Facial recognition company reportedly purchased by Apple

Apple has purchased RealFace, a machine learning company specializing in facial recognition technology, according to The Times of Israel.

Based in Israel, RealFace is a startup company that was founded in 2014 and has developed an app that uses algorithmsto determine a user’s best pictures using facial recognition software. The software, according to The Times of Israel, is capable of providing "frictionless facial recognition," on a relatively low-power device, such as an iPhone. Realface aims to "offer customers a smart biometric log-in solution" for mobile deployment.

The acquisition, which is reportedly for $2 million, comes at a time when rumors have been out regarding an iPhone 8, which could switch from Touch ID technology to a new feature for facial recognition for the phone’s security. RealFace has employed as many as 10 people and has had sales in China, Israel, Europe, and the US.

With the RealFace website having been pulled down, and the rumors swirling about new facial recognition technology in the next iteration of the iPhone, it stands to reason that the company will have its facial recognition technology in the next release of devices.

View the Times of Israel article.

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