Intel buys Israeli 3D video tech firm Replay Technologies

Intel Corp said on Wednesday it bought Israel’s Replay Technologies, which developed a 3D video technology that has started to be used by U.S. professional sports broadcasters. In a blog on its website, Intel did not disclose the purchase price but Israeli media said it was about $175 million. Replay’s technology was used in the recent National Basketball Association All-Star Weekend, mainly giving fans a 360 degree view of the slam dunk contest. Intel worked with Replay’s technology to create a 3D video rendering of the court using 28 ultra high-definition cameras positioned around the arena and connected to Intel-based servers. It was also used in the National Football League’s Super Bowl. “Intel has been collaborating with Replay since 2013 to optimize their interactive, immersive video content on Intel platforms,” Intel said. “Technology now plays an unprecedented role in sports - and we’re just getting started.” Founded in 2011 Replay last month raised $13.5 million in funding round led by Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners to bring total fundraising to $27 million. Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, holds a stake in Replay. Recently, a report by  Wall Street Journal indicates that Intel is working on an augmented reality headset that leverages Intel’s own RealSense 3D technology. The headset that they’re working on is being built as a technology demonstrator rather than as a commercial product. RealSense is an Intel technology that uses a dual-camera system to observe, track and scan objects in three dimensions. The technology is available commercially, but it hasn’t really caught on. We’ve rarely encountered this technology outside of demo rooms and prototype devices. Regardless, when it comes to augmented reality (AR) applications, something like real sense makes a lot of sense. The cameras can track your hand movements, map objects in 3D and even work as a form of collision detection. With inputs from Reuters