Apple Buys Imaging Sensor Startup InVisage Technologies

InVisage Technologies, an imaging sensor startup that develops solutions to improve imaging capabilities on space-constrained devices such as smartphones, has been acquired by Apple.

As reported by TechCrunch, an Apple spokesperson has also confirmed the acquisition with the following ‘customary’ statement: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”

Logo

InVisage specialises in focusing on nanotechnology related to image sensors, although it’s not clear how Apple will be using the company’s technology. The startup’s key product is called QuantumFilm, which brings together both software technology and material science to create smaller imaging technology that is better at taking high quality pictures in a variety of non-optimal lighting conditions.

As InVisage itself describes it, “QuantumFilm is a photosensitive layer that relies on InVisage’s newly invented class of materials to absorb light; specifically, the new material is made up of quantum dots, nanoparticles that can be dispersed to form a grid once they are synthesized. Just like paint, this dispersion of solid materials can be coated onto a substrate and allowed to dry.”

InVisage points out that QuantumFilm’s tech can be used in IoT applications and to help with “authentication, autonomy, and augmented or virtual reality”, all areas that Apple is already doing work in, such as FaceID and ARKit.

Below is a short film the was shot on QuantumFilm. Check it out.

YouTube video

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.