Its a very sycophantic article that gives Apple far too much credit. No "genius" strategy was involved it was just fortunate (for Apple) that they could acquire the remnants of Color for such a low price.
They bought Lala. The sought-after employees left even after being offered a $80M golden leash.
They were bought again with Color. What stops these employees from leaving again, with a much less lucrative golden leash this time around?