As HTML 5 based Web applications garner support, Apple (News – Alert) has quietly purchased a San Francisco, Calif.-based company that specializes in Web design and marketing using HTML 5 technology.

Called Particle, the organization’s Web applications startup with less than a dozen employees specializes in Web design and marketing using HTML5, according to AppleInsider.

As per the report, founded in 2008, the Justin Timberlake-backed company has done work for a variety of enterprises such as Google, Motorola (News – Alert), Amazon, Yahoo, Sony and Apple. The report also suggests the current the current Particle staff will continue to work for the company.

In the meantime, the company, which specializes in HTML5 and WebKit rendering, has modified its Web page. A simple message is posted on the company website that says, "Particle brings positive and energetic relationships with Google (News – Alert) and the Chrome team specifically, as well as great Apple relationships and execution experience around iAds, iTunes, Extras and Apple.com. We have participated in and piloted much of the technology which will display the next generation of advertising and deliver media content for the next decade."

Apple, however, has yet to disclose the purchase of Particle. Likewise, Particle has also not issued any statements with regards to the Apple deal. Interestingly, as per the report, the deal came under the lens when some people noted a change in the LinkedIn (News – Alert) profiles of the Particle staff members.

AppleInsinder also reports that Particle has created an online social service site for social video networking. Labeled Robo.to, it is a social video network partly funded by singer Justin Timberlake. 

The site says, “Update yourself with video and extend your status message with your face.”