Apple has bought LuxVue Technology, a maker of low-power micro-LED-based displays. Micro-LED displays have the potential to improve battery life while offering a brighter display screen than other technologies.
Little is known about LuxVue, which appears to operate largely under the radar. The company appears to create LED displays that use little energy for use in various consumer electronic products. Back in December of 2013, LuxVue raised $25.2 million in funding for to pursue its micro-LED technology. The company has also filed several patents on micro-LEDs, and one of LuxVue’s investors said the company had “a technical breakthrough in displays.”
The company has ties to Apple, via their VP of technology, Kapil Sakariya, who was previously employed as a Display Architect and iPhone Operations and Procurement Manager at Apple. Sakariya worked at Apple from July of 2006 until November of 2011, when he joined LuxVue.
TechCrunch reports that Apple made the purchase to add to its hardware innovations area, as the company has been bolstering that area in its continuing efforts to bring more production in-house.
Apple has confirmed the purchase to TechCrunch, issuing its all-purpose confirmation for such situations: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”
