In a recent development, the Cupertino giant Apple has acquired Akonia Holographics LLC, a startup displays for augmented-reality glasses. This acquisition is a big sign of Apple’s ambition towards the wearable device based on AR technology.
Founded in 2012, Akonia uses a “HoloMirror” technology that is designed to project full-color images onto the transparent glass lenses of augmented-reality headsets. According to the company, it has a portfolio of more than 200 patents related to holographic systems and materials. Back in 2012, the company raised $11.6 million in seed funding and was looking for more as well.
Having said that, it is not something new for Apple since the company has a history of small firms acquisition. In 2013, Apple acquired Israel-based PrimeSense company that made three-dimensional sensors. Previously, Bloomberg also reported about Apple developing AR glasses, but the company declined it.
At present, there are very few Augmented Reality products like Microsoft HoloLense and startup Magic Leap’s Magic Leap One, which are intended for indoor use.