• Apple Insider (via SinoCast), Thursday, August 5, 2010 2:09 PM

Everyone's gaming! Amid a slew of game-related acquisitions, Apple is rumored to be eying a Chinese mobile Internet service provider and game developer for $148 million. A final agreement is said to be "close," according to Apple Insider, citing a Thursday report from Chinese business news organization SinoCast. Apple's target is Handseeing Information Technology Co, a company that specializes in rich Internet applications, with a primary business model focused on mobile online gaming.

As Apple Insider notes, the original report most likely incorrectly stated Apple's offer at $150 billion. The Global Times pinned the price at a more realistic 1 billion yuan, or $147.62 million U.S. The original report also said that other potential buyers had recently come forward, adding "uncertainty" to the deal. Writes Apple Insider: "If the rumor is accurate, it could be yet another sign that Apple is interested in creating its own games for devices like the iPhone and iPad in-house."

Read the whole story at Apple Insider (via SinoCast) »