Israeli gesture recognition and tracking firm Omek Interactive has agreed to be acquired by Intel for $40 million, according to reports. Rumors of a buyout have been swirling since March and both Samsung and Qualcomm were also reportedly interested in the Israeli startup.
Omek’s software allows computers and handheld devices to recognize hand and body movements – meaning the world of computing could soon be keyboard-free.
The company was founded by husband and wife team Gershom and Janine Kutliroff in 2006. The company’s 150 employees – who are based in Haifa – are expected to be integrated into Intel’s workforce.
“The acquisition of Omek Interactive will help increase Intel’s capabilities in the delivery of more immersive perceptual computing experiences,” Intel Israel spokesman Guy Grimland said.
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