APPLE is quietly working on a “mixed-reality headset” to launch next year, insiders have claimed.
It’s expected to be the first stepping stone on the journey to creating a “smart contact lens”.
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Apple has been reportedly working on virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality for years.
Rivals like Google, Microsoft, Samsung and Facebook have all released products in the sector.
But Apple has played its cards close to its chest, only bundling AR and VR features into the iPhone.
Now TF Securities analyst and legendary Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple is working on a real product for next year.
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“We predict that Apple’s MR/AR product roadmap includes three phases,” said Kuo, as revealed by MacRumors.
“Helmet type by 2022, glasses type by 2025, and contact lens type by 2030 to 2040.
“We foresee that the helmet product will provide AR and VR experiences, while glasses and contact lens types of products are more likely to focus on AR applications.”
Several prototypes for the first mixed reality helmet have already been created, Kuo says.
He claims that early models weigh 200 to 300 grams, with a view to reducing the final weight to between 100 and 200 grams.
And he added that the headset would cost around $1,000.
The headset is expected to feature a Sony Micro OLED screen, and will offer both VR and AR visuals.
That means it can replace your world with computer-generated images, or “augment” the world around you while maintaining visibility.
Eventually, Kuo thinks Apple will launch a pair of glasses.
Apple Glass are said to be augmented reality glasses that overlay computer-generated images on the world around you.
This could be something as simple as info about the time or your calendar.
Or something more useful like Apple Maps directions on the floor in front of you.
Virtual Reality v.s. Augmented Reality – what’s the difference?
Here’s what you need to know
- Virtual reality involves using a headset to simulate a virtual world
- In a VR world, everything you see will be computer-generated
- Popular VR headsets include the HTC Vive and Facebook’s Oculus Rift
- Augmented reality lets you see the real world, but “augments” (or adds on) computer-generated elements
- This means you’ll be able to see computer images overlaid onto your real-world view
- For instance, you could wear glasses that overlay directions onto the road in front of you
- Popular AR headsets include Microsoft’s HoloLens and the Google Glass spectacles
According to Kuo, the AR glasses will work largely as a display – with most of the computing taking place on your iPhone.
Importantly, you’ll still need an iPhone for this reason.
But the idea behind the glasses would be to replace many of the functions your iPhone would normally perform.
Beyond 2040, Apple is expected to launch smart contact lenses that offer similar functionality to the glasses – but with an even more subtle design.
Of course, Apple hasn’t confirmed any of these claims, so take all leaks and rumours with due caution.
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In other news, Bill Gates has said he only uses Android phones because they make things “easier” for him.
Samsung has launched a “try before you buy” scheme for its most expensive mobiles to date.
Apple is rumoured to be working on a foldable phone to rival Samsung.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
