Apple Acquires Chomp to Help Improve App Discovery

Apple has reportedly acquired Chomp to help it improve application discovery on the App Store, according to TechCrunch.

"Chomp is the search engine that finds the apps you want. Chomp's proprietary algorithm learns the functions and topics of apps, so you can search based on what apps do, not just what they're called. "

TechCrunch notes that Chomp not only services iPhone apps, but Android apps as well.


Chomp currently has a deal with Verizon to power all of their Android-based app searches. That relationship, obviously, is going to get a bit awkward with this acquisition. My understanding is that such deals will remain intact for now but are likely to end once the Chomp team and product transitions over to Apple. The same is likely true for Chomp's stand-alone products.

I haven't been able to learn the exact terms of the deal, but I hear that all the investors should be very pleased with the outcome. This is not a cheap "acqui-hire", Apple has bought the Chomp team and technology and plans to use both to completely revamp App Store search and recommendations, I hear.

Notably, a recent report from 9to5Mac said Apple was working on an iTunes redesign that would "enhance the speed and efficiency of finding new content, such as songs, videos, and applications." It appears that Chomp will be a big part of that redesign.

You can download Chomp from the App Store for free.


Read More