Yahoo has acquired self-destructing message app Blink so it can poach the seven-person team behind the mobile application.
Blink allowed users to share messages that deleted themselves after a set period of time. This self-destruction allowed for higher privacy.
Yahoo will reportedly shut down the app in the next few weeks in order for the Blink team to start work on Yahoo’s ‘smart communication’ products. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
On Blink’s website, a message left by the team reads: "We built Blink because we believe everyone should be free to show the same honesty and spontaneity in their online conversations as they can in person. We look forward to the possibilities that will come from bringing the Blink vision to Yahoo."
The acquisition is part of Yahoo’s drive to generate more revenue from mobile services. Blink’s rivals include Snapchat, Confide and Wickr.
Facebook offered Snapchat a multi-billion dollar deal last year, but was turned down. Facebook’s own Poke app was discontinued last week. In February, Facebook purchased messaging app Whatsapp for $19bn, with Japan’s Rakuten buying free messaging app Viber for $900m.
