Snap and WaveOptics Enter The Shrinking AR Smartglasses Race

J.C. Kuang, Analyst Augmented Reality, Augmented Reality Intelligence Service, Automotive Technology, Devices & Technology, Head-Mounted Displays, Head-Up Displays, Insight Articles, Semiconductors, Venture Capital, Private Equity, and M&A

Following the announcement of its new Spectacles AR development kit, Snap Inc. has announced its deal to acquire waveguide supplier WaveOptics. The deal is worth over $500 million, at least half of which is to be paid in stock. The partnership between the two companies signals a recommitment from Snap to develop and produce true AR smartglasses within the next … Read More

Two Roads Diverged: What Apple’s Latest Acquisitions Mean For A Future HMD

J.C. Kuang, Analyst Augmented Reality, Augmented Reality Intelligence Service, Client-Only, Devices & Technology, Head-Mounted Displays, Insight Articles, Venture Capital, Private Equity, and M&A

Apple’s ARKit: What it means and why it’s important

Apple’s most recent acquisition, Akonia Technologies, is the clearest sign thus far of Apple’s intent to enter the head-mounted augmented reality market. Previous acquisitions in the space have included pass-through AR firm Vrvana, which Apple acquired earlier this year for $30 million. And while Apple has been reluctant in the past to comment on any short or long-term plans to … Read More