Apple Takes Another Step Towards VR, Acquires Motion Capture Startup Faceshift

According to latest reports, Apple has acquired Zurich-based start-up Faceshift that can greatly improve its position in the virtual reality business. Faceshift has developed a unique motion capture technology to create animated avatars and other figures that replicate a person’s facial expressions in real time, TechCrunch reported.

Faceshift employs face tracking technology and uses it to drive virtual characters. It is based on depth cameras –cameras that can capture simultaneously the video of the face and also the depth image of the face.

The technology in itself is quite novel as it will greatly enhance user experience particularly in video games. Players can adopt avatars that can mimic their actual expressions for a more immediate and realistic experience. It can be used in film production as well to improve the process of animating characters to more closely mirror the actors’ facial movements. 

TechCrunch reported that Apple confirmed the acquisition with its customary statement, “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”

However, as to how the Cupertino company intends to use this technology remains unclear at the moment. Chris Mills of Gizmodo speculates that maybe it’s just for some exciting new selfie camera on the iPhone 8.