Apple’s Original Integrated Headset Reportedly On Track, Capabilities Captured
Apple’s mixed reality headset is in the works and is expected to launch next year. A headset that combines virtual and augmented reality features is considered Apple’s next big bet after the success of its smartphones. A Bloomberg report says that the Cupertino giant is reportedly continuing to hire engineers from the Technology Development Group (TDG) working on its AR and VR technologies. A list of jobs and staff changes at Apple offer a glimpse of some of the device’s capabilities. Apple also hired Dave Scott, a former manager who left the company last year and replaced engineers working on other projects in the headphone group.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says in his weekly turn on the power The magazine says management changes have taken place at TDG working on the company’s mixed reality headsets and other AR/VR technologies. The listing of several functions shows that Apple is increasing its work to strengthen the device with content. According to Gurman, the company is looking to hire a software developer with experience in visual effects and game asset pipelines who can create digital content for augmented reality and virtual-real environments. The list of activities also indicates that Apple plans to create a video service for headsets with 3D content that can be played in VR mode.
Gurman in his newsletter also revealed that Apple is looking for developers who can work on development tools related to virtual and augmented reality. In addition, there are suggestions for App Intentions in some lists, which can support features like Siri, Search, and Shortcuts.
In addition, one job listing refers to the development of a 3D world of mixed reality, which suggests that Apple is working in a virtual environment similar to the metaverse. That list describes working with other developers to “build tools and frameworks to enable connected experiences in a 3D world of mixed objects.” They will be working with Apple’s UI framework, human interaction designers and system skills teams to solve problems in the 3D application environment.
Gurman said Apple has brought on board Dave Scott, a former Apple executive who worked on the company’s Project Titan self-driving car team until 2021. Scott is known for his work in the medical and robotics industries and for developing complex products ready for shipment, according to Gurman, and his involvement could add to the headset’s healthcare applications.
Apple has reportedly replaced 20-year Apple engineer Yaniv Gur on its headphone team. “The earphones team already has a chief operating system, Geoff Stahl, so Gur’s appointment suggests that the company is developing a productive operating system for the headset,” Gurman said.
Apple’s mixed reality headset has been in the news for quite some time now, while the company is yet to confirm the development of the device. It is expected to be launched in early 2023 and it is reported that Pegatron will be the main supplier of this device. Apple is said to be using its M2 processor with 16GB of memory for the mixed reality headset. It is said to run a new operating system called realOS and can allow users to view certain invisible objects. It can use iris scanning to log in and make payments.
