Apple has reportedly acquired AlgoTrim, a Swedish startup that specializes in data compression, specifically JPEG compression techniques to allow faster processing of images on mobile devices.
AlgoTrim “builds codecs and designs solutions that maximize performance of data, mobile imaging, video and computer graphics while minimizing memory requirements,” according toTechCrunch. Apple’s alleged purchase of AlgoTrim was first reported by Swedish news agency Rapidus.
Apple is said to have discretely acquired AlgoTrim through a Delaware-based holding firm, Wedgwood Industries, LLC, which acquired all of AlgoTrim’s shares in February.
The Swedish company’s technology speeds up the processing of data, while at the same time reducing file sizes. This allows mobile devices, like the iPhone to more efficiently handle data.
AlgoTrim is not Apple’s first acquisition in Scandinavia, as the company purchased Polar Rose, a facial recognition company, for $29 million in 2010.
As we went to press, Apple has confirmed the acquisition to TechCrunch along with the usual statement:
Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.
