Another move towards the companies rumored AR/VR device perhaps?
According to a new report by 9to5Mac, Apple is currently in the process of acquiring VR/AR live streaming platform NextVR for a modest $100M.
Founded in 2009 by D.J. Roller and David Cole, the California-based company has spent the last 10 years working to perfect the immersive live streaming format. NextVR has partnered with numerous organizations on a sizeable amount of high-profile broadcasts covering everything from professional sports—NBA, Fox Sports, Windsor—to standup comedy and live music events.
Apple’s purchase would gain the company access not only to the platforms’ numerous existing partnerships, but it’s patented live streaming technology that upscales video streams. In addition to the purchase, the report states that a shell company believed to be Apple is currently in the process of hiring NextVR engineers and informing new staff on their relocation to San Diego.
Despite its impressive technology and numerous partnerships, NextVR failed to secure a Series C funding round in 2019, forcing the company to cut its staff by 40%. With the potential financial backing of Apple, however, there’s no limit to how this technology could be used.
Back in 2018 reports began circulating that Apple was in development of a hybrid VR/AR headset. Information has been scarce since, though a recent leak may have just given us our first look at one of the devices’ first games. This latest report by 9to5Mac only adds further proof of the headsets’ existence.
NextVR is available now on Oculus Quest, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, Gear VR, PSVR, and SteamVR.
Image Credit: NextVR
