Apple Hints At Implementing DSLR-Like Features Into Future iPhones By Acquiring LinX

Apple has reportedly acquired Israel-based smart camera technology company LinX Computational Imaging Ltd., according to The Wall Street Journal’s sources. The price was undisclosed, but the sources reported that a $20 million value was discussed. 

LinX builds miniature cameras for smartphones and tablets that have sensors for detecting depths of field in a single image. All of the captured images with various depths are spliced together into a 3D photo. LinX’s camera systems can generate imagery that looks sharp in low light conditions and supports faster exposure times in normal light conditions. LinX’s technology offers single-lens-reflex (SLR) image quality without having to carry around a large camera.

"Utilizing state-of-the-art multi aperture imaging technology that combines innovative image processing, advanced sensor and optics technology, our cameras set new standards for image quality parameters such as low light performance, HDR, refocusing, color fidelity, shutter lag and more," says LinX on the homepage of its website. "LinX cameras are significantly smaller than any camera on the market today, leading the way to DSLR performance in slim handsets."

Founded in 2011 by Ziv Attar and Andrey Tovchigrechko, LinX is also able to perform real-time background replacement in video. Attar previously worked as a senior optics specialist at defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. And Tovchigrechko was a project leader of an algorithms development team at Samsung Electronics .

LinX is not the only Israel-based company that Apple has acquired. Apple bought Anobit Technologies Ltd. in 2011 and PrimeSense Ltd. in 2013. PrimeSense is known for licensing its hardware design and chip, which was used in the  Microsoft  Kinect device for the Xbox 360. Apple currently has over 700 employees based in Israel. Israel is Apple’s largest research and development base outside of the U.S.

By developing a multi-aperture camera, LinX would be able utilize smaller sensors rather than one large sensor. This could prevent future iPhones from needing a longer lens. You will notice that the lenses on the rear cameras of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus protrudes. LinX's technology would help Apple shrink the camera in future iOS devices.

Generally, Apple tends to confirm its acquisitions with a standard canned statement. “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” said Apple when it was questioned about the deal. 

There are rumors that Apple will be adding a two-lens system in future iPhones. The rumor originated from John Gruber, creator of the popular blog Daring Fireball. The camera technology sounds similar to the Duo Lens camera that was integrated in the HTC One M8. My guess is that the DSLR-like features will be integrated in future iPhones starting with the "iPhone 7" next year. Rumor has it that Apple will be releasing devices called iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 6c in September 2015. The iPhone 6c may have a 4-inch display, which is smaller than the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.

What are your thoughts about future iPhones having DSLR-like features in the future? Let us know in the comments section.