Apple has announced its plans to invest heavily into augmented reality following the success of Pokemon Go.
Apple has a long history of seeing an idea, taking over, and making it (arguably) better. Now, the Cupertino giant has turned its attention to the groundbreaking success of Niantic’s Pokemon Go, and has stated its intent to invest heavily into augmented reality (or AR).
It is presently unclear as to what specific plans Apple could have around the use of augmented reality. The company could proceed to build true depth-sensing technology into its products – which Google’s Project Tango is working to provide – or could develop its own application, game or concept around the technology itself.
Read: 10 Pokemon Go tips and tricks for the budding Pokemon trainer
Another likelihood is that Apple could introduce augmented reality features aboard products such as its Apple TV home media center.
Tim Cook, following Apple’s earnings call on Tuesday, cited his belief that “œAR can be really great, and we have been and continue to invest a lot in this. We are high on AR for the long run, we think there‘s great things for customers and a great commercial opportunity.“
Cook, however, was careful to cite his belief that AR might well not the revolution many have come to regard after Pokemon Go’s success, quipping “…There‘s a tendency in this industry to call every(thing) the new computing platform. That said, I think AR can be huge, but we‘ll see whether it will be the next computing platform.“
The company will be hard pressed to compete with Microsoft, which is presently developing its own augmented reality headset named HoloLens.
Read: Here‘s how to find Pokemon in South Africa with Pokemon Go
What are your thoughts on Apple’s expression of interest in augmented reality? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
