Apple looking to buy Xbox Kinect sensor development team
Apple are reported to be in talks to buy the company that first helped develop the Xbox 360’s Kinect motion sensor.
Israeli fabless semiconductor company Primesense put together the sensor tech for Microsoft’s console accessory (which now enjoys an essential position in the forthcoming Xbox One next-generation console), with executives from the company visiting Apple’s Cupertino campus to discuss a possible partnership, according to Israeli newspaper Calcalist.
The report goes as far to claim that Apple have already made a bid for the company, to the sum of $280 million. If true, Apple seem very keen – could they perhaps be lining up a gesture control interface for the fabled Apple TV, using Kinect-like technology.
Primesense have 3D-scanning technology in over 20 million devices worldwide, ranging from portable scanners to smartphone sensors. Recent partnerships include building 3D sensing technology for the ASUS WAVI Xtion PC, suggesting Apple may also be looking to capitalist on the company’s expertise in their MacBook range.
