Several sources are reporting that Apple is close to acquiring PrimeSense, an Israeli firm that develops the 3D sensor technology used in the Microsoft Kinect and other motion control devices. Although neither company has confirmed the news, technology news site AllThingsD reports that Apple could be paying as much as $345 million for the acquisition. If these rumors prove true, it could be an indicator of the direction Apple hopes to take in the development of devices such as the Apple TV.

The Kinect allows video gamers to use their bodies to control games, creating a more interactive experience. The Verge speculates that the appeal of such an acquisition for Apple is clear, as the company could incorporate the same sensors into its Apple TV set top box or even the long-rumored television set that the company has supposedly been developing.

Microsoft ended up creating its own sensors for the Kinect 2, which will be shipped with the Xbox One. But PrimeSense has been expanding into other areas, including smartphones and tablets.

Apple typically does not comment on these types of business dealings, but in the last few years it has made several acquisitions with its immense stockpile of cash earned from profits on laptop computers, iPads and iPhones. It's promising news for fans of Apple technology, as it shows that the company is not content to simply bank on its existing devices and is trying to incorporate the latest electronics to provide more utility for users.

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