Apple Acquisition

Apple, seeking a breakthrough product to succeed the

iPhone, is said to be prepping to ship an AR headset or

device as early as 2020. Akonia’s “HoloMirror” technology

is designed to project full-color images onto the transparent

glass lenses of augmented-reality headsets, according to its

website, a capability that will dovetail with the U.S. giant’s

own efforts. Apple confirmed the deal, first reported by

Reuters, via the typical statement it uses to verify acquisitions

of smaller startups.

While virtual reality immerses the user in a digital world,

augmented reality is intended to overlay visuals and data

onto the real one -- allowing users for instance to look up

details on objects and buildings in their field of view, or a

mechanic to scan repair instructions. It’s been touted as

having wider mass-market appeal than VR, and Apple

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has talked up its prospects

on several occasions.

The U.S. giant will have to contend however with a number

of rivals, including Amazon.com Inc. and Google, also

exploring future applications for the nascent technology.