Patently Apple found several PrimeSense patents that cover various technologies that Apple might use for a future television set, including a patent that allows users to control a television with their eyes and another patent that allows users to interact with a television by moving their hands in a defined “interaction region in space.”Īccording to the abstract for a patent titled, “Gaze-Based Display Control,” a computerized system is able to detect the direction of a user’s gaze. It then takes those synchronized images and translates them into information.” Patently Apple recently uncovered some of the other key PrimeSense technologies that Apple may soon be utilizing for a so-called “iTV” or other revolutionary new product.Īs noted on its website, PrimeSense was already working with “leading consumer electronics and content brands” to develop “naturally interactive entertainment and remote control-free interfaces” that were integrated directly into televisions. As explained on the PrimeSense’s website, the technology “translates…observations into a synchronized image stream (depth and color) - just like humans do. PrimeSense supplied the 3D vision and gesture technology that powered Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Kinect system. PrimeSense is perhaps best known for its previous supplier relationship with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). Many Apple watchers believe that Apple is planning on implementing PrimeSense’s 3D vision and motion-sensing technologies into a long-rumored television set. According to All Things D’s insider sources, Apple paid approximately $360 million for the Israel-based company. Reports that the launch of Apple ‘iTV’ was being prepared were reignited earlier this year when influential supply chain analyst Brian White – citing sources with Apple suppliers – forecast such a device will launch with a motion-sensitive ‘iRing’ and have the capability to be used for video conferencing.Last month, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) confirmed its acquisition of 3D vision and motion-sensing technology company PrimeSense after months of speculation. Neither Apple or PrimseSense has commented further on their post-purchase plans, but reports citing sources close to both parties focus on the potential for the microchip manufacturer’s technology to be included in the (as yet unconfirmed) Apple ‘iTV’.
The company’s website claims it ‘revolutionises the way people interact with digital devices in almost any environment’ from the living room to the shop floor (see video).
PrimeSense manufacturers 3D sensors and its most high-profile work to date has been its involvement in the production of Microsoft’s Kinect, which lets users of the Xbox console interact with the device remotely via gestures. The sale was confirmed yesterday (24 November) by an Apple spokeswoman, with further reports valuing the transaction between $300m and $360m, although the technology giant did not comment further on the purchase.
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