With the recent excitement around Virtual Reality, it comes to no surprise that Apple is rumored to have begun R&D in the new market. Competitors Microsoft, Google, and Samsung have been actively exploring the new technology for the past year or so, and Apple loyalists have been anxiously waiting any news from the tech powerhouse. No official reports have been released, however during Apple’s last earnings call, Tim Cook commented, “In terms of virtual reality, I don’t think it’s a niche. I think it can be… it’s really cool, and has some interesting applications.”
For speculators and loyalists, this comment is almost a guarantee that the rumors around Apple’s development of a VR headset are true. But if you need more convincing, Apple’s recent acquisition of Flyby Media (today), Faceshift, Metiao and Primesense gives confirmation. The mentioned acquisitions are all active developers of 3D and immersive technology. Apple also published a job listing in Mid-November with the following specifications:
We are looking for a software engineer to develop UI and applications to create next generation software experiences. The individual must be able to take participate in collaborative and iterative UI design through the implementation phases & complete performant user experience code for product delivery. This engineer will create high performance apps that integrate with Virtual Reality systems for prototyping and user testing.
- Familiarity with 3D Graphics programming; OpenGL, DirectX
- VR/AR development
- Ability to rapidly survey & analyze applications and devices in competitive landscapes
- Ability to understand engineering analysis of complex systems and interpret the result in relation to the user experience
- Interest in Human Factors and User studies a benefit
- Experience in a fast paced, cross functional software environments
The simplicity and elegance that Apple prides itself on could be a turning point for VR. As of now, many worry about the difficulty of use, awkwardness and moral implications the headsets will pose, but with a well respected and influential brand like Apple entering the market, the future looks bright for VR.
Author – Oliver Bloom, Brand Strategist