Apple is expanding its line into the wearable glasses market. Apple wearable glasses are entering a market where Google, Microsoft, and Facebook are already at play. These companies are directing their focus on either AR or VR. Augmented Reality or AR adds information to people's view of the real world from the digital world. Virtual reality or VR completely surrounds them with a computer-generated environment.
Microsoft has its augmented reality glasses called HoloLen. Facebook has Oculus VR. Google previously had Google Glasses, now it has their virtual reality headset Daydream View. Google's Daydream View works with the company's Pixel smartphones and other compatible Phones. Apple wearable glasses will work with augmented reality or AR that works with the iPhone.
Apple wearable glasses are still in its experimental stage. The device would connect wirelessly to iPhones, showing information to the wearer's field of vision. The rest of the details on its features remain top secret.
Apple already has discussed obtaining supplies to build Apple wearable glasses. Components ordered are for testing and experimentation, not enough for mass production.
With the slowing sales of the iPhone, Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook is working under pressure to produce new products that bring in revenue. iPhone accounts make up the two-thirds of the company's sales. This is one of the reasons why they are launching the Apple wearable glasses.
Tim Cook expressed great interest in augmented reality after the success of Pokemon Go in July. In a conference call with analysts that same month, Tim spoke that Apple had a great interest in AR and is highly invested in the technology. He thinks that the Apple wearable glasses will provide great things for customers and has a great commercial opportunity.
Apple's AR investments include the acquisition of Microsoft's PrimeSense, which developed motion-sensing technology for it's Kinect gaming system. Apple also purchased software start-ups; Metaio Inc. in 2015, Flyby Media Inc. in 2016. Apple has AR patents for things like street view in mapping apps ready for its Apple wearable glasses.
Google's wearable glasses flopped. Google Glasses; batteries ran out quickly which received negative criticism. The Google Glasses design has poor public reception. Google was also met with a Privacy backlash. Apple is looking into the details of its competition to have a successful Apple wearable glasses product line.
In terms of VR where Google and Facebook are heading, Apple CEO Tim cook suggested in October that Apple is unlikely to incline into VR. People will be using AR as a necessity on a daily basis more than VR which is why they focusing their energy to build Apple wearable glasses.
The main competition for the Apple wearable glasses will be Microsoft. The competition will be with Microsoft's AR glasses called HoloLens. HoloLens shows a holographic view of images in the wearer's field of vision.
Apple's challenge is acquiring technology for the Apple wearable glasses that are small enough to make the design small and sleek with compelling AR experiences. Such technology may not be available in a year or two.
The company has been known to turn technology that others companies have difficulty developing into user-friendly devices for the masses. Apple made touch screen mainstream with its iPhone, and they also made use of fingerprint unlocking system by simplifying the teachnology. They could use such reputation to build Apple wearable glasses.
There is no specific release date for the latest Apple gadget. In an Interview with Bloomberg Tim cook said Apple wearable glasses will be introduced in 2018.
