Google borgs 3D desktop

Google has acquired Bump Technologies, a more-than-three-year-old startup that offers a 3D desktop interface known as, well, BumpTop.

Bump announced the deal with a post to its website. "More than three years ago, we set out to completely change the way people use their desktops," the company said. "Thanks again for all your support over the years. Despite our change in strategy, we remain as passionate as ever about helping shape the future of computing."

Google confirmed the deal with a brief email. "We're happy to welcome BumpTop to Google, but we don't have many details to share," a company spokesman told us.

BumpTop is no longer available for sale, and the company says that no updates to the product are planned. However, it will continue to offer a free version of the product for "the next week".

Those who have sprung for the for-pay "Pro" version of Bump can go to bumptop.com/pro for more information.

BumpTop runs on both Windows and Mac OS X. It debuted in April 2009, after a demo of the product spent more than two years lingering on YouTube. In essence, this 3D interface seeks to pile applications on your virtual computer desktop in much the same way you would on your real world desktop. No, really. You can see the YouTube demo here:

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