It looks obvious

Riya , unlike many other web 2.0 companies, actually developing new technological capabilities. Like Google at the beginning Riya’s is going to expand our ability to search and store data directly from the image and not only from its title.

By its own, or as acquired company, Riya has the potential to develop value for many types of user and has the potential for greatness. Riya’s development of face recognition, even without the hype of web 2.0, will add great functionality to any company that tries to build comprehensive search service.

Therefore reading today’s post on Riya’s CEO Blog announcing that Riya is not going to be acquired by Google was surprising news:

"For the past few months, there have been many speculations about our future as an independent company. For various legal reasons I couldn’t and still can’t directly comment on these. However, at this time, Riya continues as an independent team fully focused on making our photo search dream a reality."

 

Paul Kedrosky’s post on this issue make the picture clearer:

"Whatever, but when you hear a rumor ask yourself not just about the lottery cult of Silicon Valley, but about who wins, who loses, and who might be promoting this info-bit to bloggers and journalists. Who does it benefit? Who does it hurt?"

Technorati Tags: Riya, Google, Acquisition Rumors, Web 2.0