The augmented reality software is now called "xrOS" and will replace "RealityOS".
The augmented reality is a new technology that allows the integration of 2D and 3D elements in the real world thanks to the camera of a support (smartphone, tablet and/or AR glasses). AR can become an everyday tool and Apple has understood this well by launching its xrOS software for the creation ofaugmented reality experience.
RealityOS: Apple's old software for augmented reality
The operating systems all have augmented reality software that allows users to integrate applications and lines of code to add an augmented reality experience.
At Apple, this software was previously called RealityOS and was accessible through development kits. RealityOS offered to create immersive experiences such as the try-on which allowed one to project objects or furniture for one's home into one's environment or onto oneself. Thus, it was very popular with the e-merchant which could offer a virtual fitting and thusincrease conversions. To find out more about try-on, we have produced an article explaining how it works and its benefits.
xrOS a more relevant and global software
With the evolution of the virtual reality Apple wanted to bounce back quickly so as not to be behind the times with new innovations. First of all, let's define the main words.
Virtual reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that enables a fully digital environment through a headset. Thus, users are immersed in a virtual universe and are cut off from the real world. This technology must be integrated into a helmet.
The extended reality
Extended Reality (XR) is a technology that enables understanding and blending augmented reality and virtual reality at the same time. Its supports must therefore be helmets that allow the use of AR and VR.
As you can see, the new software from Apple aims to understand and apply both augmented reality and virtual reality. The first two letters in the name of the software "xrOS" remind us of the extended reality and make us understand that its software will be versatile.
So with this new software, Apple will offer development kits to create third-party applications using augmented reality and/or virtual reality.
Apple emphasises that xrOS will be very versatile and will always be in step with new advances in both technologies. As a result new versions of its applications Messages and Maps will soon integrate AR and VR from its soon-to-be-released helmet.
Extended reality and the Apple headset
The arrival of xrOS is intended to prepare the ground for the launch of the Apple's augmented and virtual reality headset. Indeed, for the moment no precise date has been announced but according to the American giant, it should be released during the first half of 2023.
This headset is a tool that people can use to to be assisted with certain everyday tasks. Apple has not yet made an official announcement on the features of the XR headset, so we cannot detail the functionality of the headset.
However, they are not the only ones trying to enter the market for these technologies, as many headsets are already under development or already on sale. This is the case of Spectacles" connected glasses which are offered by Snapchat. These glasses allow you to film and take photos with Snapchat filters in augmented reality but for the moment they are not able to help users. Still, the Spectacles are a real testament to the capabilities of augmented reality and show a taste of what's to come in augmented reality accessories.
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