Word began circulating Monday morning that Apple has purchased the facial recognition technology company Polar Rose, although neither company is commenting on the rumor. Unnamed sources close to Polar Rose have been claiming the deal is either completed or nearly wrapped up, according to CS (translation).
While alleged insiders are saying the deal is legit, Polar Rose CEO Carl Silbersky would only say “I do not know what this is about.”
Polar Rose recently stopped offering its public services for Flickr and Facebook claiming it planned instead to start licensing its technology to other companies.
Assuming Polar Rose is signing a buyout deal, it would give Apple its own facial recognition technology it could use in products like iPhoto and Aperture, as well as iOS-based apps that require facial recognition.
Neither Apple nor Polar Rose are offering an official statement on the buyout rumor.