Mobile messaging application, Snapchat, could be bringing 3D technology to its interface soon, following its acquisition of computer vision company Obvious Engineering's app Seene.
The acquisition has remained concealed for a long time, with sources stating that it actually happened several months ago. It isn't clear why Snapchat and Obvious Engineering did not want to disclose the purchase, but TechCrunch managed to find out about it last Friday.
Now that Seene is owned by Snapchat, many are speculating that the famous messaging application will incorporate the three-dimensional technology of the former to the latter.
There are speculations that Snapchat could be looking to release a new line of selfie lenses that would include a 3D photo format. Another speculation is pointing toward features and projects involving virtual reality.
This is actually a good deal for Seene, since it will be part of a larger entity. Back in 2013, TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino opined that Seene had a bleak future on its own without a larger app to take advantage of its capabilities.
The investment is also beneficial to Snapchat, since it relies on novelty to keep its users interested and engaged in its content. Seene has many uses, and all of these are grounded on its technological capacity of scanning and reconstructing full 3D images.
Speaking of the app, Romain Dillet and Natasha Lomas said, "There are many different use cases for Seene's technology, but they all rely on the same differentiating factor, Seene scans and reconstructs full 3D geometry on your phone," as quoted by Teen Vogue.
Meanwhile, as part of the acquisition, a part of Seene's team will be relocated to Snapchat's headquarters in Los Angeles. The price of the purchase was not disclosed, but it's understandably low since the deal was a cash and share one.
Snapchat has yet to confirm anything and comment on the speculations about its use of Seene.
