Israeli Startup PxE Imaging Acquired for Smartphone Camera Innovation
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
American firm Metalenz has acquired Israeli startup PxE Imaging, known for its HoloCoder technology that enhances smartphone camera light capture. Founded in 2018, PxE Imaging's innovation could improve low-light photography and portrait modes by allowing more light to reach the sensor. Metalenz anticipates the technology may reach consumer products by late 2027 or early 2028, though no specific devices have been confirmed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Metalenz acquired Israeli startup PxE Imaging for its HoloCoder camera technology.
- HoloCoder aims to improve smartphone low-light photography by increasing light capture.
- The technology could also enhance portrait mode accuracy and depth sensing.
- PxE Imaging was founded in 2018 and raised $6.5 million from investors.
- Metalenz expects the technology in consumer products by late 2027 or early 2028.
American company Metalenz announced its acquisition of Israeli startup PxE Imaging, which developed a novel technology called HoloCoder aimed at significantly improving smartphone camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions. Founded in 2018 in Rehovot, PxE Imaging raised approximately $6.5 million during its operation from investors including Merck and Koch Disruptive Technologies. The acquisition price was not disclosed.
PxE Imaging's HoloCoder technology addresses a limitation in current digital cameras stemming from a 50-year-old color filter design that causes a loss of about 60% of incoming light. Instead of absorbing light, the HoloCoder uses a micro-optical layer to direct light waves to the camera sensor, potentially allowing up to 2.5 times more light to reach it. Metalenz claims this could lead to sharper images in dim light, reduced digital noise, and better night photography without solely relying on software.
Beyond low-light improvements, the technology also captures distance information, which could enhance portrait mode accuracy by improving background blur and potentially reducing the need for separate depth sensors. Metalenz is already collaborating with Qualcomm on a facial recognition system called Polar ID, intended to compete with Apple's Face ID.
Metalenz CEO Rob Devlin estimates that the HoloCoder technology could appear in consumer products by late 2027 or early 2028. However, no specific smartphone has yet been announced to integrate it, and independent testing results have not been published. While other companies like Samsung are also exploring ways to enhance camera light capture, this acquisition highlights the potential impact of small Israeli innovations on the next generation of smartphone cameras.