Microsoft acquires ‘living photo’ app SWNG

Microsoft today announced that it has acquired Swing Technologies, makers of the ‘living photo’ app SWNG. SWNG allows users to create interactive ‘living photos’, a new visual medium to stand alongside photos and videos.
Microsoft is acquiring both the talent and technology of SWNG to Microsoft. SWNG’s talent includes past employees of Apple, Instagram and others.

Swing employees will be part of Skype team after the acquisition. Microsoft will use Swing’s expertise in imaging technology to deliver new features for Skype messaging and calling experiences.

“This is a unique opportunity for the team to bring our ideas to a global audience,” said Tommy Stadlen, Co-Founder of Swing Technologies. “It’s an exciting time to join Microsoft, which is thriving under the leadership of Satya Nadella. We believe in the power of brands and technology, so the Skype mission and values resonate strongly with us.”

“The Swing team’s deep expertise in imaging technology will help us deliver great new features and capabilities for Skype,” said Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Skype, Amritansh Raghav. “They have an impressive track record of delivering great user experiences and brand design around the technology they develop. I welcome the new team members and am excited about how Swing will deliver innovation to our customers.”