The Verge is reporting that Samsung has purchased Boxee, the small Israeli firm known for its set-top box that streams media to televisions, ala Apple TV. The deal was reported to be worth around $30 million.
The news comes out of Israeli site The Marker, and we’re working on obtaining confirmation of the deal from both companies. VentureBeat revealed last month that Boxee was searching for a buyer, but Samsung is an unexpected suitor for the company. According to today’s report, Boxee’s roughly 40 employees will be retained by Samsung following the acquisition.
If the acquisition is a reality, Samsung is expected to use Boxee’s technology in its lineup of Smart TVs. The South Korean television maker has long struggled to add features to its Smart TV software, while keeping navigation simple.
MacTrast will keep you posted on the story as it develops.
