The virtual reality market, albeit still at its early stage, is getting a little crowded as big shot companies like Google, Facebook, Sony and Samsung are trying to get a piece of the action. With its comprehensive investment in the tech market, it is quite surprising that Apple has yet to make its presence known in the virtual reality area.
Not much is known about Apple's foray into virtual reality, until yesterday when Tech Crunch reported that the Cupertino-based company acquired startup Faceshift. The startup company is based in Zurich and is known for developing technologies that create avatars and other figures based on a real-life person's facial expression.
According to Gigaom, Faceshift is focusing in producing motion-capture technologies that have primary applications in film production and gaming. The company has provided technologies for the "Star Wars" movies.
Aside from gaming and film production, some of Faceshift's patented technologies are also used in vide calling software.
Apple has yet to publicized the acquisition and there in no definitive proof that the deal actually took place. Digging deeper into the subject, Tech Crunch was able to confirm the deal from an Apple spokesperson saying, "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
In terms of past acquisitions of virtual reality and facial recognition companies, Apple has made some progress. The company acquired facial recognition startup Polar Rose in 2010. In 2013, Apple bought 3D sensor company PrimeSense and in May acquired augmented reality company Metaio.