Apple is investing in the next step in audio and video; augmented reality.
Apple recently acquired the startup Metaio - a company that creates augmented reality apps and experiences.
TechCrunch discovered the news when it noticed that Metaio's website announced that it would not take any more customers. At the same time, TechCrunch discovered a legal document confirming that Apple had bought the company. The document also noted a transfer of Apple shares to the company on May 21/22.
Metaio has existed since 2003, and has offered a variety of augmented reality products to its customers, including augmented digital tours of Ferraris and cities. However, it appears that the company may have had some financial problems.
"The company began showing signs that something was clearly amiss when it canceled its user conference in San Francisco earlier this month and later took down the company's Twitter accounts. It also posted on its website a couple of days ago that it was ending purchase of products and subscriptions," TechCrunch wrote.
It's likely that these actions were in preparation for Apple's acquisition of the company.
Metaio could not be reached for comment.
When asked about the acquisition, Apple replied with the following: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
However, TechCrunch suspects that the purchase of Metaio may help bolster Apple's endeavors into wearables and virtual reality.
