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Google acquires Emu messaging/virtual assistant app, will shutdown app Aug. 25

Mobile messaging app Emu today confirmed that it’s being acquired by Google in a message on its website (via TechCrunch). Google is yet to confirm the purchase on its end, but the message from Emu notes that the app will be shut down as of August 25, meaning it will no longer be available to iOS users via the App Store and current users will no longer be able to receive send or download messages:

That’s right! And we’re super-excited. But to focus on our next chapter, we have to close the last one. As of August 25, 2014, we’ll be shutting down the Emu app… We know it’s an inconvenience, and we regret that… To our friends, advisors, and users: we’ve learned so much with your help, and we’re grateful for all your support. Thank you!

The app is currently only available for iPhone users with a message on the company’s website noting that “We’re currently focused on iPhone, but we hope to get back to Android soon.”

While at its core Emu is a messaging app like the many others available on the App Store, its selling point is built-in Siri or Google Now-like virtual assistant features that make it easier to carry out various tasks right from within your conversations:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJQUksUDpn8]

Google hasn’t commented on what it plans to do with the technology or app, and Emu didn’t offer any hints, but for now current users can prepare for the service to stop working at the end of the month. The companies didn’t provide any financial information related to the deal.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s weekly Logic Pros series and makes music as one half of Toronto-based Makamachine.