03 November 2018

Apple's Secret AR and VR Project

Apple has been exploring virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for more than 10 years based on patent filings, but with virtual and augmented reality exploding in popularity with the launch of ARKit, Apple's dabbling may be growing more serious and could lead to an actual dedicated AR/VR product in the not-too-distant future. Apple is rumored to have a secret research unit comprising hundreds of employees working on AR and VR, exploring ways the emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products. VR/AR hiring has ramped up and Apple has acquired multiple AR/VR companies. Apple is working on an incredibly powerful AR/VR headset that's not quite like anything else on the market. It is said to feature an 8K display for each eye that would be untethered from either a computer or a smartphone, and it would work with both virtual and augmented reality applications.


Rather than relying on a connection to a smartphone or a computer, the headset would connect to a dedicated box using a high-speed short-range wireless technology called 60GHz WiGig. The box would be powered by a custom 5-nanometer Apple processor that's more powerful than anything currently available. At the current time, the box apparently resembles a PC tower, but it won't be an actual Mac computer. To use the headset, users will not need to install special cameras in a room to detect their location as with some available VR headsets. All of the technology will be built into the headset and the box. Apple is said to be aiming to launch this AR/VR headset in 2020, but the company's plans could be delayed or scrapped. Apart of a powerful AR/VR headset, there are rumors pointing towards work on augmented reality smart glasses. As for input methods, Apple is considering touch panels, voice activation, and head gestures.

More information: