Metaio stopped accepting new projects as Apple buys the oldest augmented reality-centered enterprise for undisclosed reasons and sum-are they teaming up to develop an AR eyewear for Apple?
Headquartered in Germany, Metaio GmBh specializes in providing advanced AR solutions to its network of customers. Furthermore, the company provides AR platforms and developer kits for those who want to create AR-enabled software and applications.
According to Metaio's Marketing Head Trak Lord, there are over 70, 000 developers building content using their technology in an in-depth interview last year. In this intimate conversation, Lord also talked about the AR wearable headwear the company made for Epson-the Epson Moverio BT-200.
The AR leader also built one of the most innovative AR browser app Junaio that allows user to view the world with augmented reality glasses.
With over 1 million downloads as of May 15, 2015, the app enables user to uncover general information about an unfamiliar place, object or experience through a quick scan.
Lord said that one of the company's key goals is to make AR accessible to everyone. The enterprise wants to make it part of nature-as normal as breathing.
"We want augmented reality to be as convenient and almost unconscious as sending SMS text. In the same way you don't think about sending a SMS. You just do it. "
So, is Apple launching an AR wearable to go head to head with Google glass?
Tech blogger Valentina Palladino in Tom's Guide posited that the acquisition foreshadows an upcoming Apple AR wearable as Apple recently patented a virtual reality eyewear that is compatible to iPhone.
"It's no secret that many major tech companies are investing in VR. From Samsung to Sony to Microsoft, virtual and augmented reality devices are becoming more mainstream, and Apple likely wants a place in that sphere," Palladino said.
"Not only is the possible purchase timely, but it falls in line with recent Apple activity: Earlier this year, the company patented an iPhone-compatible VR headset," he added.
