CMOS image sensor maker OmniVision Technologies Inc. today announced the release of software drivers that work on USB-equipped Macs. The drivers are now available for OmniVision-developed image sensors and USB companion chips. OmniVision’s products are used by companies that make digital cameras and other products.
The significance of this announcement is that OmniVision can now offer the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partners it works with a complete solution for both Windows-based PCs and Macs. This effort will hopefully lower the barrier of entry for some companies developing USB-based digital cameras who might have otherwise avoided the Mac market, because of the expense and complexity involved in “rolling their own” custom Mac driver solution.
OmniVision Vice President of strategic marketing and business development Bob Stroh says his company expects to see an increase in demand for such drivers.
“OmniVision is pleased to now offer complete solutions for OEMs developing cameras for both the iMac as well as the IBM-compatible PC market,” said Stroh.
OmniVision says the new drivers work with Mac OS 9.0 or higher. The drivers are freely available to OEMs who are using OmniVision’s image sensors and USB companion chips.