Yahoo Acquires Mobile Messaging App Blink.

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self-destructing messaging app Blink announced, after the market close on Tuesday, that it will be joining Yahoo
YHOO
as of May 13, 2014. The app, which competes with companies such as Snapchat, Confide, and Wickr, will be shutting down on both Android and iOS in the next few weeks. Blink allows the sender to set a time limit at the end of which the message will "self-destruct". Blink is a product of Meh Labs, a company formerly best known for Kismet, a location-based service that failed to gain sweeping popularity. Company founders Kevin Stephens and Michelle Norgan commented, "We look forward to the possibilities that will come from bringing the Blink vision to Yahoo." Stephens and Norgan had both previously worked at Google
GOOG
before leaving to start Meh Labs. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, nor was Yahoo available for an immediate comment. According to Reuters, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has been increasing the company's efforts to provide services for consumers who use smartphones and tablets to access the Web. Yahoo is not the only company trying to gain traction in the private mobile messaging arena. Late last year Facebook
FB
acquired Whatsapp for $19 billion after having its $3 billion offer to Snapchat rejected. Additionally, Rakuten Inc., a Japanese e-commerce company, purchased Viber for $900 million in February. At last check, Shares of Yahoo have not really reacted to the news and were trading up under one percent at $34.53 in the Pre-market session.
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