After months of speculation and rumors, Apple has finally confirmed the acquisition of PrimeSense, the semiconductor company that specializes in advancements in motion tracking technology.

The rumors about Apple acquiring PrimeSense first appeared in July, although these were quickly dismissed by both companies. Even so, people familiar with the matter stated that talks regarding the deal were well underway despite the denial of both parties.

Last week, the same rumors resurfaced and both companies kept schtum once again.  But this weekend the deal seems to have finally been wrapped up, with Apple confirming the acquisition on Sunday.

The company said it had acquired PrimeSense for $360 million:

“Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet stated.

Though the Cupertino company may seem nonchalant about the acquisition, it’s believed to have big plans for PrimeSense:

“Everything PrimeSense does is strikingly different from anything which Apple has ever done in products which it’s shipped. So even though we don’t know what Apple has in mind for its new acquisition, it’s hard to imagine that it won’t have a meaningful impact on one or more upcoming Apple products,” TechLand Time’s Harry McCracken wrote.

For those unfamiliar with PrimeSense, this is the same company that developed the gesture tracking technology used in the first version of Microsoft’s Kinect.  And now, if rumors are true, we may be seeing Apple products featuring the same type of technology in the near future.

PrimeSense’s site enumerates numerous usecases for its motion tracking technology, such as with TVs, mobile, PC/laptop, interactive displays, retail, robotics, healthcare and others.

So what could Apple have in mind for PrimeSense?

Apple TV

When the first rumors of Apple’s takeover were doing the rounds, the suggestion was that PrimeSense’s technology would be used to bolster Apple’s TV offering.  It’s long been thought that Apple is working on an actual TV, or at least a totally revamped version of the Apple TV set-top box it now offers, complete with motion tracking for controls.  This would mean people can change channels, turn up the volume, tinker with the settings, or get more information about the program just by waving their hands in the air.

iDevices

PrimeSense’s technology can also be used to fortify Apple’s iDevices – the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and possibly even make an iWatch complete with the said technology.  Augmented reality can be used to enhance these products, making consumption of data on these mobile devices a richer and more immersive experience.

Macs

The Leap Motion Controller debuted at SXSW earlier this year.  People were amazed at how a LEGO-like device was able to translate gestures into meaningful actions.  The technology was good enough for HP, which introduced a Windows 8 netbook that ships with the Leap Motion Controller back in September.  Apple may also go in this direction with its Mac line. We may be seeing laptops and desktops from Apple that allow for gesture controls in the future.  Gesture controls could be used to manipulate a virtual keyboard, ideal for those who don’t like the clickity-clack sounds produced by physical keyboards.

Retail

Apple Stores may be transformed into something far more futuristic thanks to PrimeSense’s technology. Fanobois, brace yourselves for the possibility of large screens complete with the motion tracking technology that allows you to view various products and options even without the help of Apple’s Genius. Apple Stores can have a corner dedicated to those people who don’t want human interaction or nosy clerks asking them a ton of questions – customers can just stand there and browse to their heart’s content, and examine and scrutinize every inch of Apple products just by waving their hands in the air.

Apple has yet to comment on how they plan to incorporate PrimeSense’s technology into their products and services, but it shouldn’t be long until we see something exciting.