Be it the Google’s relentless pursuit of the tech despite an nearly failed attempt at Google Glass, or Facebook’s ambitious plans from its acquisition of Oculus Rift for $2.4 billion; be it the much grander vision of Microsoft with Hololens or the recently launched, Ocukus-powered Samsung Gear VR headset- every major tech company is vying to grab a share of the future of technology.
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The latest sign that something VR-related might be in the works in Cupertino comes from a Financial Times report claiming that Apple has put together a stealth VR team.
However, Apple has not yet commented on reports it is exploring virtual reality, but chief executive Tim Cook voiced interest while answering a question during a quarterly earnings call this week. “It’s really cool. It has some interesting applications”.
The HoloLens headset gadget specializes in a variant of VR technology called augmented reality, in which users can see 3D holograms that are displayed and mixed into the physical world.
Apple has earlier filed for many patents in virtual reality and augmented reality segment. Previously, FT reported that the firm has hired Doug Bowman – a lading VR expert. The new technology could some day rival Facebook’s Oculus Rift and other players in the virtual reality space, as Apple looks to move past the iPhone. We await Apple’s official confirmation as opposed to just strong hints from the Apple CEO regarding the applications in VR. And seeing how Apple’s iPhone business has been slipping lately, it might be better to announce whatever they have going on sooner rather than later.
Some of the hires are part of acquisitions; Apple purchased the Israeli motion-sensing startup Primesense in 2013, and the German augmented reality startup Metaio in 2015.
Numerous biggest tech companies are already aggressively pursuing virtual reality. The team comprises hundreds of staff including those from its acquisitions as well as employees from companies that are working on next-gen headset technologies. Apple has been increasing the team strength for VR and AR in the recent months but the company has not shared any information regarding the same. Sony, Samsung and HTC are also heavily invested in the technology.
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Augmented reality – virtual reality, what’s the difference?
