Apple acquires smart camera tech company LinX

Apple has acquired a small Israeli company called LinX that specializes in advanced camera technology.

Apple confirmed reports of the deal today, and the Wall Street Journal cites sources saying that Apple and LinX had discussed a $20 million acquisition price.

The standard Apple acquisition reply came in response to the WSJ’s request for comment on the deal: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” an Apple spokesman said.

Linx creates tiny cameras for phones and tablets. The cameras are accompanied by systems of sensors that detect various depths of field in a single image. The camera captures images of all these depths, then uses an algorithm to piece them all together into one 3D photo.

LinX claims that its camera systems also create better images in low light conditions, and faster exposure times in standard indoor light.

The company was founded in 2011 by a former Samsung executive and an optics specialist for an Israeli defense supplier.