Apple Confirms Acquisition Of AR Startup Mira: What Does This Mean For AR Future

Apple Confirms Acquisition Of AR Startup Mira: What Does This Mean For AR Future

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June 7, 2023 by Diana Ambolis
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Apple has confirmed that it has acquired augmented reality (AR) startup Mira. The acquisition was first reported by The Information in January 2023. Mira is a San Francisco-based startup that was founded in 2016. The company develops AR software that allows users to interact with digital content in the real world. Mira’s software has been
Apple Confirms Acquisition Of AR Startup Mira: What Does This Mean For AR Future

Apple has confirmed that it has acquired augmented reality (AR) startup Mira. The acquisition was first reported by The Information in January 2023.

Mira is a San Francisco-based startup that was founded in 2016. The company develops AR software that allows users to interact with digital content in the real world. Mira’s software has been used by developers to create AR experiences for a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, and education.

Apple has not disclosed the terms of the acquisition. However, The Information reported that the deal was worth $100 million.

The acquisition of Mira is a sign that Apple is serious about AR. The company has been investing heavily in AR research and development in recent years. In 2021, Apple hired Mike Rockwell, the former head of Google’s AR team. Rockwell is now leading Apple’s AR efforts.

Apple is rumored to be working on an AR headset that could be released in 2023. The headset is expected to be powered by Apple’s own custom chips and will use a variety of sensors to track the user’s head and hand movements.

The acquisition of Mira could help Apple accelerate the development of its AR headset. Mira’s software could be used to create AR experiences that are more immersive and engaging.

The acquisition of Mira is also a sign that Apple is competing with other tech giants in the AR space. Google, Microsoft, and Meta are all developing AR headsets. The race to develop the best AR headset is heating up and Apple is determined to win.

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What does this mean for the future of AR?

Apple’s acquisition of AR startup Mira is a significant development for the future of augmented reality (AR). Mira is a well-respected company with a strong track record in developing AR technology, and its expertise will be invaluable to Apple as it looks to bring AR to the mainstream.

Apple has been rumored to be working on its own AR headset for several years, and the Mira acquisition suggests that the company is nearing the launch of this product. The Vision Pro, which Apple unveiled on June 6, 2023, is a high-end AR headset that is likely aimed at businesses and developers. However, Apple is also expected to release a more consumer-oriented AR headset in the future.

The Mira acquisition could accelerate Apple’s plans to release a consumer AR headset. Mira’s technology could help Apple to improve the performance, comfort, and usability of its AR headset. Additionally, Mira’s expertise in developing AR software could help Apple to create a more compelling AR experience for consumers.

The future of AR is looking bright. Apple’s acquisition of Mira is a sign that the company is serious about AR, and it could help to accelerate the adoption of this technology by consumers. With Apple’s resources and Mira’s expertise, AR could become a mainstream technology in the years to come.

 

Here are some of the potential applications of AR in the future:

Gaming

  • AR could be used to create more immersive and engaging gaming experiences. Players could interact with virtual objects in the real world, and they could also compete against each other in virtual worlds. For example, a player could use an AR headset to see a virtual game world overlaid on their surroundings. They could then interact with the virtual world by moving around, pointing, and clicking. This would make the game more immersive and engaging, and it would also allow players to collaborate with each other in a more natural way.
  • AR could also be used to create new types of games that are not possible with traditional gaming platforms. For example, a game could be created that allows players to interact with historical figures or events. This would allow players to learn about history in a more engaging way.

Education

  • AR could be used to provide students with a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Students could learn about different subjects by interacting with virtual objects and simulations. For example, a student could use an AR headset to see a virtual model of the human body overlaid on their desk. They could then interact with the model by rotating it, zooming in and out, and viewing different parts of the body. This would make the learning experience more engaging and memorable, and it would also help students to understand complex concepts more easily.
  • AR could also be used to create new forms of educational content that are not possible with traditional textbooks and learning materials. For example, a teacher could create a virtual field trip for their students. This would allow students to experience different places and cultures without having to leave the classroom.

Work

  • AR could be used to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Employees could use AR to access information, collaborate with colleagues, and complete tasks. For example, a factory worker could use an AR headset to see instructions for assembling a product overlaid on their workbench. This would help them to assemble the product more quickly and accurately.
  • AR could also be used to create new forms of collaboration and communication in the workplace. For example, a team of engineers could use AR to collaborate on a design project. They could each see the same virtual model of the design, and they could make changes to the model in real time. This would allow them to work together more effectively and efficiently.

Entertainment

  • AR could be used to create new forms of entertainment, such as virtual concerts and movies. People could watch these events from the comfort of their own homes, and they could also interact with the performers and other audience members. For example, a concertgoer could use an AR headset to see a virtual band performing on stage in front of them. They could also see the band’s lyrics and other information about the band. This would make the concert experience more immersive and engaging.
  • AR could also be used to create new forms of social interaction. For example, people could use AR to play games together, go on virtual adventures, or even just chat with each other. This would allow people to connect with each other in new and exciting ways.

These are just a few of the potential applications of AR in the future. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting uses for AR.