Apple Hires Creator of Virtual Reality Cyber Paint App

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.