Apple could be looking to buy the company behind Microsoft’s Kinect sensor

[RaduTyrsina]

With the latest iPhone and iPad launched, most of the rumors and hearsay are now focusing on the potential launch of Apple’s iTV and iWatch. According to Israeli financial news site Calcalist, Apple might be looking to acquire PrimeSense, the Tel Aviv-based company behind the motion-tracking technology in Microsoft’s original Xbox 360 Kinect. The deal is estimated at roughly $345 million.

Back in July, Calcalist reported the same thing, but PrimeSense dismissed the information, and it does so this time also.

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 rumors or recycled rumors.

But according to Liz Gannes from AllThingsD, PrimeSense’s dismissal of the acquisition confirmation is correct as the deal has not yet been completed. She said:

Several sources confirm that Apple is in talks to buy 3-D sensing company PrimeSense, following a report in the Israeli publication Calcalist. However, those sources stressed that the deal is not yet done, and that its reported valuation would not represent a huge win for investors.

Primesense's 3D-scanning technology is used in more than 20 million devices worldwide, including sensors that can be embedded in smartphones and tablets, so this is definitely something that Apple is interested in, besides a potential iTV device with Kinect-like motion sensing technology.

Source: AllThingsD