Apple invests in rapid-fire camera apps
Though not as flashy as the device's design and form factor, the camera on the latest iPhone remains one of its most impressive features. With 8 megapixels and better light sensitivity, it easily surpasses many commercial point-and-shoot devices.
Luckily for iPhone owners who enjoy snapping a photo or two, Apple still seems very much committed to its camera.
According to a recent article on TechCrunch, the company has acquired photo technology startup SnappyLabs, which is responsible for the SnappyCam app. Founded and run by an Australian electrical engineering PhD, the app makes the iPhone's camera take full-resolution photos at 20 to 30 frames per second. This is a speed that the iPhone's native camera app cannot match.
Though Apple did not comment extensively on the purchase, the news source offered some speculation as to why the deal was made. Apple does have a history of buying small teams for specific projects, and this is an area where an outsider was actually able to improve upon something Apple made. It makes sense that the company would want him to bring those improvements to the native app itself.
Though a smartphone's photo capabilities are not the only reason why people buy the devices, they are certainly contributing factors. By implementing these improvements into current or future iPhones, Apple could give itself another leg up over the competition. Tech companies can often benefit by acquiring small studios, provided that they work with a mergers and acquisitions firm to secure a mutually beneficial deal.