Google acquires 3D desktop provider BumpTop

Google has purchased Canadian start-up BumpTop for an undisclosed sum.

BumpTop provides web users with a 3D desktop environment that mimics a real desk.

The application, which is available for Windows and Mac, allows users to arrange their virtual desk with 3D boxes containing their documents.

BumpTop has now confirmed the acquisition after details were leaked by finance firm Wellington Financial at the weekend.

On Friday BumpTop said in a statement on its web site that its desktop application was being discontinued and it would take the software “in an exciting new direction”.

Yesterday the statement was updated to say the firm will be acquired by Google.

“More than three years ago, we set out to completely change the way people use their desktops,” said the web site statement.

“We're very grateful for all your support over that time — not just financially but also through all the encouraging messages from people who found BumpTop inspiring, useful, and just downright fun.”

BumpTop said web users will be able to download the free version of its application for the rest of this week before BumpTop is discontinued.

The firm also told its community that no updates to the products are planned.

BumpTop was created at the University of Toronto by Anand Agarawala, who launched the 1.0 version of the application in April last year, along with a pro version that is a paid upgrade.

The BumpTop purchase signals Google’s acquisition spree shows no sign of slowing. Just last month Google acquired LabPixies, Agnilux, Plink and Episodic.