Apple is said to be “in talks” to purchase Israeli motion capture company PrimeSense, who already worked with Microsoft on the Xbox 360 Kinect.
According to local Israeli newspaper Calcalist, Apple offered PrimeSense $280 million (£180 million) to buy out the 3D sensor specialist.
This was after PrimeSense executives visited Cupertino this month to discuss the possibility of embedding its technology into future Apple products. Apple must have been impressed by the potential of the technology.
The 3D imaging company has already raised $85 million (£56.4 million) through Israeli and American venture capital funds itself.
PrimeSense worked with Microsoft to include its designs, chips and technology in the Xbox 360 Kinect motion capture peripheral, although hasn’t worked on the Xbox One Kinect.
The Israeli company’s 3D-scanning technology is already used in over 20 million devices across the globe, including smartphones and tablets.
In fact, PrimeSense recently worked with ASUS on the WAVI Xtion PC and its 3D sensing technology.
Its focus has mainly been on 3D motion-activated games, but it has also developed projects with healthcare industries, robotics and retail outlets.
Technology created by PrimeSense is also found in portable scanners that can create detailed 3D models of interior spaces.
It is not known how Apple would incorporate the PrimeSense technology into any of its existing or future products, but it could be an exciting addition to the company’s portfolio.
However, the rumours of a huge Apple TV overhaul have been rife of late. Apple could include the PrimeSense technology within the next iteration of its set top box, introducing hand gestures and body movements that consumers can use to interact with the device.
Introducing an entirely new control interface, potentially coupled with iOS gaming on the big screen, could give a next-generation Apple TV box quite an edge in the living room.
Next, read our iPad mini tips and tricks.
Via: Engadget
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