HTC boosts content efforts via Saffron Digital investment

HTC Corporation has invested $48.6 million in content delivery platform provider Saffron Digital, a move to boost the smartphone maker's multimedia services capabilities. Saffron Digital's proprietary technologies include support for multi-device media delivery as well as encoding and domain-based DRM solutions; in addition to HTC, clients include Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG and Samsung, as well as Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, Paramount Digital Entertainment and 20th Century Fox. Saffron Digital also boasts mobile video partnerships with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Widevine.

According to Saffron Digital, the HTC investment will support its expansion into new markets like Asia as well as fund its extension into new sectors like gaming and music delivery. The company's leadership will remain unchanged.

In addition, HTC will acquire a $40 million stake in cloud gaming firm OnLive. An HTC spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal the investment will "strengthen its gaming capabilities and help HTC tap into increasing demand for games on smartphones."

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