Apple is reportedly testing a number of Augmented Reality headset prototypes, according to leaked details.
We've heard before that Apple is working on a headset, and
Tim Cook is on record saying that the firm is more interested in AR (Augmented Reality) than VR (Virtual Reality). More recently, Cook's comments on the subject have become somewhat bolder, stating that he believes it will be "big and profound," adding that he "could not be more excited," about AR.
"This is one of those huge things that we'll look back and marvel at the start of it," he said.
So it's not too surprising to hear that the firm has multiple AR headsets currently as works in progress inside its R&D labs.
The word comes via the Financial Times citing inside sources who are familiar with Apple's internal development plans. It states Apple has "several different kinds" of headset in testing to figure out the "most compelling application" of AR. Allegedly one prototype favoured by some of Apple's devs features a 3D camera but does not incorporate its own display, instead relying on an inserted iPhone handset. This would be similar to existing VR products such as the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View, however, many rival OEMs are now moving to standalone headsets with their own display and processor hardware; which do not rely on a smartphone or PC for processing power or visual interface.
That said, most rival devices are VR tech, Apple's main rival in the AR space will likely be Microsoft's HoloLens.
Although the iPhone-based prototype is popular with some of Apple's devs, according to the report, a final design has not yet been decided.
Earlier rumours of Apple headgear development suggested the device would connect wirelessly to an iPhone handset, but would feature its own display and other hardware.
The report goes on to add that due to this early prototyping phase, a full launch of an Apple headset seems to be quite far off - it appears unlikely we will see an Apple AR headset launching inside 2017. Several sources, including the FT and Bloomberg, believe another year or so of development will be needed, we might see a launch inside 2018 but it would be at the tail end of the year.
"As Apple works on AR smart glasses, the company is preparing to make its first major move into augmented reality with the launch of iOS 11 and ARKit, a set of APIs designed to allow developers to build powerful augmented reality experiences into apps and games. When ARKit launches, the iPhone and the iPad will become the largest augmented reality platform in the world given the large number of devices already out in the wild," says Macrumors.
by pbriden via Featured Articles
Posts
No comments: