Apple acquires virtual reality startup NextVR
Apple confirmed reports on Friday that it has acquired NextVR, a virtual reality company that specialises in broadcasting live events under the virtual reality (VR) format.
NextVR was known for previously inking deals with the National Basketball Association, National Football League, Live Nation, Fox Sports, International Champions Cup, as well as various artists to broadcast sporting events and concerts through its VR platform.
When asked to comment, Apple merely referred to a CNBC report on the acquisition, where it said: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
Meanwhile, NextVR's website was updated with a note, saying: "We're heading in a new direction."
"Thank you to our partners and fans around the world for the role you played in building this awesome platform for sports, music and entertainment experiences in Virtual Reality."
Prior to the acquisition, Apple had told ZDNet's sister publication CNET that it had plans to release an augmented reality (AR) and VR headset sometime later this year.
Apple said, at the time, the headset would have an 8K display for each eye -- higher resolution than today's best TVs -- and would be untethered from a computer or smartphone.
As Apple continues to work on a AR/VR offering, Microsoft and Facebook have already released their own VR headsets, the HoloLens and Oculus, respectively.
Despite AR/VR investment from these tech companies, uptake of the technology has been slow, with global shipments of VR headsets only totalling 5.7 million last year. In comparison, over 1.3 billion smartphones were shipped during the same period.
Related Coverage
Can holograms help overcome the frustrations of social distancing?
Holographic meeting company has seen 1000% growth in customer interest.
Microsoft seeks to improve HoloLens business experience with Windows Autopilot
Microsoft's private preview program for Windows Autopilot for HoloLens 2 is now open. The goal: To make the devices easier to provision and manage at scale.
AR and VR should be booming. So why aren't we interested?
Lockdown rules are a golden opportunity for immersive technologies to provide better communication. The problem? AR and VR remain stubbornly stuck in the stage of early adoption.
Facebook is trying to build AR glasses that just 'melt away', using this cutting-edge tech
The social media giant announced that it is partnering with UK manufacturer Plessey, which specializes in designing and producing microLED displays.
17,000 doctors and nurses training for COVID-19 pandemic using VR technology (TechRepublic)
Oxford Medical Simulation is offering online VR training to help busy hospitals and medical facilities as they are being crushed by large numbers of patients during the coronavirus pandemic.