Facebook announced it will buy mobile-messaging startup WhatsApp for US$19 billion in cash and stock. The transaction, notes Reuters, “places the world's largest social network closer to the heart of mobile communications and may bring younger users into the fold.” WhatsApp had 450 million users in five years and is now reportedly adding another million daily. It is billed as an alternative to SMS, allowing users to exchange unlimited text messages at no cost for a year. After a year’s use, a user is required to subscribe to the service, which is now 99 cents for one year. (Reuters)(National Public Radio)
