Here are the signs that point to Apple's next big innovation in computing

Business Insider ^ | 08/31/2015 | Lisa Eadicicco

[SeekAndFind]

Apple could be working on its own augmented-reality technology, which would be a first for the company, according to Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster.

Apple usually focuses on mainstream consumer products such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Munster has picked up on a few clues within the industry that indicate Apple could be working on some type of augmented reality device. For example, the company acquired a German augmented reality startup called Metaio earlier this year, which was reported back in May.

Munster notes that Metaio owns 171 worldwide patents related to augmented reality technology, which would put Apple in 11th place for the number of augmented reality and head-mounted display patents held. Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung still place ahead of Apple in that regard.

Apple also acquired a company called PrimeSense back in 2013, and we have yet to see its technology appear in any of Apple's products. PrimeSense makes cameras that can sense motion, and it's best known for making the cameras in Microsoft's Kinect accessory for the Xbox.

Munster initially predicted that PrimeSense's tech could be used for motion detection inside the long-fabled Apple television, but that ended up being a bust. Now, however, Munster acknowledges those types of sensors could benefit an AR headset, since the motion detection cameras could be used for indoor navigation.

The company also recently poached an audio engineer from Microsoft who worked on its HoloLens augmented reality headset. According to LinkedIn, an Apple engineer hired in July named Nick Thompson previously worked as the audio hardware engineering lead at Microsoft for the HoloLens.

Audio is important in augmented reality, says Munster, because positional audio can make the experience more convincing (i.e. feeling like a certain object is in front of you or behind you, etc.).

[circlecity]

I thought those Apple eyeglass thingys were the “next big innovation in computing.” Don’t hear much about those anymore.

[TexasGator]

The web need not be a holding place for all things navigation.

A store could download a database to you as you enter.

Home Depot could use it to help you locate one of their assistants!

BTW, I have used HD’s site to locate stuff when even the assistants didn’t know they had it. Interesting to show them on my smartphone information they cannot access without going up front to a terminal!

[TexasGunLover]

You’re thinking of Google Glass.

[tophat9000]

Are you talking about google glasses?....

[TexasGator]

"I thought those Apple eyeglass thingys were the “next big innovation in computing.” Don’t hear much about those anymore."

Google Alphabet glasses.

Also, Samsung S6 can mate to a VR 'helmet'.

[TexasGator]

Google has proposed a new parent company to be called Alphabet.

On another line, I saw this interesting "A is for Apple" chart.

[Vendome]

She’s hot!