Apple is reportedly interested in improving its mapping technology with PrimeSense rather than going after motion technology. November 27, 2013 7:05 AM PST (Credit: Josh Lowensohn/CNET) Apple's recent decision to acquire PrimeSense, the company behind Microsoft's Kinect sensor had little to do with motion and a lot more to do with mapping, according to a new report. Apple recently acquire PrimeSense for its chips that allow for mapping 3D spaces, Jessica Lessin reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the deal. What's more, Lessin says that while PrimeSense might have provided the backbone technology in the original Kinect, its offerings in that sector are behind the industry and have not made their way to the latest Kinect. Microsoft has not actually confirmed what companies are behind its latest Kinect. Related stories Apple confirms deal for 3D sensing company PrimeSense Apple reportedly acquires PrimeSense for $345M Apple in talks to acquire company behind Microsoft's Kinect The 3D sensor that could change our mobile lives Apple earlier this week confirmed that it had acquired PrimeSense. The company said that it at times "buy smaller technology companies," but declined to say how much it spent or its plans for the future. Apple was reportedly in talks to acquire PrimeSense since July. That Apple is reportedly thinking about mapping is no surprise. The company's Maps platform got off to a rough start but has been improving ever since. Apple is now reportedly planning to start an arms race with Google to add images and contextualize locations around the US. PrimeSense might be a key component in that.
Apple is reportedly interested in improving its mapping technology with PrimeSense rather than going after motion technology.
(Credit: Josh Lowensohn/CNET)
Apple's recent decision to acquire PrimeSense, the company behind Microsoft's Kinect sensor had little to do with motion and a lot more to do with mapping, according to a new report.
Apple recently acquire PrimeSense for its chips that allow for mapping 3D spaces, Jessica Lessin reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the deal. What's more, Lessin says that while PrimeSense might have provided the backbone technology in the original Kinect, its offerings in that sector are behind the industry and have not made their way to the latest Kinect. Microsoft has not actually confirmed what companies are behind its latest Kinect.
Related stories
- Apple confirms deal for 3D sensing company PrimeSense
- Apple reportedly acquires PrimeSense for $345M
- Apple in talks to acquire company behind Microsoft's Kinect
- The 3D sensor that could change our mobile lives
Apple earlier this week confirmed that it had acquired PrimeSense. The company said that it at times "buy smaller technology companies," but declined to say how much it spent or its plans for the future. Apple was reportedly in talks to acquire PrimeSense since July.
That Apple is reportedly thinking about mapping is no surprise. The company's Maps platform got off to a rough start but has been improving ever since. Apple is now reportedly planning to start an arms race with Google to add images and contextualize locations around the US. PrimeSense might be a key component in that.
