Category: Technology News

Will Apple augmented reality glasses be better than Google Glass?

| November 17, 2016

Reports are indicating that the iPhone maker is looking to broaden its wearable technology offerings.

A recent report from Bloomberg has pointed to a serious possibility for Apple augmented reality glasses in the future. This is an area where several companies have attempted to make headway in the past, but where none have managed to reach mainstream success.

Primary among those efforts was Google Glass, which is no longer being sold.

Bloomberg cited unnamed sources who are “familiar with the matter” who asked to remain anonymous. That said, they also pointed out that the Apple augmented reality glasses remain in a phase closer to the exploration level. It doesn’t appear as though these devices are anywhere near being ready for the company to sell.

Apple Augmented Reality Glasses - Image of Hololens AR GlassesThe concept would be a pair of AR glasses that would wirelessly connect to an iPhone. This would allow a wearer to see the device screen displayed in front of his or her field of view. This may be displayed in augmented reality, in standard format or it could take another direction altogether.

Apple augmented reality glasses have been a topic discussed between the company and possible suppliers.

The sources for the report also stated that Apple has placed orders for limited batches of near-eye displays from one of its suppliers. They claimed that the purpose for those displays was for testing. That said, they also underscored the fact that the iPhone maker has not ordered nearly enough parts to suggest that they have any intention to launch mass production at any time soon.

If Apple decides that it would like to move forward with wearable technology glasses, one source says the earliest unveiling would be in 2018.

It’s important to remember that the company is known for testing broad spectrums of technology. While it may move forward with some, it will completely recreate others before launch or may decide to pause them or drop them altogether.

Just because there are Apple augmented reality glasses being tested, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be added to the company’s product lineup. As is the tradition of the company, spokespeople declined to comment on unannounced projects or upcoming products.

BlackBerry keyboard phone soon on its way to launch

| November 15, 2016

Even though the DTEK50 experienced lower sales than predicted, the struggling handset maker isn’t stopping.

The floundering Canadian handset maker has decided it’s time for yet another BlackBerry keyboard phone. This announcement follows closely on the heels of an announcement from the company that misled much of the world into believing there would be no more BlackBerry smartphones. After that announcement brought the brand into the spotlight, it took care to point out that third party manufacturing would continue to make the branded devices.

Handset makers willing to pay to license the company’s brand will soon put out a keyboarded smartphone.

This new BlackBerry keyboard phone will be coming into the market even though the DTEK50’s results were not at all impressive. The DTEK60 was just released through a collaboration between the company and Alcatel, but figures about the success of that device have yet to be produced at the time of the writing of this article.

Blackberry Keyboard Phone - Blackberry KeyboardThat said, when interviewed by Bloomberg, the company’s CEO, John Chen, gave the official confirmation that another BlackBerry smartphone was on the way. “We have one keyboard phone I promised people. It’s coming,” he said.

The official release date of the upcoming BlackBerry keyboard phone was not announced.

Chen said only that it was coming “soon.” Therefore, that could mean that BlackBerry will have a new mobile device on the market during the holiday shopping season.

Another announcement made by Chen during the interview pointed out that there are more companies interested in producing branded smartphones. In fact, he said BlackBerry is currently talking to two different companies about launching smartphones carrying their logo. That said, he did not identify the two companies at the time of their initial mention.

What he did say was that the two companies are based in India and China. He also suggested that the two companies were neck and neck in terms of what they have to offer.

Fans of BlackBerry keyboard phones appear to have some new offerings on the way in the next few months. Despite the fact that the company isn’t making its own mobile devices anymore, other companies seem to be interested in taking over.