Apple working on tech to make AR feel more real

SAN FRANCISCO: Tech giant Apple is reportedly researching how to add gyroscopes to its augmented reality (AR) headsets, providing users continuous haptic feedback that will feel real.

According to a newly awarded patent, the company intends to at least take a small step toward using haptics to enhance AR experiences, reports AppleInsider.

"Haptic engines are an important aspect of XR (Extended Reality, or AR/virtual reality), as they impart physical sensations on a user's body that enhances the user's immersive experience," Apple said in a statement.

"Typical haptic engines found in smartphones and other mobile devices, however, only provide vibrations along a single axis," it added.

Apple acknowledges that this is "useful for notification applications", but points out that the odd tap differs from the "continuous torque or force" that a head-mounted display (HMD) might provide.

"The gyroscopic precession engine can be mounted to, or embedded in, HMD," the tech giant mentioned.

"Or other wearable device to provide spatial guidance in VR and AR applications," it added.

In October, it was reported that the tech giant's upcoming AR headsets might use iris scan instead of Face ID or Touch ID to identify people.