadcast, energy exploration, engineering and higher education, and its expertise in both software and hardware will contribute to success in broad scenarios such as collaboration, meetings and presentations.