Apple Working On Augmented Reality Wearable Glasses, Will It Suffer Like Google Glass?

Apple Inc. has expressed its interest in manufacturing wearable glasses that may use augmented reality (AR). This development is confirmed by people familiar with the matter, with Apple reportedly conducting talks with potential suppliers. According to sources, the project is risky but is potentially lucrative.

Bloomberg News reported that the Apple device is still in an exploration phase can be connected wirelessly iPhones. The wearable glass will be designed to show images and other information in the wearer's field of vision. Augmented reality is being considered as the device's main feature.

Apple has been hiring AR talent for months, says Computer World. They are tapped to work on a consumer product that is highly confidential. CEO Tim Cook was quoted stressing the potential of wearable glass compared to its virtual reality (VR) counterpart. Cook has provided hints that Apple is planning to enter the AR and VR space.

Business Insider also noted that Apple is working with potential suppliers for components like near-eye displays. Apple has interests in companies that are AR-focused startups including PrimeSense, Metaio Inc., and Flyby Media Inc. These companies also deal with motion sensing, 3D mapping, and computer vision.

Apple expects to launch the new device in 2018. The company does not want its new device to end up like Google Glass, which was a massive failure. Google Glass gave AR a bad public reputation, so Apple needs to fine tune the technology before introducing it to the consumers.

Apple is not alone in venturing into new fields. Silicon Valley has turned its focus on VR. Tech companies have engaged into this space including Google with its Daydream platform and new View headsets, Facebook with Oculus, and Samsung, which is also working on high-end mobile headsets.

Cook reiterates that the company will go further in augmented reality, following the rise of location-based game Pokemon Go, which uses AR.