Intel is developing an augmented reality headset, which will use its Realsense 3D camera technology, sources have told the Wall Street Journal.
The AR project is one way in which Intel hopes to diversify its business, outside of the market for PC processors. A reference design is likely to be offered to hardware vendors, rather than Intel producing the product itself. The WSJ’s sources are not aware of any manufacturing partners yet, however.
To-date, Intel has acquired several companies focusing on augmented reality, such as Recon Instruments (Intel Completes Recon Acquisition). Matt Margolis, an analyst at Wall Street Forensics, told the WSJ that the firm’s investments in the field exceed $300 million, and may be as high as $500 million.
Analyst Comment
Intel’s diversification is a strategy dictated by CEO Brian Krzanich. Under his leadership, the company has entered new markets such as drones, fitness wearables and smart jewellery, as well as driving hard into the (Qualcomm-dominated) mobile space. (TA)
