Apple acquires Danish start-up Spektral, focused on "green screen" technology in real time

Apple has acquired Spektral, a Danish start-up specializing in computer vision, according to a report published by the Danish newspaper Børsen.

Spektral has developed a technology that intelligently separates people and objects from their backgrounds on photos and videos, and overlay a new background, resulting in a "cut-out". The solution is based on deep neural networks and spectral graph theory.

The technology can be considered as a real-time "green screen" treatment powered by machine learning algorithms:

Our innovative and unique technology is based on advanced learning and computer vision techniques. Combining deep neural networks and spectral graph theory with the computational power of modern GPUs, our engine can process real-time camera images and video (60 fps) right on the device.

According to the report, Apple would have acquired Spektral, formerly known as CloudCutout, by the end of 2017. Spektral co-founders Henrik Paltoft and Toke Jansen, who now run as a manager of the company. computer imaging at Apple, would have received 200 million Danish kroner about 30 million dollars at today's exchange rate.

Spektral's website states that its solution creates unique and immersive mixed reality content. Apple could incorporate this technology into the camera's default iPhone application, in messages or in clips, or use the technology more efficiently as it progresses in augmented reality.

Spektral was founded in 2014 and raised $ 3.3 million in venture capital before its acquisition by Apple, according to Crunchbase.