In case you are confused by the title or think that I enjoyed too much booze while writing this article, these are all references to the latest news about Apple’s famed AR glasses. Since Google retracted their project from the consumer space, many have speculated (even though fantasized maybe a better description) that Apple is working on developing AR glasses. Here is a short summary of events in the past.
- Apple files many patents for AR glasses (8 issued patents and 6 patent applications, even though there may be other patents that are relevant without referring to AR in the patent)
- Apple bought companies that may contribute to AR glasses (Luxvue, Metaio, Perceptio, Emotient, Flyby Media, Senso Motoric, Vrvana, Regaind, and Akonia Holographics)
- Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has been hyping AR over VR for years
- Apple hired (and fired) a team of AR veterans
Then there are the most recent news items about some code and support documents found in the recently released iOS 13. MacRumors reports that they have seen documents in an internal build of iOS 13 suggesting that the development of AR glasses at Apple is still on-going and even close to fruition, considering that they put this in iOS at this time. Apple knows that people are scrutinizing their newest software releases for any hint on new hardware and software developments. This was true for the Apple Watch and is certainly true for any activity in the AR / VR field.
Apple Glasses as envisioned by the author
They found hints for “StarBoard”, a system shell for AR-enabled apps. Within the code they found strings referring to “StarBoard mode”, “ARStarBoardViewController”, and ARStarBoardSceneController”, which all seem to hint of a connection to an AR hardware system. Then there is “Garta” as an augmented reality device that is possible developed by Apple. In addition they found an icon that seems to depict an AR headset. A lot of smoke, most analysts concurred.
Does this mean that Apple is ready to release, within the next year or so, a headset (at least as a developer kit) that can take advantage of such code? Possibly. Alternatively, we may be reviewing one of the greatest pranks ever played by a major brand outside of ‘April Fools’.
Taking all these facts together industry analysts have come two clear conclusions.
- Apple is ready to manufacturer an AR headset as early as 2019
- Apple has shut down its efforts to develop AR hardware for now
Go figure. How about a healthy compromise? Apple will not manufacture AR glasses in 2019 but is still developing AR headsets that Apple believes could successfully become consumer products.
Amazon Echo Glasses, credit Amazon
On other fronts, Amazon did announce their Echo Frames being available by the end of 2019. However, you cannot just place an order for these glasses, they are being sold on an invitational basis only. The price of $179.99 seems very reasonable but for that you are getting a pair of glasses with speakers, microphone and some LEDs. There is no electronic display in these frames.
The hardware allows to use all kind of lenses like sunglass, clear or prescription lenses. So what does this set do? It is a wearable form of the Echo speaker and connects with your Android 8.0 or greater smartphone. iPhone users are left out for now. The headset is very lightweight (31 grams) and allows for 3 hours of audio playback or a mix of activities (music, Alexa interactions, phone calls, incoming notifications) over a 14h period. It fully charges in 75min.
Facebook is Also Involved
Facebook announced that they are also working on AR glasses in conjunction with Luxcottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. These glasses may be ready for consumers in the 2023 to 2025 time frame. Indeed that is a long time span indicating that they are probably still in the design definition phase. This news comes from CNBC but was not included in the Facebook notes of the Oculus Connect conference at the end of September. Facebook did however confirm that they are working on a project they call LiveMaps. This project aims to create a shared virtual map of the world. This will allow future AR glasses to access 3D spaces in the cloud rather than creating them on the device at the time of use.
Adding Microsoft and its HoloLens project into the mix, we have all the major US based consumer electronic companies vowing for a space in the AR business going forward, all besides Apple, that is. Apple says AR will be important and “we will participate”, but they do not say anything about how. Hardware, software or both, its all up to us to make up stories about it. Apple must love this. How can they do anything wrong if they are not saying what they are doing in the first place? Future success will be measured in sales dollars, but, for now, success is measured in investment dollars and strategic plans.
In my opinion the chances for an Apple AR glass release in 2019 are very slim indeed. If there were a product release by Apple planned for 2019, we would have heard about it. Even Apple is not able to shut down all the chatter from Chinese suppliers making these devices. Having Apple Glasses under your Christmas tree? A very good chance I think, just not in 2019. Pick any year you want for a more realistic goal. – NH
