Google LLC, an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, has acquired Bengaluru-based startup Sigmoid Labs, the parent company of popular train-tracking application “Where is my Train.”
“We’re excited to share that Sigmoid Labs, the team behind the “Where is my train” app, is joining Google. We can think of no better place to help us achieve our mission, and we’re excited to join Google to help bring technology and information into more people’s hands,” the startup said in a post on its official website on Monday.
The deal is part of Google’s “Next Billion User” initiative, which focuses on developing products and services to help increase internet adoption in emerging markets.
The app’s developer studio, Sigmoid Labs was created by five former executives of TiVo Corporation, a US technology entertainment company. Their team consists of 10 people based out of Bengaluru.
Google said that the Where is my Train team would “continue to build on the current offering,” so it seems that the app won’t be shuttered immediately, at least.
Both the companies decided not to disclose the terms of the deal but, according to an ET report, the deal could be worth $30-40 million.
Its speculated that Google would integrate “Where is my Train” app into its Google Maps and other software to make more convenient for the users but, there is no official announcement from Google regarding it.
Where is my Train app has over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store and it offers offline integration of Indian Railways and IRCTC timetables, using cell-tower information to locate trains.
Besides helping the users to track arrivals and departures of trains, the app also helps them to book seats.
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