Apple acquires eye technology

Tech giant Apple has acquired a German eye tracking specialist, creating speculation in the electronics industry that it could enter the augmented reality eyewear sector.

SensoMotoric Instruments was acquired for an undisclosed sum. Its glasses can follow a person’s gaze in real time for practical applications such as improving athletic focus and performance, as well as working out which shop displays catch a shopper's attention. In virtual reality, the eye tracking can also be used to either control the interface or minimise motion sickness.

However, technology news site Engadget also suggested that the firm could have been bought to simply broaden iOS-based functionality.