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Apple has reportedly acquired a small computer vision startup called Regaind, according to TechCrunch, who is citing ‘multiple sources.’ The acquisition falls onto our radar because of what Regaind’s technology is designed to do, namely: score photographs based on their composition, lighting, perspective, and other aesthetic qualities.
In other words, the company’s computer vision algorithms can tell how ‘good’ your photo is, insofar as such things can be analyzed objectively.
TechCrunch reports that the acquisition happened ‘earlier this year’, and while Apple hasn’t confirmed the news, the statement it sent to TechCrunch doesn’t deny it either. In fact, it’s about as close to ‘confirmation’ as Apple ever gets in such matters:
Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.
A quick look at Regaind’s website will give you a look at the kind of information the company can ‘see’ in your photographs. This more professional portrait, for example, scores high in the areas of Aesthetics, Sharpness and Exposure, with multiple positive ‘Properties’ highlighted such as ‘Subject Well Framed’ and ‘Pleasant Blur.’
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This birthday snapshot, however, scores much lower and suffers from ‘Dull Colors’ and an ‘Annoying Background.’
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How Apple intends to use this technology (or already is?) may never be explicitly stated, but Regaind’s technology will no doubt make it into Apple’s Photos app on both macOS and iOS, and may even help future iterations of the iPhone camera prompt you to frame your subject better, seek better lighting, or get rid of that ‘Annoying Background’.
Your guess is as good as ours, but if you want to learn more about this company Apple almost certainly acquired, head over to the Regaind website by clicking here.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)