Apple’s Plans for Augmented Reality
Recent news has alluded to Tim Cook’s interest in Augmented Reality. This summary article has been taken from a blog on redcode.net regarding plans for the iPhone 7.
Dual-camera technology of the iPhone 7 enables a range of software capabilities which could result in remarkably improved photos for users. Apple, therefore, obtains the ability to use the dual cameras in order to capture information about objects and the space in front of the cameras. Having two cameras will allow devices to capture and create depth-mapping information. This is a step in the right direction in terms of creating an iPhone with AR capabilities.
Apple has recently purchased companies Metaio and PrimeSense, another clue that they may be moving towards a handheld AR future. See original article for more information on the history of these companies.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is an Augmented Reality enthusiast. The most recent Apple earnings call saw Cook stating that there is a massive opportunity in AR, particularly with commercial use cases. His recent interview on “Good Morning America” spelled out his enthusiasm for AR, with Cook putting forward that Augmented Reality allows two people to share a common experience, whereas in VR this may not be so easy.