Mail had too much hype from day #1; something like RIP Airtime on steroids. Usually when it happens it means the board/owners/executive managment is very deeply connected to the media world (like with Color). For that reason alone, it doesn't surprise me they sold it to a large player. Such a quick sale may mean they were dissapointed with their growth but thats speculation. I could be a favor from one exec to another; something like board members of both FB and Instagram selling one to another.
I wouldn't be surprised if Mail will share the faith of Color, Airtime or many others...
Personally, the hype was what pushed me past the Ambivalence Tipping Point. The last time anyone really tried to get me excited about email was when Google had a mysterious beta webmail that was invite only. It was a good five years before there was anything in the market that gave me any second thought on switching away from gmail as my email browser.
That said, Mailbox is sleek but gimmicky, and I have doubts about its long-term value.
Finally getting accepted for Mailbox was exciting. I wouldn't want everyone to do the same thing, but I'm glad that they did.
I wouldn't be surprised if Mail will share the faith of Color, Airtime or many others...