Tech

Apple’s AR/VR headset isn’t just a prototype anymore, sources say

Enlarge / An augmented reality demo by Apple, using a smartphone instead of a headset. (credit: Apple) Apple’s mixed reality headset has moved beyond the prototype phases and is barreling toward production, according to a new report in DigiTimes that cites component suppliers. DigiTimes claims that Apple has already conducted “second-phase engineering validation and testing […]

Tech

Devs discover “realityOS” hints in Apple logs and code

Enlarge / Apple’s global headquarters in Cupertino, California. (credit: Sam Hall/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Software developers have discovered apparent references to a new Apple operating system called “realityOS” in App Store upload logs and in GitHub repositories used by the company. The references were shared widely by developers Rens Verhoeven and Steve Troughton-Smith on Twitter. […]

Tech

First details leak on Project Iris, Google’s next AR headset

Enlarge / Product photography of the Google Glass wearable. Project Iris won’t look like this; it is said to more closely resemble ski goggles than casual glasses. (credit: Google) Google engineers are working hard at developing a new augmented reality (AR) headset, according to a report by The Verge citing two people familiar with the […]

Tech

Report: Apple’s first AR/VR headset faces delays

Enlarge / The “Sword of Damocles” head-mounted display, the original augmented reality headset, circa 1968. (credit: Ivan Sutherland) Apple may delay the launch of its first mixed reality headset, according to Bloomberg. Multiple sources had previously claimed that the device was likely to launch in 2022, and Apple seemed poised to introduce its new mixed […]

Tech

Report: Meta pulls the plug on its AR/VR operating system ambitions

Enlarge / The Oculus Quest 2, Meta’s most popular VR headset today. (credit: Sam Machkovech) Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has pulled the plug on its current efforts to develop an operating system for AR and VR devices, The Information reported today. Citing “two people familiar with the decision,” the article claims that […]

Tech

What to expect from Apple in 2022: ARM desktops, portless iPhones, and more

Enlarge / The 2021 MacBook Pro with MagSafe isn’t the last Apple Silicon transition we’ll see. The Mac Pro and 27-inch iMac will probably be updated in 2022. (credit: Samuel Axon) 2021 might have been the calm before the storm. Except for the introduction of a few new Apple Silicon Macs, 2021 has been a […]

Tech

Google is building a new augmented reality device and operating system

Enlarge / Search engines Glass for Enterprise. Google’s job listings suggest that the new device and platform would be more mass-market than the one picture here. (credit: Google) Yahoo was one of the early leaders in the first wave of modern augmented reality (AR) research and devices, but the company has appeared to cool to […]

Tech

HP takes printer troubleshooting into mixed reality for some reason

Enlarge / HP claims using the mixed-reality service will ultimately save time. (credit: HORSEPOWER ) Whether a printer is out of ink or the paper is jammed, printer troubleshooting can be a pain. Now, with the “metaverse” just a head-mounted display away, printer repair can be easier. At least that’s what HP will be claiming […]

Tech

With Mesh for Teams, Microsoft plans to bring 3D workspaces to remote workers in 2022

Enlarge / An interface and virtual workspace for Mesh for Teams. (credit: Microsoft) Microsoft has announced its intention to create an immersive 3D platform called “Mesh for Teams” for virtual meetings. As the name suggests, Mesh for Teams builds on the company’s existing Teams collaboration platform and implements the mixed reality features of Microsoft Mesh. […]

Tech

Apple’s first headset will focused on “high-quality” games, reporter claims

Enlarge / An augmented reality demo by Apple. (credit: Apple ) In the past few days, two new reports have shed light on the specifications and strategy behind Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset. Both claim that Apple is on a path to launching its first augmented reality/virtual reality headset as soon as next year and […]