Behemoth tech company Apple is reportedly working on a way to allow users to create apps for its mixed reality (MR) headset using Siri.
As reported by The Information, users will soon be able to use Siri to create complete augmented reality (AR) apps that can even be shared with other Apple users by using the App Store. The technology that’s being used to create this app-building tool was taken from a 2017 acquisition of a startup called Fabric Software.
This tool can, “Allow users to build an app with virtual animals moving around a room and over or around real-life objects without the need to design the animal from scratch, program its animations and calculate its movement in a 3D space with obstacles.”
Using AR to scan real-world objects
In its mission to help users create 3D models for apps, the iPhone company is also working on allowing users to scan real-world objects using the headset. If Apple’s development tool does allow users to create 3D models for apps and share them with the App Store, it would give the company significant leverage against competitors.
The company is also developing its very own AR apps that are looking to prioritise health and wellness. The upcoming AR fitness apps are likely to blend in nicely with Apple’s existing fitness devices like the Apple Watch or the Fitness Plus Service.
According to the report, the company is interested in AR rather than VR with its upcoming headset despite some of the senior execs finding VR to be isolating. Unsurprisingly, CEO Tim Cook has heaped praise on AR on several occasions.
And while much isn’t known about Apple’s first headset just yet, it is rumoured to have advanced VR capabilities that’ll allow users to switch in and out of VR.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
