Apple is paving the way for a future invested in augmented reality (AR), whereby our senses are supplemented by computer-generated content. Augmented reality has overtaken Apple's Titan car project as the company's next big launch, beyond the iPhone, reports the Financial Times. Both Apple and Facebook are reportedly preparing to challenge secretive Florida-based startup Magic Leap and Microsoft's HoloLens in the race to create a pair of AR glasses that could replace the smartphone as consumers' primary computing device. Magic Leap has raised $1.4 billion in funding from Alphabet, Alibaba, and others to develop AR "light-field" eyewear that is smaller than Microsoft's HoloLens. The glasses are larger than a regular pair and require a battery pack and processor. Pricing is expected to be more than $1,000. Unlike Microsoft and Magic Leap, Apple is a relative newcomer to the field, having set up a team to explore the feasibility just over one year ago. A product launch is at least a year away, according to sources.
