Apple moves to acquire Kinect sensor dev for $345m

Apple has moved to acquire the 3D chip and sensor firm PrimeSense, which is behind technology used in Microsoft’s Kinect motion sensor for Xbox, for a reported $345 million.

Israeli technology site Calcalist broke the news that Apple was due to acquire the Tel Aviv-based firm this week. But, according to All Things D, the deal has been held up on legal issues related to who gets paid, though these are expected to be resolved by next week and a deal done.

If the valuation of $345 million proves to be accurate, PrimeSense investors are in for a gracious windfall when the sale eventually goes through.

The firm’s 3D scanning technology was used in the original Kinect motion sensing peripheral for Xbox 360.

Just what Apple plans to do with the firm’s technology is, typically, a mystery. Though its possible we could see the integration of its 3D scanning technology in future Macs and MacBooks, or even the its handheld devices.

PrimSense commented: “PrimeSense is the leading 3D technology in the market. We are focused on building a prosperous company while bringing 3D sensing and Natural Interaction to the mass market in a variety of markets such as interactive living room and mobile devices. We do not comment on what any of our partners, customers or potential customers are doing and we do not relate to rumours or re-cycled rumours.”

Contrary to when Kinect first arrived, the motion sensing market has had a spurt of completion in last three years from the likes of the Leap Motion controller and Intel’s own motion sensing webcam.