Microsoft Buys Video Content Discovery Outfit

Microsoft announced the acquisition of California-based video discovery technology company VideoSurf. Founded in 2006, VideoSurf offers a back-end computer vision technology that “sees” frames inside videos for discovering content. Over time, Microsoft will integrate the technology across its entertainment platform to augment the Xbox 360 ecosystem and evolve search and discovery of entertainment content on Xbox LIVE.In the coming months, Microsoft plans to bring nearly 40 TV and entertainment providers to Xbox LIVE, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in the United States; BBC in the UK; Telefónica in Spain; Rogers On Demand in Canada; Televisa in Mexico; ZDF in Germany; and Mediaset in Italy.