The social network has just acqui-hired Lightbox, a developer of consumer mobile apps. The startup developed Lightbox Photos, which replaces the Android camera app.
Lightbox announced the move on its blog Tuesday. Facebook, meanwhile, released this statement: “The Lightbox team has incredible experience developing innovative mobile products that people love. We look forward to welcoming this world-class team of engineers to Facebook.”
As part of the deal, seven people will be joining Facebook, though the company isn't buying any user data or technology. Lightbox users have until June 15 to download their data and photos before Lightbox ends the service. Lightbox will open source parts of its code in coming weeks.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Though it's unclear how Facebook will use Lightbox's technology, the move appears to be a continuation of Facebook's recent focus on mobile photo apps, highlighted by its $1 billion Instagram buy. Lightbox's best-known app, Lightbox Photos, syncs photos on your phone with your social network. Lightbox also provides cloud hosting for the photos.
See below for a demo of Lightbox's technology: