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Google Might Be Designing Their Own VR Headset

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There have been a few moves made to suggest that Google might be designing their own VR headset to further expand their reach into the virtual reality market. It will likely be the theme of 2016. Virtual reality is getting closer, and many experts have high hopes for the new industry.

Major companies seem ready to make more investments in VR, with Facebook, HTC, Samsung, and Sony putting in efforts to bring products on the market. Google has not been far behind. In fact, it’s expected that their Google Cardboard will remain in the top of VR products this year. That’s because of its convenience, easy use, and incredibly low price in comparison to the upcoming hardware.

Google Cardboard is more of a support than a true headset for VR. It’s a do-it-yourself kit that you put together, supports your smartphone, and it becomes the tool through which virtual reality can be enjoyed. The apps themselves are downloaded in your phone, so Cardboard is more like a vessel. However, Google seems to have a vested interest in the market, so it’s possible that they’re planning a better performing hardware.

New hires and job openings at Google

Recently, the company created its own division that will be strictly focused on VR. In fact, former Vine CEO Jason Toff left the company for the purpose of working with Google’s new virtual reality department. It remains to be see what this will entail, but Toff expressed his plans to “work on VR”. It’s also recently that Google hired Scott Broock as YouTube’s “VR Evangelist”.

The rumors have been propelled forward by online posts of job openings at the company. One of the offered positions is for a PCB Layout Engineer which implies the “development and sustaining of actual products”. It also mentions the possibility of building multiple consumer electronic devices and putting together a team that will be on scale with the company’s offering. The bigger the product, the larger the team.

The second opening is for a Hardware Engineering Technical Lead Manager, which will have a bigger focus on design and execution. The employee will be responsible for the consumer hardware products.

While the openings themselves might only suggest the possibility of creating a new device, reports have it that “consumer product” actually replaced a mention of “virtual reality”. Whether that was a mistake on Google’s demands or the desire on the company’s side of not giving away too much information it remains to be  seen.

However, the possibility itself is exciting, and given Google’s interest in virtual reality, it is possible that they are working on a headset to rival the upcoming Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.

Image source: cloudfront.net

Apple Might Be Jumping On The VR Bandwagon

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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.

Image source: briansolis.com

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