However, it will save Apple a ton of time and money if they learn that what is patented will speed up their process, thus, the buyout. $2 or $3 billion to Apple is not much, especially if they feel it puts competitors at a disadvantage to develop and Apple at an advantage to be 1st to market. Total speculation that any of the above is true, but we will find out soon enough.
I see what you're saying but with this logic why did Google spend the billions it has on start up company's in the past? There are times when its more cost effective to buy the foundation of an idea and build up from there. VOIS is in my opinion certainly one of the ones you want to buy the foundation and not try and recreate yourself.
Edit: Apparently I got beat by 3 others saying the same thing as myself but better and with examples...I'll just shut up and sit in the corner now