Apple contemplates augmented reality glasses
December 16, 2016
Apple Inc. is known for its annual release of its infamous iPhone and its “cutting-edge” computers.
Ever since 2010, Apple ceased to introduce significantly different products to the market. But, there is speculation for a new type of technology― Apple Glasses. Whether you are a tech person or not, there is no denying that this is a piece of the future.
According to Bloomberg, Apple Glasses will bluetooth to an iPhone, may use augmented reality (AR), and is expected to release in 2018 at the earliest.
AR is a type of technology already seen in other apparatus, such as the once-trending Pokémon GO app and Google Glass.
This shows use of AR can result in two ways: like Pokémon GO, which had over 500 million downloads according to Polygon, or like Google Glass, which was discontinued after less than a couple of years of being on the market.
Google Glass was the first to make AR publicly accessible, and the technology when it was launched in 2013 is not like now. By the time Apple Glasses releases there may be enough technology and experience with the technology to make AR practical, as Pokémon GO has taken the first few steps to.
But, freshman Rohan Mani will not think the Apple Glasses will become practical, as he says, “It will be an accessory, not an everyday tool.”
Mani may have a point, as it can be expected that the Apple Glasses will be expensive, but not as much as Google Glass, considering there will be a greater availability of AR technology in the future.
If Apple were to make the glasses relatively inexpensive, there may be a huge difference in the ratios of the sales of certain products to the total amount of sales.
Currently, around two-thirds of Apple’s revenue is from sales of iPhones, according to Bloomberg. There is a possibility that these sales will drastically change when the Apple Glasses come to market. There may be even a chance of making the iPhone less popular for a period of time, allowing for competitors to take advantage.
“Society won’t be changed,” said senior Brollio Romero, unfaithful that these changes are likely.
Though, Apple may still confront a few competitors as Samsung has taken steps by virtual reality (VR) and are oozing their way into AR.
Acknowledging competitors, Apple might have to give their best to get to AR level as soon as possible.
But, the competitors aren’t the only push factor. According to CNBC, Apple has seen its first annual decline in 15 years and the Apple Watch is not necessarily “carrying” them. These glasses may help them bounce back up.
Through this all this excitement it should not raise hopes as this project is still in an “exploration phase,” according to Bloomberg.