Although Google may have the head start in wearable computing with its Glass accessory, Apple is set to make its own run with a new and probably more sophisticated product. It is likely that the entry of the Cupertino-based tech group will jumpstart a trend that focuses on digital vision wear.
Speculations of an expansion may be linked with Apple's intentions to reinforce their mobile product lines. The item, while still under the exploration stage, can wirelessly connect to the iPhone. Vital specifications include imagery presentation and augmented reality (AR) utilization.
During the course of setting up the project, potential suppliers have been contacted by the organization. The testing phase has used manageable amounts of near-eye displays. At this point, the company is yet to put massive orders to kick start a full blast production of digital eye wears.
Perhaps the earliest that an Apple AR item will be release is in 2018. Although spokeswoman Trudy Muller refuses to divulge anything about the program, speculations remain high that Apple is indeed onto something. Over the years, the company has been known experiment, assess and even scratch off products under the radar.
With the sales of Apple's latest flagships slowing down, the team needs other avenues to sustain its market run. CEO Tim Cook is likely compelled to bring out another winning item. Last July, he speaks glowingly about the potentials of AR following PokemonGo's shot into prominence. The location-linked game has utilized augmented technology.
AR offers users and enthusiasts the best of two worlds wherein the VR is integrated into the real world. Computer-generated images add fascination and interest to people's reality approach.
Apple's probable entry into the AR field has already been mapped out years before. In 2013, the organization has acquired PrimeSense. This motion-sensing tech producer is the force behind the release of Microsoft's Kinetic gaming system. Software group Metaio links up in 2015 and the Flyby Media startup joins the team in 2016.
Currently, Apple has patented the smart glasses and the street view in mapping applications which will all be essential to the AR project.
The challenge now is to turn a small technological piece into a highly-functional product. Google Glass may have impressed a lot of customers but it eventually conked out after running under pressure with its short-lived battery life.
