Apple (AAPL) Acquires Facial Recognition Technology Startup Faceshift

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) is said to have acquired Faceshift, which is a Zurich-based startup focused on creating technology that allows for capturing a person's facial expressions in real-time and using that data to create avatars and other figures.

TechCrunch noted the deal last night and news comes following chatter about the potential takeover earlier in the year.

Per usual, as with all smaller acquisition it conducts, Apple issued the following statement after confirming the deal: Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.

While the specific reasoning behind Apple acquiring Faceshift isn't clear, the technology could be put to use in many areas from gaming to security. As virtual reality continues to develop, the technology will especially come in handy.

Shares of Apple are slightly positive early Wednesday.

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