The Financial Times reveals another new Apple hiring of an expert in an almost unexplored field for the company, we talk about virtual reality, a technology that has been in development for many years and that until now has not had the necessary impact to enter as consumer electronics by users but with the appearance of the Oculus Rift and the support from the software of the developers, now may be the time to start thinking about a medium-term future with a product that can compete with what is coming from other companies.
For this reason, Doug Bowman, professor of software engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has been chosen by Apple to be one of those responsible. in the development of technology within the company.
Specifically, Doug Bowman was the head of the Human-Computer Interaction section and focused on the "three-dimensional customer interface plan and benefits in virtual situations." Bowman has won multiple awards with three developed client interfaces and other specialized achievements within VR, thus becoming consultant for Disney Imagineering.
Recall that not long ago Apple acquired the Emotient company that worked with the recognition of emotions based on facial expressions within a given space, in which the application of virtual reality would make a lot of sense. Here we already begin to think about the future practice of these technologies in a product that can be innovative within a very competitive market.
Besides this company also bought another one previously called FaceShift with a more classic but improved animation technology based on the animators' expressions, which are transferred in real time to the avatar or character created in 3D. Something like a motion capture but more advanced.
I think not long before we will see some announcement by Apple thereon.