According to unnamed sources, Apple are reportedly working on developing smart glasses. If it is true, then it is about time!
Although the project is still in very early stages, Apple has said that augmented reality glasses that are compatible with IPhones could possibly be available in 2018.
For those of you who do not know what augmented reality (AR) glasses are, let me explain. You put a set of goggle-like glasses on your head which pairs with your phone. Then your phone can transmit images to the glasses in a 3D format which fills your field of vision.
The difference between AR and VR (virtual reality) is that AR glasses allow you to see the world around you. An AR experience superimposes graphics over the top of items that you can see. For those of you who played Pokemon, think of how you can see your surroundings behind the Pokemon as you try to catch it. The phone shows the Pokemon on the screen and uses the camera to put your surroundings behind the Pokemon. VR, on the other hand, is "sealed" and the image projected into the VR glasses fills your entire field of vision and you cannot see real life objects in your immediate vicinity.
Pokemon Go was mentioned by Apple CEO, Tim Cook recently when he expressed enthusiasm for AR by referring to the popularity of the game. He is probably under pressure to deliver a new head-turning product because sales of the IPhone seem to be stagnating. This is a problem for Apple because IPhone accounts for two thirds of their revenue.
Google have already leaped into the VR world with their new device, Pixel. Not only that, but other manufacturers have been releasing VR headsets for Google's Android OS for some time now.
Maybe this signals that Apple is not the pioneering, cutting-edge giant it once was with Steve Jobs at the helm. Their ideas seem to be stalling with no significantly jaw-dropping offerings in a long time. I personally like Apple's IPhone and the experience it gives me. I hope Apple can pick their game up and be more competitive before it's too late.