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.
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