Apple acquires AI-based face recognition firm
Facial recognition technology could be coming to a future iPhone model.
Image source: Realface
Apple could be bringing facial recognition technology to the iPhone in the near future.
According to the Times of Israel, Apple has acquired the Israeli startup RealFace for an estimated US$2 million. Another publication, Calcalist claimed that the acquisition was worth "several million dollars".
RealFace was founded in 2014 and reportedly developed a unique facial recognition technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and "brings back human perception to digital processes". It is said to deliver "frictionless face recognition" from the fast learning of facial features. Below is a short demo video of how RealFace's facial recognition technology works:
Apple has been rumored to be exploring other forms of biometric authentication as it seeks to remove the physical Touch ID button on the next generation iPhone. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in March 2016 that facial or eye recognition features are in the pipeline.
Source: Times of Israel, Calcalist via MacRumors
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