Apple Inc has acquired Akonia Holographics LLC, a six-year-old maker of displays for augmented-reality glasses, as the iPhone-maker explores a foray into the burgeoning field.<\/p>\n
Apple, seeking a breakthrough product to succeed the iPhone, is said to be prepping to ship an AR headset or device as early as 2020.<\/p>\n
Akonia\u2019s \u201cHoloMirror\u201d technology is designed to project full-color images onto the transparent glass lenses of augmented-reality headsets, according to its website, a capability that will dovetail with the US giant\u2019s own efforts.<\/p>\n
Apple confirmed the deal, first reported by Reuters, via the typical statement it uses to verify acquisitions of smaller startups.<\/p>\n
While virtual reality immerses the user in a digital world, augmented reality is intended to overlay visuals and data onto the real one – allowing users for instance to look up details on objects and buildings in their field of view, or a mechanic to scan repair instructions.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been touted as having wider mass-market appeal than VR, and Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook has talked up its prospects on several occasions.<\/p>\n
The US giant will have to contend however with a number of rivals, including Amazon.com Inc. and Google, also exploring future applications for the nascent technology.<\/p>\n