Apple hasn’t yet been a player in the expanding world
of virtual reality, but that could be about to change with the addition of Doug
Bowman to its staff.
Bowman’s last job was as a computer science professor
at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, and
director of its Center for Human-Computer Interaction. He’s also the main
author of 3D User Interfaces: Theory and Practice, considered one of the most
important textbooks on 3-D interface technology. He recently received a
$100,000 research grant from Microsoft to analyze the uses of the Microsoft
Hololens VR headset.
With virtual reality about to become a $5 billion industry,
according to Newsweek,
it’s hard to ignore. Besides, investors are nervous about Apple and the slowing pace of iPhone sales.
“But
with Bowman coming on board recently, according to the Financial Times, Apple
may just be saying it’s ready to make virtual reality an actual reality in its
product lines,” said tech writer Rex Crum in an article for SiliconBeat.