Intel is acquiring Movidius, maker of compact computer vision chips: think VR, AR, drones, robots

Intel just announced a pending acquisition of Movidius, a chip manufacturer focusing on integrated system-on-chip solutions for machine learning and computer vision. It could be a key part towards building a standalone VR headset, and more. Movidius has developed compact chips that already power DJI's Phantom 4 drones, enabling autonomous piloting. Movidius was also close to releasing a dedicated VR headset with Lenovo earlier this year. Intel's plans for a fully cordless VR headset with depth-sensing cameras, called Project Alloy, were unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in August.