Apple has reportedly closed a deal to acquire PrimeSense, the 3D-sensor company behind Microsoft’s Kinect sensor. Apple paid $345 million for the Israel-based company, according to a Calcalist financial newspaper report on Sunday that didn’t cite sources. Perhaps best known for powering the gesture control used by Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console, the company’s technology is also used in 3D scanners, iRobot’s Ava, and the Asus Xtion.
However, while noting that the two companies were engaged in discussions regarding a possible acquisition, sources told AllThingsD that that the deal has not been finalized. They also reportedly said the final value of the deal — if it is ratified — would likely be slightly greater than $345 million.
CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more. PrimeSense declined to comment on the report.
“We are focused on building a prosperous company while bringing 3D sensing and natural interaction to the mass market in a variety of markets such as interactive living room and mobile devices,” a spokeswoman for PrimeSense told Reuters. “We do not comment on what any of our partners, customers or potential customers are doing and we do not relate to rumors or recycled rumors.”
PrimeSense has raised $85 million from Israeli and US venture capital funds such as Canaan Partners Global, Gemini Israel, and Genesis Partners, according to Calcalist.
Apple was said to be talks to acquire the 3D-sensing company since July when it was said to be offering $280 million for the Tel Aviv-based company. Apple has found Israel to be a veritable treasure trove: last year, the company confirmed that it acquired Israel-based flash storage maker Anobit for $400 million.
