Apple acquired SnappyLabs, the one man development company behind the SnappyCam app. The acquisition took place just before the end of 2013, and the app has since been removed from the App Store. The acquisition was first reported by TechCrunch, and was then confirmed by Kara Swisher at Re/code.
TechCrunch, via MacRumors:
Back in July, SnappyCam was upgraded with new technology, detailed in a now-deleted blog post (still viewable via Archive.org), that explains how developer John Papandriopoulos was able to redesign how JPG images are compressed, allowing the iPhone to shoot full-quality burst mode photographs at significant higher frames per second than other competing technologies, including the new burst mode built into iOS 7.
Apple will most likely integrate the SnappyCam technology into its native iOS camera app and API. Apple added burst mode photo shooting to the camera app in iOS 7, allowing iPhone 5s users to shoot 10 frames per second at full resolution. The mode allows users to get the best shot while photographing fast moving subjects like sporting events or children.
An Apple spokesperson confirmed the acquisition with the usual, “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” statement.
