Apple open-source code references ‘realityOS’

A reference to realityOS has been spotted in Apple’s open-source code.

RealityOS is the operating system that Apple is widely expected to use on its upcoming mixed-reality headset. However, it may end up being named xrOS (a reference to “extended reality”) when it reaches consumers’ faces.

This week, Apple posted various bits of code on GitHub with numerous references to realityOS:

https://twitter.com/aaronp613/status/1636096450097721344

Apple’s...

16 March 2023 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Apple’s AR/VR headset plan causes internal divisions

Internal divisions are reportedly arising at Apple over its much-anticipated AR/VR headset.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and COO Jeff Williams are said to be pushing to launch the headset as soon as possible, even if its design isn’t optimal.

Designers at Apple are said to have disagreed with their leadership and want to wait until it's feasible to launch a product that is lighter and less expensive. Current price estimates for the headset are between $2,000 and...

13 March 2023 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

‘Metaverse’ is a contender for Oxford’s Word of the Year

“Metaverse” is among the leading three contenders for Oxford’s Word of the Year (WotY). 

The metaverse is an unsurprising inclusion for WotY—not everyone understands it, but most will have at least heard the term.

Facebook changing its company name to Meta towards the end of 2021 undoubtedly led to increased awareness of the metaverse. Over the last year, the word has been thrown around a little too easily.

There is still some confusion around what...

23 November 2022 | Applications

Xbox and Apple execs criticise the ‘metaverse’

Recent comments from Xbox and Apple executives suggest the companies remain deeply critical of the metaverse.

Most current "metaverse" experiences are just online games looking to capitalise on the hype around the term. More technological advancements are needed to fully realise the metaverse.

One core principle of the metaverse is that it will mix elements from the real world with the virtual. A “digital twin” of a factory, for example, could enable workers to...

27 October 2022 | Digital Transformation

Zuckerberg believes Meta’s duty is to promote an open metaverse

During yesterday’s annual Meta keynote, CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his belief that the metaverse must be open.

Zuckerberg called out closed ecosystems—a clear dig at Apple, without mentioning the company directly.

“Closed ecosystems focus on tight control and integration to create unique experiences and lock-in, although most of that value ends up flowing to the platform over time,” explained Zuckerberg.

“Open ecosystems create value and grow through...

12 October 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

IDC expects Meta to lose its VR dominance

IDC predicts Meta will lose its dominant marketshare in the VR market in the coming years.

The VR industry is growing rapidly. During Q1 2022, global VR headset shipments increased 241.6 percent compared to the same period last year.

Meta continues to dominate the market amid the success of its Quest 2 headset. According to IDC, Meta has now captured 90 percent of the market.

According to IDC, the biggest rival to Meta currently is ByteDance’s Pico; despite...

6 July 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Meta looks set to release four VR headsets by 2024

Meta looks set to release four VR headsets over the next couple of years as it continues to push its vision for the metaverse.

According to a roadmap obtained by The Information, Meta will release a variety of headsets spanning various price points.

The long-rumoured ‘Project Cambria’ high-end VR and mixed reality headset is expected to release around September this year. Cambria was originally set to release last year but was delayed due to the pandemic and supply...

3 May 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

Analyst claims Apple’s mixed reality headset is delayed

The much-anticipated mixed reality headset from Apple is to be delayed, according to a leading analyst.

Apple is rarely first to any new technology but will bide its time, watch the early mistakes of rivals, and then launch a product that’s often a lot more polished. Many are, rightly or wrongly, of the opinion that most new technologies aren’t truly ready for mainstream adoption until Apple throws its $2.7 trillion weight behind it.

While AR/VR headsets like those...

13 April 2022 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

GTC 2021: Nvidia gets serious about the metaverse with Omniverse updates

Nvidia has announced several updates to its Omniverse simulation platform that brings the metaverse closer to reality.

The metaverse can be seen as the next step of the web, providing a virtual, persistent world where users can socialise, work, and play with actions that could have real-world effects.

Facebook recently changed its company name to Meta to reflect its new focus on building a metaverse. During Meta’s recent Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg was...

9 November 2021 | AI

Oculus Quest Pro leaks as Facebook’s metaverse plans begin taking shape

A leak showing the alleged Oculus Quest Pro has emerged as Facebook begins its transition into a metaverse company.

The metaverse is essentially a next-generation version of the web in which users share a persistent 3D world using technologies like VR and 5G. Naturally, it poses a long-term threat to social networks as they exist today.

In June, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told his employees that the social giant’s current divisions – focusing on communities,...

25 October 2021 | Consumer IoT & Wearables