Google Buys Limes Audio To Improve Sound Quality For Chromebox, Meetings, Google Hangouts

Google announced Thursday it bought the Swedish company Limes Audio, which develops technology to improve voice communication systems.

The acquisition of Limes Audio will help Google offer better online voice quality for customers that use its video conferencing programs, powered by Chromebox for Meetings and Google Hangouts.

Google says it’s “critical” that the company provides “a great audio experience” and admitted that one of the biggest challenges to having seamless video meetings is the audio quality.

“With G Suite customers now relying on video communications for their day-to-day meetings, it's more important than ever to ensure low-cost, high-quality audio,” said Google in a blog post.

Limes Audio, which was founded a decade ago, said it was “excited” about the recent move.

“We are now very excited to join Google, where we will pursue objectives in line with our passion and continue to work towards all voice conversations sounding equally loud and clear, regardless of the distance or environment,” Limes Audio said in a statement.

Audio issues can emerge because of the size of a conference room, which can have an effect on acoustics. Poor internet connection may also distort sounds during calls. However, Google hopes that Limes Audio can jump in and help the company tackle these problems, since the acquired company has been developing solutions that remove distracting noises, distortion and echoes in online conference calls.