Evidence: Apple's next important product is related to virtual reality

BI Chinese Station Apple's next important product will be?
There is growing evidence that Apple is working on product development related to virtual reality technology. Apple's dream: Let the audience completely immerse in the world of computer production.
For the futurists, virtual reality has been their dream for decades, but virtual reality technology has not been able to make a lot of money. If Apple releases a virtual reality device, it will greatly promote the entire industry.
Apple is known for its product stewardship, but projects of this size make it difficult for the company to keep a secret.
The following is the crack of the relevant evidence:
First: Apple is adding employees According to "Financial Times" reporter Tim Bradshaw, Apple has already set up a department to develop augmented reality and virtual reality technology, and the team has developed Prototype helmets for several months.
Augmented reality technology can overlay computer-generated images in the real world, similar to Microsoft's HoloLens or Google (microblogging) glasses. Augmented reality is different from virtual reality, which is completely immersing the audience in another world.
LinkedIn's profile and public recruitment information have already reflected Apple's recruitment trend. For example, Apple hired Doug Bowman, a top expert in virtual reality. Bowman has been working on human-computer interaction and 3D interface development, and the 3D interface is the user interface required for Apple's virtual reality helmet.
In addition, Apple has also dug up Nick Thompson, who previously worked on the development of the augmented reality helmet HoloLens.
Second: Apple has acquired at least four startups engaged in related technology development. Although Apple did not conduct large-scale M&A transactions in this area like Facebook’s $2 billion acquisition of Oculus, the company remains the mainstay of virtual reality technology startups. One of the buyers.
Apple's recent acquisitions include:
· German startup Metaio, an application developed by the company to display the image of digital furniture in the user's home.
FaceShift, which instantly converts the user's face into a 3D digital cartoon image.
· FlyBy Media, a company that previously worked with Google and Apple in the field of computer vision, which is closely related to augmented reality and virtual reality.
· PrimeSense, Apple bought the company for $360 million in 2013. Camera and video sensor hardware from PrimeSense is especially suited for computing vision applications.
Third: Apple retail stores have recently begun selling products that convert the iPhone into a virtual reality helmet.
Apple's official website has now begun to sell View-Master from Mattel, which turns the iPhone into a virtual reality helmet. This also means that Apple knows that it can't ignore mobile-based virtual reality products, which have been driven by Google.
Fourth: Apple suddenly became a frequent visitor to the Stanford University Virtual Reality Lab. The Stanford University Virtual Human Interaction Lab is currently the first stop for Silicon Valley technical experts interested in virtual reality and augmented reality. The lab was founded in 2003 by Jeremy Bailenson. Byronson shared an interesting anecdote last week:
"Apple has never visited our lab for 13 years - but in the past three months, they have visited three times. They haven't mentioned it here, but you should be able to find something out of it."
Fifth: The iPhone 7 will be equipped with a new type of camera that can be used for augmented reality. Parts suppliers from Asia have recently talked about it. Some manufacturers have placed large orders for dual-lens camera accessories, some of which may come from Apple.
Having two separate lenses and sensors on the smartphone's camera gives you a range of advantages, but it's most important for augmented reality.
The use of this accessory on the iPhone 7 means that the iPhone 7 can estimate the distance from the user to the wall or other obstacles, enabling the opening of several computer visual potentials, which are necessary for a high-quality augmented reality experience.
Sixth: Apple has applied for patents in this field. Apple has been applying for patents all the time. Of course, not all Apple patents can be converted into real products. But there is growing evidence that Apple's patents related to augmented reality technology applied at the beginning of this year are very important.
Seventh: Apple CEO Tim Cook has never denied his interest in a earnings conference call last month, and Cook answered a question related to Apple's virtual reality ambitions. His reply was very clear and did not deny this statement - but Cook did not confirm this news.
He said, "I don't think virtual reality is a niche product. I think this technology is pretty cool and has many interesting applications."
The next important product?
Apple's need for virtual reality devices may exceed the needs of the virtual display industry for Apple.
Apple now needs a new best-selling product -- the iPhone is a very successful product, but it has faced the first quarterly shipment decline since its launch. Of course, contrary to Cook's will, Apple's virtual reality device may still be just a niche product. Apple can make smartphones a must-have for everyone, and outsiders believe that Apple will make smart watches into similar products. But so far, Apple Watch has not gained the same appeal as the iPhone.
No matter what kind of products Apple launches, it needs to compete with other technology giants who have been engaged in virtual reality devices for many years. Microsoft's HoloLens is now able to present the American football experience on the coffee table; Facebook's Oculus has become one of the system choices for gamers, and the product will begin selling this year. Google's cheap Cardboard sales are booming, and even Apple has decided to sell similar products.
Although Apple is looking forward to a sensation in the virtual reality field, the company did enter the market too late.