UPDATE: British mobile firm snaps up Rock

 

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Posted on 11 Dec 2007 at 18:01

Mobile technology firm ROK has acquired British PC manufacturer Rock, as part of a "technology crusade" aimed at delivering a total convergence of mobile and laptop technologies.

ROK now has a controlling 51% stake in the company, and will share technology and expertise in IPTV, mobile internet and mobile entertainment platforms. The company says Rock will not be the last of its acquisitions.

"Laptops are getting smaller while mobile phones are getting bigger," says Laurence Alexander, CEO of ROK, explaining why a mobile technology firm has decided to buy the PC manufacturer.

"In three years time, people will be using their mobiles just as they use their laptops now. We know proper convergence of notebook and mobile technologies is inevitable and while we're very good with mobile technology, Rock has particular expertise in the laptop space."

"Total connectivity is the future - it's not a pipedream, it's already here, it's just done badly. WAP is largely a failure, mobile web is a failure, data chargers are a problem - but total connectivity is the future," he says.

Addressing concerns that such a grand ambition might adversely affect Rock's current customers, Alexander says, "existing customers won't see any difference to the service they receive, if anything they will only see more diversified offerings."

CORRECTION: Previously, we reported that ROK was an American company. Although it has floated on the US stock exchange, it's based in the UK.

Author: Stuart Turton