Apple buys PrimeSense, the inventor of the Xbox Kinect - Le Figaro

Israeli company develops 3D sensors used for motion recognition. The transaction is valued at $ 360 million.

Apple takes the train of motion recognition. Sunday, the U.S. computer group confirmed the acquisition of PrimeSense, an Israeli company that designs sensors for 3D motion recognition. The transaction would amount to $ 360 million, according to the website specializing All Things D.

PrimeSense has a nice pedigree. Software and hardware components are found in the heart of Kinect accessory motion recognition to the Xbox. Kinect allows for example to control characters without handle, mimicking postures. Subsequently, Microsoft has created its own solution for its new console, the Xbox One, including buying a rival PrimeSense, Canesta.

A hypothetical Apple

TV

Apple has not communicated what he intended to do by repatriating PrimeSense in its ranks. “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our goals and our plans,” said a spokesman. This was done since the acquisition was discussed and denied by both parties.

One of the most logical markets for PrimeSense technology is the hypothetical Apple TV. Xbox One, navigating the menus a slip of the hand. In the wake of Microsoft, TV manufacturers have built their own systems of motion recognition. Models South Korean Samsung and LG, Haier or Chinese, and can be controlled remotely.

According to 9to5Mac

website, Apple is testing this type of operation for its Apple TV box. This motion recognition could be coupled with a tactile recognition that Apple has already mastered with Siri, as is also the case on the Xbox One. New sensors, smaller, could also be used in mobile devices, further emphasizes All Things D.

a dozen patent applications

Without waiting for the redemption PrimeSense, Apple has already addressed the issue of the recognition of movements, as shown by several patents in the field. Israeli society, in turn, is causing the deposit of ten patent applications covering essentially on motion detection by sensors. She was courted by other buyers, according to Globes.

acquisition PrimeSense is among the most important operations for Apple, which has conducted 15 redemptions on its fiscal year ended at the end of September. The AuthenTec acquisition for $ 356 million in summer 2012, for example, led to the integration of a fingerprint reader in the iPhone 5S. That of C3 Technologies for $ 267 million in 2011, was used to supply the software plans and views of cities in three dimensions.