Facebook Buys Voice Recognition Firm Hoping To Diversify Interests

Facebook Inc. has purchased a company that makes voice recognition software for Internet-capable appliances and wearable devices in a bid to diversify its interests beyond smartphones and computers.

The social networking company said it bought wit.ai, but declined to specify the deal's cost. However, Reuters estimated that the deal is likely to be smaller, as wit.ai announced in October that it raised a $3-million funding.

Facebook, whose website is the world's largest Internet social network with 1.3 billion users, also refused to disclose how its website will use the technology or which group within the company will work with wit.ai.

The company, which has been in operation for less than two years, created a software that can comprehend both spoken and written words, even if the latter is in "natural language."

In its blog, the team behind the software wrote that Facebook's resources will take them to the "next step."

"It is an incredible acceleration in the execution of our vision. Facebook has the resources and talent to help us take the next step," the team said. "Facebook's mission is to connect everyone and build amazing experiences for the over 1.3 billion people on the platform. Technology that understands natural language is a big part of that, and we think we can help."

It clarified that the open platform, which allows developers to create apps that users can talk to, will still be free for everyone's use.

"The platform will remain open and become entirely free for everyone. Developers are the life of our project and the energy, enthusiasm and passion of the community has helped turn what was once just a lofty dream, into a reality. We want to continue to build with you," the team said.

Last year, Facebook bought Oculus VR as part of a $2-billion deal.