Apple has acquired an augmented reality startup called Metaio, a company that launched as an offshoot of Volkswagen in 2003, and is known for its augmented reality technology.
The company has previously worked on technology allowing people with Google Glass-like glasses to treat any object in the real world as a touch screen.
Apple itself has not released any statements related to the acquisition apart from the standard "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," which it often says when asked for statements.
It started becoming clear that an acquisition of Metaio was in the works when it abruptly cancelled its user conference, held in San Francisco. The company also took down its Twitter accounts. Last but not least, it released a statement on its website saying that it would no longer be offering its products and services. In fact, some reports suggest that users are not at all happy about how the company handled its acquisition, with some being very frustrated at the lack of service.
It is unclear exactly what Apple will do with this latest acquisition. However, with the growing importance of virtual and augmented reality it is sure to come in use for Apple. Some reports suggest that Apple will soon be adding an augmented reality feature into its Maps app, allowing users to face their phone in a particular direction and be shown what businesses are in the area. Users will also be shown menus and other information about restaurants on their display. And, of course, Apple was awarded a patent earlier this year for an augmented reality headset that uses the iPhone as the display, much like Google Cardboard.
Metaio has licensed its tech to a number of different companies for a number of different purposes. For example, using the tools that Metaio provides, Ferrari has been able to provide potential customers with an augmented reality tour of its cars.
Many in the industry have called virtual and reality the next big thing in computing; however, while the likes of Google and Facebook have shown serious interest in the concept, Apple has not apart from a few quiet acquisitions here and there. Of course, the company has found huge success in its iOS and OS X operating systems, and it is likely that if virtual and augmented reality is as popular as some suggest they will be, Apple will want to incorporate these features into its operating systems.
