Microsoft Acquires VideoSurf For Xbox Video Discovery

Microsoft has announced the purchase of Isreali startup VideoSurf, announcing plans to integrate the company's detailed video search technology into the Xbox 360. VideoSurf's technology scans videos frame by frame, using audio and facial recognition methods to generate metadata tags that can help searchers find specific content. Microsoft says this technology will be integrated "over time" into the video options offered on the Xbox 360, to help increase the "speed and relevance" of new Bing video search results that are to be introduced to the Xbox 360 dashboard next month. That dashboard update will also begin the rollout of new Xbox 360 video content from 40 major entertainment partners, including Comcast, Verizon, HBO, Syfy and Bravo. Financial details for the deal were not disclosed, but TechCrunch cites a "solid source" in reporting Microsoft paid $100 million for the five-year-old company.