HTC Vive and Oculus Rift have been battling the VR headset war for the last year. Android have so far held the upper hand for mobile VR with little competition. Apple appears to be entering the mobile VR race, however, with their very own headset design for iPhone. Apple’s next iPhone is set to be announced next week, but VR might be one of the main features.
image courtesy: osdaily.info
Apple and the fight for Mobile VR
UploadVR has published a major move in the mobile VR market. Apple has been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Images of the patent, dated 30 August, look like a mix between Samsung’s Gear VR and Google Cardboard. Details for the device are very technical and not readily available, with a non-marketable name attached. Apple has filed the patent listed as a “Head-Mounted display apparatus for retaining a portable electronic device with display.”
Gear VR might have a rival soon. Image courtesy: time.com
Apple’s patent abstract reveals a few bits of information which would suggest to its functionality. Features such as, “each device may be allowed to extend its features and/or services to the other device for the purpose of enhancing, increasing and/or eliminating redundant functions between the head-mounted device and the portable electronic device.” Prominently mentioned is the ability to couple and decouple the portable device to the head-mounted device. So far so in keeping with what Samsung offers with the Gear VR. Aside from supporting iPhones rather than Samsun devices, there are no details on what separates this device from the main competitor. Apple is set to announce the new iPhone on 7 September, so details might be announced then.
What this means for Singapore
Apple continues its partnership with U2 into VR. Image courtesy: engadget.com
Apple may not have the full monopoly it once had on the smartphone market, but in Singapore, it is still significant. The Straits Times reported in August last year that Apple led Samsung 38% to 26% compared to Samsung. Mobile VR developers should take note of this. Furthermore, this would make over half of all smartphones sold in Singapore VR compatible. Considering the high price point for both the Rift and Vive, this could be the deciding factor in how most VR experiences in Singapore are sold.
Sources: uploadvr.com, Straitstimes.com, uspto.gov
