Apple snaps up Aussie app maker

Apple has purchased the photo technology startup SnappyLabs, which makes the SnappyCam app.

SnappyLabs was founded and run solely by algorithm whiz John Papandriopolous, a PHD graduate from the University of Melbourne.

Papandriopolous invented a way to make the iPhone's camera take full-resolution photos at up to 30 frames per second and is something that apples own designers could not manage to make the camera do. SnappyCam also added a burst mode before the feature became available on the new iPhone 5s model.

People first got suspicious when SnappyCam disappeared from the app store only for a release to appear stating Apple had acquired the company: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

By acquiring the company, or one man team, Apple are likely to bring Papandriopolous in house and have him work on camera technology for new and upcoming models of the iPhone, iPad, Mac and MacBook cameras.

As photography is becoming a staple of the smartphone user, his high quality rapid-fire burst modes could become a selling point for iPhones over its rivals.