A 3D version of OS X could be part of the initiative

Nov 25, 2014 13:51 GMT  ·  By

A simple job listing for “App Engineer” on Apple’s website yields an interesting description that hints at the company’s future plans to embed virtual reality into its products. An earlier job posting from November 13 may hold even more clues as to what Apple has in store for us.

Most of Apple’s software-centric corporate hirings are in engineering, and while most of the descriptions sound about the same, every once in a while comes a description with specific nomenclature hinting at exciting new plans.

Virtual Reality “systems”

It isn’t clear if Apple wants this App Engineer to adapt the company’s software to existing VR hardware, or if the Cupertino giant itself is developing a solution of its own. One thing is certain, though. They’re planning to step into the VR realm one way or another (emphasis ours).

“We are looking for a software engineer to develop UI and applications to create next generation software experiences. The individual must be able to take participate in collaborative and iterative UI design through the implementation phases & complete performant user experience code for product delivery. This engineer will create high performance apps that integrate with Virtual Reality systems for prototyping and user testing,” reads the job notice.

Apple is seeking a candidate who has a proven track record in iOS or OS X application development (obviously, it’s preferable to have experience in both), C/C++/Objective-C prowess, and experience developing apps with user interaction.

More desired skills include “Familiarity with 3D Graphics programming; OpenGL, DirectX VR/AR development,” and the “Ability to rapidly survey & analyze applications and devices in competitive landscapes” In other words, look at existing VR solutions and put Apple on par, or exceed them.

3D Perception/Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer

Earlier this month we spotted a job opening at Apple for 3D Perception/Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer, which contained wording that suggested a 3D OS. Key areas of interest included multiple view geometry, 3D computer vision, activity recognition, object detection, tracking and recognition. At the time of this writing that opening is no longer available.

It doesn’t take a visionary to imagine that OSes are becoming more versatile with the passing of each year, both on desktops and in the mobile sector. At the moment, we’re still stuck in 2D world as far as navigating our files is concerned, but that may all change soon enough. For now, however, the only real applicability of VR is in video games.

Virtual Reality (5 Images)

Virtual Reality wallpaper
Virtual Reality demoVirtual Reality: gaming
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