Apple Buys LinX

Apple Acquired Camera Technology Company - LinX

According to CNBC, Apple has acquired camera technology company LinX that develops camera sensors using multi-aperture imaging together with image processing tech to enhance the general performance in cameras inclusive of low light capture, colour fidelity and much more.

Apple has not confirmed the acquisition but has given its usual vague statement that it `buys smaller technology companies from time to time’, though the Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple has spent roughly $20bn at LinX that creates camera technology for smartphone, Ultrabook and tablet devices. The Israeli start-up’s hardware was focused at tablets as well as smartphones and could not provide the kinds of background defocus which is popular on low opening lenses paired with DSLRs though it could achieve improved low-light performance which is appropriate in taking pictures indoors or at night without the use of a flash.

The company’s plan could also comprise in putting the tech in use in its notebook and change the camera modules with improved performing parts while adhering to size constraints which could be very convenient in building devices like the MacBook for instance while at the same time, retain the picture quality. This could possibly push image quality and help trim down camera design.

LinX Cameras Revolutionize Mobile Photography

LinX states that `the image quality of mobile camera has reached a dead end. Device makers are striving to differentiate using imaging capabilities but the pixel size race has ended and next generation cameras do not reveal any dramatic improvements. LinX cameras revolutionize mobile photography and broaden the usability span and user experience, allowing us to leave our SLRs at home’.

LinX had launched in 2014, tiny multi-aperture cameras that were only half as tall as the average mobile camera though capable of snapping `striking colour images and high accuracy depth maps’ which means DSLR quality photos can now be taken on a small and lightweight device.

According to the company’s communication, one of LinX’s big specified hardware features is achieving selective focus post-capture and this is a popular choice in modern devices and one which Apple would find beneficial in its future devices.

However, the big gains of the multi aperture design for the iPhone maker would possibly be in producing best results with regards to low light HDR besides colour fidelity with general everyday picture shoots.

LinX to Build Up Apple’s Hold in Israel 

Apple hadunfailingly kept the camera at the forefront of mobile camera technology in the iPhone, taking pride in the images which looked much better than most of the other mobile devices prevailing in the market. LinX claims that their camera systems also tend to create better images in low light conditions as well as fast exposure time in standard indoor light.

Apple could utilise the same in its upcoming notebooks in providing better low light and general photography replacing the prevailing camera modules. Besides this, the company could now assist Apple in manufacturing thin cameras with the capabilities of taking improved pictures for the forthcoming iPhones. Till date, the company has been using Sony camera sensors for its smartphones.

Acquisition could strengthen Apple in Israel and the purchase of LinX could build up Apple’s hold in Israel, which according to the company CEO‘s visit in February is a main source of research and development for Apple beside the U.S.