Apple recently hired Sterling Crispin, a new virtual reality hire who developed a painting app for mobile VR headsets, reports Variety.
Called "Cyber Paint," Crispin's app is designed to allow VR headset wearers to create 2D and 360-degree pictures. Cyber Paint is available for Oculus Go, Daydream, GearVR, and Vive Focus.
According to his LinkedIn page, Crispin joined Apple in May 2018 as a "prototyping researcher," an interesting title given Apple's rumored interest in virtual reality.
Apple is said to have a secret research unit composed of hundreds of employees who are working on AR and VR and exploring the ways the two emerging technologies can be used in future Apple products.
Rumors have suggested Apple is developing multiple AR/VR headset prototypes, including a headset that would feature an 8K display for each eye and would work with both virtual and augmented reality applications. This device is not tied to a mobile device and reportedly works with a dedicated box using high-speed short-range wireless technology.
There have also been multiple reports of Apple's work on augmented reality smart glasses with a dedicated display, a built-in processor, and an "rOS" or reality operating system based on iOS.
Prior to developing his Cyber Paint app, Crispin served as a lead UX designer at DAQRI, where he worked on software developed for augmented reality and head mounted displays, and before that, he was a freelance VR developer, so he has both AR and VR experience.
Apple has made several AR/VR-related hires and acquisitions in recent years, all of which are outlined in our dedicated AR/VR roundup. Acquisitions include Vrvana, a company that developed a mixed reality headset called Totem.
It's not entirely clear when we might see an AR or VR headset from Apple, but multiple rumors have suggested Apple is aiming for a 2019 to 2020 launch date for such a device.
Top Rated Comments
Lovely. Another distraction from Timmy and the Boys. Does anyone at this company have any ****ing clue what they're doing?
You sound like you’re still stuck in 2001.Here’s something similar from Macrumors on October 23 2001 concerning iPod:
This isn't revoltionary!
I still can't believe this! All this hype for something so ridiculous! Who cares about an MP3 player? I want something new! I want them to think differently!
Why oh why would they do this?! It's so wrong! It's so stupid!
iCan't believe it!
It's now at the online Apple Store!
$400 for an Mp3 Player!
I'd call it the Cube 2.0 as it wont sell, and be killed off in a short time...and it's not really functional.
Uuhh Steve, can I have a PDA now?
what a load of tripe!
gee! an mp3 player with a HD! how original! kinda reminds me of a JUKEBOX i once knew..
revolutionary?
There are already two products similar to this on the market. The Nomad Jukebox and the Archos Jukebox which can come with a 20 gig HD. The iPod is obviously alot cooler and has firewire, but it is far from revolutionary. I for one am disappointed and think that apple is making a mistake by trying to get into this market.
Sound familiar?
The above commenters from 2001 were just a few of the rocket scientist that thought they knew better.
They even had some comments for Jobs:
Sorry I'm just venting....
Steve Jobs: "Isn't this cool? It's never been this fast or this easy before."
Me: Uhh, no!
Too pricey
Not exactly "revolutionary". With the economy in its current state, You'll be able to pick up MP3 players for peanuts soon. The Archos Jukebox does the same thing and it's not blowing off the shelves either. $399 is just too much for an MP3 jukebox. Sorry Steve, this isn't it...
Remember that companies often hire people like these not because they need them for anything specific but instead to keep them from going to work for a competitor like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, etc.
No they don’t.This reminds me the first demo of multitouch ('https://youtu.be/89sz8ExZndc') I saw before Apple bought the company. Core technology, 2020s edition.
Haha some of those comments on that video are great.“The iphone does not use the same technologie. The Iphone is NOT multi imput. It only accept one finger at the time (like a normal touch screen)”
“dont waste your time or money.... get a Nokia N95.. Real GPS (free), 5 MP Cam w/ Flash, FULL Internet, DVD Video, MP3 player, Stereo Speakers, and Supports Music through Bluetooth headsets!!! Does everything the iPhone does and more, and it does it better. Bye, Bye iCrap”
“ok... so... other than being completely unorganized and the fact that you could spend all day cutting and morphing some lava like blob... what is this good for? I would like so much that the people who invented this could put as much imagination to do SOMETHING ACTUALLY USEFUL.”
Nice to remind myself that ignorance and lack of imagination has always been prevalent on the Internet. :D