Apple has finally confirmed the rumored acquisition of PrimeSense Ltd., the motion-tracking chip technology manufacturer, for about $350 million.
Several reports since July hinted at Apple's interest in the 3D motion-tracking company, PrimeSense. But earlier this month, sources confirmed that Apple had acquired PrimeSense for a reported sum of $345 million. Apple remained tightlipped at the time, but has finally opened up about the deal.
Kristin Huguet, a spokeswoman for Apple confirmed the PrimeSense acquisition in a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Sunday. But the financial details and the prime motive behind the deal remained undisclosed. One person familiar with the matter revealed last week about the negotiations between the Cupertino-based tech giant and Tel Aviv-based PrimeSense for about $350 million.
"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," Huguet said.
The acquisition comes at a time when tech giants are experimenting with gesture control features. In 2011, Apple had filed a patent for a new technology that uses hand gestures. Through PrimeSense's expertise in motion-tracking chip technology, Apple is expected to finally start adapting new technology in its upcoming feature devices.
PrimeSense is known for developing gesture control in Microsoft's Kinect game console. The company also made a breakthrough in integrating its technology in mobile devices, which can be useful for Apple in its future smartphones and tablets.
Apple has been on a shopping spree of late. In the last two years it has acquired several tech firms, which include the flash controller chip vendor Anobit for a reported $500 million. In addition, the tech giant acquired fingerprint sensor developer AuthenTec for about $356 million. AuthenTec's technology was integrated in the development of iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor. Apple also bought low-power Bluetooth chipmaker Passif Semiconductor for an unknown sum.
