New reports suggest that Apple might be jumping on the VR bandwagon by hiring Virginia Tech professor and expert in the field, Doug Bowman. The market is likely to get hotter and hotter in the following years. Like many other fields, Apple does not want to be left out.
With virtual reality titans coming, such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, it seems that the industry is getting closer and closer to becoming more than just tech found in sci fi movies. Titles are being announced, and more players are joining them at the table. It appears that it will be a true leap forward in technology and gaming, specifically. Now, it only remains to be seen which company will bring forward the epitome of this new step.
VR and AR headed for $120 billion by 2020
Apple has, so far, remained out of the running, considering its only mild interest in the market. However, with experts estimating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to bring around $120 billion in revenue by 2020, the company seems to want in. It’s certainly not the first time Apple would come in late into the game. It’s in line with their strategy and the move all but confirms the true potential of the VR industry.
Apple clearly sees an opportunity that Bowman is likely expected to fulfill. As a VR and AR expert, and an award-winning developer for HoloLens, he will aid the company in dipping their toe into the market. However, this will likely happen over time. So far, Apple has only created a few VR experiences, but purchased AR technology firm, Metaio, and PrimeSense. It seems that they are preparing for a product of their own.
Apple’s strategy is to innovate at the right time
According to market analyst, Joost Van Dreunen from SuperData Research, the hiring of Bowman might suggest Apple’s faith in VR of turning a profit. It validates the investments of other company giants, such as Facebook, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, and Google. However, it’s possible that Apple is, once again, holding back and waiting for the opportune moment to strike with something innovative.
That is how Apple often enters the market, according to Van Dreunen.
Microsoft and Blackberry proved the demand for smartphones, then Apple came in and revolutionized it. The same happened with MP3 players before Apple brought in the iPod, and then once again with tablets. The company analyzes the market, watches potential, observes, and then finds a way to bring their own product with an added improvement. Perhaps the same will happen with virtual reality and augmented reality.
Their strategic focus has always been innovation and timing. Only when those two factors are properly decided will we see an Apple product likely stepping into the market. And Bowman might just be the front man for it.
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