Monday, November 25, 2013

Apple Acquires 3D Sensor Company PrimeSense

Today Apple confirmed that it has acquired PrimeSense, a 3D sensor company after months of speculation.  PrimeSense is the company behind Microsoft's Kinect gaming software, which enables users to interact virtually with a videogame through simply a body movement. Many are questioning exactly why Apple has made this investment although it's not a surprise that the technology giant is looking to beef up its capabilities in the 3D space as this is a very hot and growing industry right now.

The below article believes that Apple isn't making this acquisition for mobile application just yet due to the technology constraints with incorporating something like this into a mobile device.  (Specifically that it isn't looking to apply a similar experience that the Kinect game does). Battery life is cited as one example as to why this channel doesn't make sense for 3D technology just yet. However I feel this view is incredibly limited and while the technology today maybe isn't completely ready to allow for this 3D technology, what we have all learned over the last decade is just how fast technology can evolve and improve. Therefore I think this is a very short-sighted frame of mind and I disagree.

One of my professors last week in a media marketing class stated "I think Apple has failed in the past few years because they haven't attempted anything risky." Basically his point (which I agree with) is that Apple is such a legendary company because of the risks they taken and the way they've changed not only technology products but how we interact with technology. They create products that shape experiences and consumer behavior.  That is a huge undertaking and it requires ongoing risk-taking and revolutions within the tech world.  I think an acquisition such as PrimeSense demonstrates a potential example of Apple evolving in this way.

- Mallory Godwin

http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/24/apple-primesense-acquisition-confirmed/

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