Did Apple Buy Kinect? Unraveling the Truth Behind the Acquisition Rumors

No, Apple did not buy Kinect. Apple acquired PrimeSense, an Israeli company that developed the technology behind the original Microsoft Kinect, back in 2013. While this acquisition sparked rumors about Apple integrating Kinect-like technology into their products, Apple did not directly purchase the Kinect itself.

The PrimeSense Acquisition: Apple’s 3D Vision Play

In November 2013, Apple finalized the acquisition of PrimeSense for a reported $360 million. PrimeSense was a key player in the 3D sensing technology space, best known for developing the technology that powered the first-generation Microsoft Kinect. This acquisition fueled speculation that Apple was planning to integrate advanced 3D sensing capabilities into its devices, potentially for features like advanced gesture recognition, augmented reality (AR) applications, and improved facial recognition.

Apple’s interest in PrimeSense stemmed from the company’s expertise in structured light technology, which allows devices to perceive depth and create 3D models of their surroundings. This technology is different from the time-of-flight (ToF) technology used in later iterations of the Kinect, such as the Azure Kinect.

Why Apple Didn’t Buy Kinect Directly

There are several reasons why Apple opted to acquire PrimeSense instead of the Kinect technology directly:

• Intellectual Property: Purchasing PrimeSense gave Apple access to the core intellectual property behind the original Kinect’s 3D sensing technology, without being tied to Microsoft’s specific implementation or hardware design.

• Control over Integration: Acquiring the company allowed Apple complete control over how the technology would be integrated into their ecosystem. They could customize and optimize the technology for their specific needs, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Strategic Advantage: The acquisition gave Apple a strategic advantage in the burgeoning 3D sensing market, allowing them to develop innovative features and applications that differentiate their products from the competition.

The Legacy of Kinect and PrimeSense

Despite the hype surrounding its initial release, the Kinect ultimately failed to achieve mainstream success as a gaming peripheral. Microsoft discontinued the Kinect for Xbox One in 2017. It later was re-introduced as the Azure Kinect Developer Kit in 2019, focusing on its potential in other applications beyond gaming. Microsoft has fully ended production of Kinect hardware.

While the Kinect’s lifespan as a gaming device was relatively short, the technology it pioneered has had a lasting impact on the industry. PrimeSense’s technology found its way into various applications, and Apple’s acquisition further solidified its importance.

Apple’s Use of PrimeSense Technology

Following the acquisition, Apple incorporated PrimeSense‘s technology into several of its products. The most notable example is the TrueDepth camera system, which debuted with the iPhone X in 2017.

The TrueDepth camera uses structured light technology to create a detailed 3D map of the user’s face, enabling features like Face ID (Apple’s facial recognition system) and Animoji. This technology is a direct descendant of the technology developed by PrimeSense, demonstrating the lasting impact of the acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly did Apple acquire from PrimeSense?

Apple acquired the company PrimeSense, and its patents, and expertise in 3D sensing technology, particularly its structured light technology. This included algorithms, hardware designs, and software implementations related to depth sensing.

2. Is the TrueDepth camera on iPhones based on Kinect technology?

Yes, the TrueDepth camera utilizes technology originally developed by PrimeSense, the company behind the original Kinect’s depth-sensing capabilities.

3. Why did Microsoft discontinue the Kinect?

The Kinect faced several challenges, including high cost, limited adoption by game developers, and concerns about privacy. Ultimately, the novelty wore off, and Microsoft shifted its focus to other gaming technologies. The Games Learning Society has publications that study the impact of games, design, and learning if you want to learn more. https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/

4. Is there a successor to the Kinect available?

Yes, while Microsoft officially discontinued the Kinect, other companies have developed similar depth-sensing devices. One example is the Orbbec Astra, which is designed for computer vision applications.

5. Can I still use my Kinect with modern Xbox consoles?

No, the Kinect is not compatible with Xbox Series X|S consoles. You can use your Kinect with Xbox 360 or Xbox One, but the adapter needed to do so is discontinued.

6. What other applications did PrimeSense’s technology have?

Besides gaming, PrimeSense’s technology has been used in various applications, including robotics, medical imaging, and industrial automation.

7. What does Kinect stand for?

The word “Kinect” is a portmanteau of “kinetics” and “connect.” It was intended to represent the device’s ability to connect users to their games and entertainment through movement.

8. Was the Kinect always mandatory for Xbox One?

No, initially Microsoft planned to make the Kinect mandatory for Xbox One, but later reversed course due to consumer feedback.

9. Who was the lead developer of the Kinect?

Alex Kipman, a Brazilian engineer, was the lead developer of the Xbox Kinect.

10. Is there anything similar to Kinect on PlayStation consoles?

The PlayStation Camera offers some similar functionality to the Kinect, such as motion tracking and voice control. However, it is not as advanced in terms of depth sensing capabilities.

11. What was the last Kinect game ever released?

One of the last mainstream games developed for the Kinect was Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator.

12. Is the Kinect always watching and listening?

With the Xbox One, the Kinect was designed to be always on, listening for voice commands and watching for gesture inputs. This raised privacy concerns, which contributed to its eventual demise.

13. How much did the Xbox Kinect originally cost?

The Xbox Kinect cost $150 at the time of its release, on top of the cost of the Xbox 360 console.

14. What are some of the disadvantages of using Kinect technology?

The Kinect could be expensive, and its performance could be affected by outdoor lights and reflective surfaces. Furthermore, privacy concerns regarding the device being always active were a drawback.

15. What is the difference between the original Kinect and the Kinect 2?

The Kinect 2 (used with Xbox One) offered higher resolution, wider field of view, and more accurate tracking compared to the original Kinect.

In conclusion, while Apple did not directly buy the Kinect, its acquisition of PrimeSense, the company behind the original Kinect’s technology, has had a significant impact on Apple’s product development, particularly in the area of 3D sensing. The legacy of the Kinect lives on in technologies like Apple’s TrueDepth camera system, demonstrating the enduring value of innovation in the gaming and technology industries.