Apple has acquired PrimeSense, Tel Aviv-based company popular for its 3D sensing tech for $345 million, according to a report from Israeli financial news site Calcalist. PrimeSense technology is powering the Microsoft’s Kinect, AVA By iRobot used in healthcare, Qualcomm’s Vuforia AR technology and more. The company also sells 3D Sensors, which is being used in over 24 million devices, says the company.
The reports also says that PrimeSense has raised $85 million from Israeli and U.S. venture capital funds such as Canaan Partners Global, Gemini Israel and Genesis Partners. However PrimeSense denies to comment on it. According to Reuters, it said “We do not comment on what any of our partners, customers or potential customers are doing and we do not relate to rumors or recycled rumors.”
If the rumors are true, the 3D motion sensing technology could come to Apple’s devices including iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. The report says that Apple bought the company to improved smart TV project, and PrimeSense had been saying since 2011 that it was exploring TV integration for its motion sensing tech. So it might also be used on the first smart TV from Apple. Official confirmation of the acquisition is rumored to be announced later this month.