Bose has introduced its augmented reality platform, Bose AR. The company also announced its SDK schedule date for developers, manufacturers and research institutions, along with collaborations currently under way and venture funding for related start-ups.
The first Bose AR wearable, a prototype pair of glasses, was engineered and manufactured by Bose. It’s Bluetooth-compatible, with microphones for calls or voice control, plus a new proprietary technology that keeps audio private. It’s designed to fit and look like standard eyewear but function more like Bose headphones. It also uses sensors to track head motion and the GPS from a smartphone to track location. The sensors send the motion and location data to an app that sends relevant, real-time content back to the user’s ears.
The Bose AR platform is open to approved developers and manufacturers. Collaborations underway include ASICS Studio, Strava, TripAdvisor, TuneIn and Yelp. The company is also collaborating with academic research institutions, including the MIT Media Lab and the NYU Future Reality Lab. The company will invest up to $50 million in start-ups focused on apps, services or technologies for the platform. The Bose AR SDK, and limited quantities of a refined and updated version of the wearable, will be available this summer.
