Rovio, the Helsinki-based developer of gaming sensation Angry Birds, announced Wednesday it had acquired Finnish animation studio Kombo for an undisclosed amount of cash and stock.

Rovio said it wants expand in all areas of the entertainment business, and Kombo will help with its long-term goal of becoming a “world-class powerhouse in animated entertainment.”

Groundbreaking Platform Empowers Users to Create Personalized Avatars and Additional Custom Content

Image Metrics, a leading provider of facial animation technology, today announced the availability of PortableYou™, a groundbreaking new platform for developers as well as online and mobile entertainment, social network and communications companies.

PortableYou provides end-users with the ability to instantly generate customizable 3D avatars from facial photos. Users can then add and share avatars seamlessly across enabled third-party applications, including social networks and other connected platforms.

The launch of PortableYou supports Image Metrics’ mission to provide both professionals and consumers with products for end-to-end character creation and animation across all digital media.

“With the growing demand for more immersive customizable online experiences, creators of digital media are seeking ways to provide users with increased creative control over their own identity and content,” said Robert Gehorsam, CEO of Image Metrics. “PortableYou creates a unique platform for developers to meet these growing demands head-on and in a cost-efficient manner, while creating a brand new catalog of virtual goods to offer users.”