While Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Sony, along with a slew of smaller companies, have already entered into the virtual reality industry, the world’s biggest tech company has so far shown restraint for the burgeoning tech.
A report stemming from the Financial Times today states that Apple has hired Doug Bowman, a top virtual reality researcher from Virginia Tech. In the past, Bowman’s research has been focused on “three-dimensional user interface design and the benefits of immersion in virtual environments.” His experience includes working with the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft’s HoloLens and even Google’s Glass headset.
It’s unclear, however, what Apple intends to use Bowman’s expertise in the VR space for. The company has not made any movement regarding an entry into the VR industry, but analysts speculate Apple could be working on its own VR technology that would use the iPhone as a display, similar to how Samsung’s Gear VR, and Google Cardboard operates today.
Adding further fuel to the rumour mill, back in November, Apple quietly purchased Faceshift, a Switzerland-based motion capture studio, for an undisclosed amount. Faceshift is responsible for developing the motion capture technology utilized in Star Wars The Force Awakens.
[source]Financial Times[/source][via]9to5 Mac[/via]
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