Intel's acquisition of Movidius will help improve its RealSense 3D cameras

Intel has announced the acquisition of Movidius Technology, which has developed computer vision products since 2006. Intel plans to incorporate Movidius' technology for its RealSense 3D camera products.

In a statement, Intel said:

We see massive potential for Movidius to accelerate our initiatives in new and emerging technologies. The ability to track, navigate, map and recognize both scenes and objects using Movidius' low-power and high-performance SoCs opens opportunities in areas where heat, battery life and form factors are key. Specifically, we will look to deploy the technology across our efforts in augmented, virtual and merged reality (AR/VR/MR), drones, robotics, digital security cameras and beyond. Movidius' market-leading family of computer vision SoCs complements Intel's RealSense offerings in addition to our broader IP and product roadmap.

The specific financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Intel's RealSense technology is already used in PC cameras to support the Windows Hello security features in Microsoft's Windows 10 OS. In August. Microsoft and Intel announced a collaboration for "Project Alloy", a VR/AR headset that will combine Intel's RealSense cameras with the Microsoft Holographic software.

John Callaham