Introduction to Apple’s Latest Acquisition
Apple has recently acquired Metaio, an augmented reality startup that was founded in 2003 as a project at Volkswagen. The company’s website announced that it might now not be taking up latest customers, and a legal document has confirmed that Apple purchased the startup on May twenty first or twenty second.
The Acquisition Process
When asked concerning the acquisition, Apple provided its standard response, stating that "Apple buys smaller technology corporations now and again, and we generally don’t discuss our purpose or plans." This response has left many wondering about the main points of the acquisition and what Apple plans to do with Metaio’s technology.
Signs of the Acquisition
Metaio began showing signs that something was amiss when it canceled its user conference in San Francisco and took down its Twitter accounts. The company also posted a message on its website stating that it might now not be selling products or subscriptions, and that email tech support would end on June thirtieth. A visit to Metaio’s San Francisco office by a TechCrunch author was met with a nervous worker who refused to talk and shut the door.
Impact on Clients and Users
Clients who use Metaio’s technology are reportedly "flipping out" after seeing the shutdown message on the web site and never receiving any communication from the corporate. Metaio has a major user base, with 1000 customers and 150,000 users worldwide in 30 countries. All of those users are actually wondering what is going to occur to the technology and support they depend on.
Metaio’s Technology and Projects
Metaio has been involved in lots of impressive projects, including an augmented reality tour of a Ferrari automobile and a program that enables travelers in Berlin to see what town looked like through the time of the Berlin Wall. The company’s technology has been used to create a big selection of modern and interactive experiences.
Apple’s Plans for Metaio’s Technology
The acquisition of Metaio could help Apple to bolster its virtual reality and augmented reality efforts. Apple has already patented a VR headset that works with iPhones, and is reportedly working on an augmented reality feature for its Maps app. Metaio’s technology may very well be used to reinforce these features and supply a more immersive experience for users.
The Future of Virtual Reality
Many experts, including Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, imagine that virtual reality is the subsequent major computing platform after mobile phones. Apple has a history of success within the computing industry, and the acquisition of Metaio could help the corporate to power the subsequent generation of virtual and augmented reality technology.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Metaio by Apple is a major development on this planet of virtual and augmented reality. While the main points of the acquisition are still unclear, it is probably going that Apple will use Metaio’s technology to reinforce its own virtual and augmented reality efforts. As the technology continues to evolve, it should be interesting to see how Apple and other corporations use it to create latest and modern experiences for users.
