Observed Signal · Aug 26, 2020 · Acquisition · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Apple buys VR startup Spaces
Apple has reportedly acquired Spaces, a VR startup that specialized in immersive experiences. Spaces previously developed VR entertainment for theme parks and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifted toward virtual VR conferences. The article notes Apple’s ongoing focus on AR via ARKit, with VR having been less prioritized historically. It also highlights Apple’s hardware direction, mentioning LiDAR scanners in the iPad Pro 2020 and the iPhone 12 Pro to enable 3D environment sensing. The report suggests Apple may eventually release its own VR hardware. Apple confirmed the acquisition but did not disclose strategic intent or future plans for Spaces. The piece frames the deal as part of Apple’s pattern of acquiring smaller technology companies, though specific use cases for Spaces were not disclosed.
Acquisition of a VR startup by Apple; moderate impact on AR/VR stack.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple acquired VR startup Spaces.
- Spaces specialized in VR experiences and previously developed VR entertainment for theme parks; pivoted to virtual VR conferences due to COVID-19.
- Apple confirmed the acquisition but did not disclose future plans for Spaces.
- Article notes 3D sensing capabilities in recent Apple hardware (LiDAR in iPad Pro 2020 and iPhone 12 Pro) and ongoing ARKit focus.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Musician sentenced for AI streaming fraud
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Apple Safari Blocklist Pushes Publishers to Trusted Server
Apple's latest software update has started blocking ad tech companies that track users for targeted advertising in Safari, prompting publishers to urgently revisit IAB Tech Lab's Trusted Server. This server-side solution moves ad auctions from users' devices to publisher-controlled servers, bypassing Apple's blocklist. Publishers like Paradium have already adopted it, while others are evaluating their options. The move highlights Apple's growing control over digital advertising, raising concerns about market power and the impact on publisher revenue. As Apple expands its own ad business, the blocklist underscores the shifting power dynamics in the ad tech ecosystem.
Microsoft Unveils Hybrid Intelligence, Open-Weight AI, RTX Hardware
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