Qualcomm has bought certain technology assets from GestureTek, a well-known developer of gesture recognition technology. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

According to a release, Qualcomm is buying IP assets related specifically to gesture recognition technology, as well as “engineering resources.” GestureTek is retaining other assets in that relate to its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business.

GestureTek is a patent-holder in camera-enabled gesture-recognition technology that is frequently used for entertainment systems. Back in 1986, the company invented and shaped the field of ‘applied computer vision’ for computer-human interaction.

GestureTek’s video gesture control technology (VGC) lets users control multi-media content, access information, manipulate special effects, even immerse themselves in an interactive 3D virtual world, simply by moving their hands or body. They deliver Wii-like gesture-control without the need to wear, hold or touch anything. In fact, GestureTek’s software and patents have been licensed by Microsoft for the XBOX 360, Sony, NTT DoCoMo for their mobile phones and Hasbro.

Qualcomm says that the new technology will add to its smartphone product portfolio and allows to launch products that include gesture recognition. And gesture recognition technology will be integrated into Qualcomm’s Snapdragon family of processors, giving OEMs the capability to produce smartphones, tablets and home entertainment devices with user interfaces based on natural human gestures.

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• QUALCOMM

Company: Qualcomm

Website: qualcomm.com

Launch Date: 1985

IPO: NASDAQ:QCOM

In July 1985, seven industry veterans came together in the den of Dr. Irwin Jacobs’ San Diego home to discuss an idea. Those visionaries—Franklin Antonio, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, Irwin Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi and Harvey White—decided they wanted to build “QUALity COMMunications” and outlined a plan that has evolved into one of the telecommunications industry’s greatest start-up success stories: Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm started out providing contract research and development services, with limited product manufacturing, for the wireless telecommunications...

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