Rumors that Apple’s next iPhone will come with 3D sensing tech have caused shares in component maker Himax Technologies to shoot up 56 percent this year.
A recent report suggested that the 3D sensing tech will be used to give the next-gen iPhone augmented reality features, capable of changing the depth in photos or isolating certain image elements within it. Another possible use-case will allow users to use AR to put virtual effects and objects onto a person.
In a note to clients, Morgan Stanley analyst Charlie Chan writes that:
“There are already 3D sensing technologies based on PC/tablet that can run: (1) face recognition, (2) gesture sensing, (3) 3D modeling, and (4) photo shooting enhancement … [Of these] we think 3D modeling has the greatest potential, because it can be developed to new AR/VR applications (gaming, virtual social networks, etc.). Today, Intel’s RealSense 3D camera has enabled 3D sensing in PC/tablet platforms. Himax’s wafer level optics (WLO) technology can further reduce the size and fit the 3D sensing in smartphones.”
Apple reportedly has a massive team of hardware and software engineers working on augmented reality (AR) includes former employees from Dolby Laboratories, Oculus and HoloLens, alongside special effects folks from Hollywood.
A separate report from late last year claimed that Apple was busy investigating the possibility of a camera module boasting a 3D array, allowing for possible 3D depth mapping. At the time, Apple was said to be speaking with LG Innotek about sourcing the necessary modules. LG first experimented with 3D camera modules with its Optimus 3D handset back in 2011.
Himax Technologies is predominantly a semiconductor company headquartered in Tainan City, Taiwan, founded in 2001.
Whether this turns out to be a feature for the next iPhone — and Himax is the manufacturer in question — remains to be seen. However, clearly someone thinks the company is set to receive a big boost in exposure, hence its rocketing share price.
Would you be excited about 3D depth sensing on an iPhone? What possible applications for it most excite you? Leave your comments below.
Source: Barrons
