Samsung Buys Streaming-Media Company Boxee

Samsung has acquired Israeli-based streaming-media startup Boxee, a spokesperson for Samsung told TheWrap Wednesday.

The acquisition was presumably made so that Samsung can add the company's cloud-based DVR to its smart TVs and other connected devices.

"Samsung has acquired key talent and assets from Boxee," the spokesperson said. "This will help us continue to improve the overall user experience across our connected devices."

The Marker reports that the purchase price was $30 million. That sum roughly matches Boxee's total funding -- which is $26.5 million, according to the company's website. The deal reportedly brings all Boxee employees -- estimated around 45 people -- to work for Samsung.

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Boxee launched the world's first cloud-based DVR, which means users not only never run out of recording space, it allows the viewer to watch from anywhere there's an internet connection -- if you have one connected to your TV in, for example, L.A., you can watch your recorded shows or movies anywhere on a laptop, smartphone or tablet.

While Samsung has been heavily focused on its smart TVs -- especially trying to get a foothold while Apple's new smart TVs seem on perpetual stall -- its software has been criticized as not being user-friendly. Boxee and its limitless cloud-based DVR capabilities could help the company improve the product.

The sale does not bode well for D-Link, which currently manufactures Boxee's hardware. With Boxee, Samsung will likely want to build in-house.

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