PrimeSense, the company that developed the technology (and holds the patents) behind the XBOX Kinect was purchased by Apple three weeks ago. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Upfront, this isn’t an Apple vs Microsoft thing though I’m sure some people think it might be. Microsoft has licensed those patents for years to come so nothing will change on the XBOX front.
Though, it is interesting to speculate how they will use the test. PrimeSense has arguably the best 3D sensors on the market and Apple has a long history of pushing the envelope with human interface and design. It will be interesting to see what they can do with this technology and how it will be incorporated into future products. Our interest in PrimeSense is as a 3D scanning technology that could be used in conjunction with any 3D lab we may working that could include such tools as 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, and the list. PrimeSense enabled gear would be right at home so they are a company we have been following closely.
