Computer giant Intel is said to be working on its own augmented reality (AR) headset.
The new headset will apparently utilise the company’s RealSense 3D camera technology – an infra-red camera system that can view the world around the user in fine detail, as well as picking up on their gestures. It’s made its way into a number of Windows 10 laptops, among other devices.
The Wall Street Journal‘s sources claim that it’s this technology that will distinguish Intel’s AR effort in a crowded field.
Of course, most competitors are going the virtual reality (VR) route rather than augmented reality, where the real world around you is enhanced. To that end, Intel’s most obvious rival here is Microsoft’s immensely impressive HoloLens headset.
Intel isn’t exactly renowned for its hardware design, of course, but the report claims that it will offer its AR headset design to third parties to manufacture, rather than attempt to market its own model.
It all seems to be part of Intel’s drive to diversify from the shrinking personal computer market into new and exciting fields. The company has been developing components for items such as drones and wearable devices. In that light, AR makes perfect sense, what with Intel’s existing expertise in both microprocessor and 3D camera technology.
Related: What is HoloLens?
As the report points out, Intel has acquired at least five companies involved in AR technology, and is known to have invested in others, spending between $300 million and $500 million in the field according to one analyst estimate.
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Intel already demonstrated a combination of RealSense and AR technology at CES back in January. It apparently plans to show more mobile VR experiences at a conference later in the month.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
