Apple looks poised to take on Oculus VR's Rift and Microsoft's HoloLens -- perhaps even Magic Leap's mysterious augmented reality (AR) device.
Apple's new job listings for software and hardware engineers who are competent in "display systems design and development related to VR environments" are fueling speculation, suggesting that the company is serious about foraying into virtual reality (VR).
In December 2014, Apple received the approval for a patent from USPTO for a VR headset that the company had filed in 2008. The head-mounted VR display that Apple patented had a strong resemblance to Oculus Rift.
Now with Apple seeking out employees who are adept in the VR arena, as revealed by the job posting, it seems that it is looking to create a VR device of its own.
According to the first job listing posted on Feb. 25 on its website, Apple is eying an experienced Senior Display Systems Engineer who will have knowledge of the projection and monitor technologies so as to aid Apple in "extremely high fidelity VR environments."
The expectations from the candidate are as follows and gives an inkling into Apple's plans:
-- Specify and test novel display systems for virtual environments.
-- Work with vendors to develop custom display solutions.
-- Design and select appropriate hardware and software components to optimize fidelity in a variety of VR environments.
-- Develop software to support displaying rendered image sequences on the display hardware.
-- Work closely with software, electrical and mechanical engineers during testing and integration.
Apple's second job listing on Feb. 25 also seeks out a Senior Display Software Engineer who will be able to aid the company's "computer graphics software engineering to support VR system."
The job description says that the candidate will "own the display pipeline from rendered image sequences to display hardware." The candidate will also require experience in dealing with motion capture systems.
Earlier in December, a job listing by Apple sought out a VR/AR programmer who would be competent in the development of VR/AR platforms. The company has listed a similar requirement via a Feb. 10 posting as well.
The programmers will focus on the development of software that iDevices with built-in VR capabilities could deploy in the near term.
With Apple looking to develop both hardware and software experience in VR/AR, it seems that the company is on track to realize its patented technology. Or do we see an iPhone or iPad that pairs with a VR headset perhaps for a 3D experience?
