Walmart’s hefty investment in mobile lends legitimacy to the space

With the news that Walmart will acquire mobile and social commerce firm Kosmix, the big-box retailer became the latest of several large brands last week demonstrating a healthy commitment to the mobile space by investing heavily in related acquisitions or new business. EBay’s decision to acquire Where, Groupon’s deal for Whrrl and Visa’s launch of a mobile deals business – as well as the Walmart news – all point to the growing recognition by big brands that mobile is a force to be reckoned with.