Apple has purchased SnappyLabs, the maker of the photo-taking app SnappyCam, as part of its initiative to introduce new enhancements on the camera of its flagship devices.
John Papandriopoulos, an electrical engineering PhD from the University of Melbourne, has founded the San Francisco-based startup SnappyLabs and invented a way to make iPhone's camera capture full-resolution images at 20 tio30 frames per second through SnappyCam.
SnappyCam also allows its users to take control of their smartphone's built-in camera like modifying the camera's settings.
An Apple spokesperson gave out a statement to Re/code, "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
TechCrunch confirmed the acquisition which was supported by Papandriopoulous' girlfriend who posted a link in the social site Facebook congratulating her boyfriend for the buyout.
The acquisition not only highlights how the qualities of smartphone cameras are becoming significant to sales and users, it also proves the company's acceptance to the idea of buyouts that started during the time when Steve Jobs was still the CEO.
Noticeable likings for acquisitions started in 2009 when it acquired the music streaming app Lala.com, followed by the voice control software Siri in 2010.
In 2013, the company acquired numerous companies including the indoor location WiFiSlam, the maps Locationary and HopStop, the semiconductor Passif Semiconductor, and the analytics TopsyLabs. According to USA Today, Apple has bought 11 small companies for that year.
Company buyouts of Apple remarkably increase as the company gets scrutinized for the lack of in-house innovations since Jobs died. Furthermore, these lacking makes the company vulnerable to tougher competition with products.
The promising smartwatch is one good example. Apple's iWatch is expected to come out in late 2014, while Samsung and other tech companies have launched their own already.
