If you mentioned virtual reality at a tech conference, most people would think of the Oculus Rift or other wearables that that lets users wear their screens. However, what if you could turn your iPhone into a VR machine? That's what Apple's latest patent seems to empower.
On Tuesday, Apple Insider reported that Apple has been granted a patent for a "Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display." The device is basically a case that lets users mount their iPhone onto a pair of glasses that can be worn. The patent was issued in Sept. 2008.
The device would (supposedly) connect to the phone wirelessly. According to the patent, the device "temporarily integrates or merges both mechanically and electronically a head-mounted device with a portable electronic device." The screen would be placed directly in front of the user's eyes and could be controlled via a wireless remote.
Despite the news, it's unlikely that Apple will ever pursue this project. Apple hasn't invested any money in VR technology and many members of the company's staff have expressed their disdain for augmented-reality devices.
While this is the first patent submitted for a phone-based VR device, it isn't the only one. Samsung launched their Gear VR in 2014. The Gear VR is an accessory that users the Galaxy Note 4 phablet to power and act as display on their head-worn VR accessory. Samsung continues to play around with VR technology with Project Beyond, a camera that can capture 360-degree video that would be useful for creating live-action VR content.
