Apple worked on Google Glass-like device, decided it wasn't worth it
Tony Fadell, the ex-Apple executive who helmed the company's iPod engineering group, has revealed that his old employer prototyped augmented reality headgear, but ultimately chose not to pursue the technology.
The devices were described by Fadell in an interview with Fast Company's Co.Design blog as "visors" that make the wearer feel as though they are "sitting in a theater." He went on to imply that the prototypes were successful, but Apple chose not to go forward with them because the company had its hands full with other projects
"We had such success with the things we were already doing that we didn?t have time," Fadell said.
In addition to the augmented reality devices, Fadell revealed that Apple also experimented with new renditions of older technology like video cameras and remote controls. While the company has not released any of these rumored devices as standalone products, it is possible that lessons learned from the experiments have been helpful as Apple developed new technologies like the iPhone's video capture system and Apple TV's remote control.
Fadell is known as the "father of the iPod" and served as a senior executive at Apple from 2001 through 2008, first as the head of the iPod & Special Projects group and later as senior vice president of the iPod division. He is currently CEO of Nest, a manufacturer of connected thermostats, which he cofounded with former Apple colleagues.
In recent years, Fadell has been somewhat candid about his time at Apple and his thoughts on the company as it exists today. Last year, after iOS chief Scott Forstall was ousted from Apple, Fadell said he felt Forstall "got what he deserved."
Though he no longer works at Apple, Fadell has a continuing relationship with the company, as his Nest thermostats are sold in the company's retail stores.
The devices were described by Fadell in an interview with Fast Company's Co.Design blog as "visors" that make the wearer feel as though they are "sitting in a theater." He went on to imply that the prototypes were successful, but Apple chose not to go forward with them because the company had its hands full with other projects
"We had such success with the things we were already doing that we didn?t have time," Fadell said.
In addition to the augmented reality devices, Fadell revealed that Apple also experimented with new renditions of older technology like video cameras and remote controls. While the company has not released any of these rumored devices as standalone products, it is possible that lessons learned from the experiments have been helpful as Apple developed new technologies like the iPhone's video capture system and Apple TV's remote control.
Fadell is known as the "father of the iPod" and served as a senior executive at Apple from 2001 through 2008, first as the head of the iPod & Special Projects group and later as senior vice president of the iPod division. He is currently CEO of Nest, a manufacturer of connected thermostats, which he cofounded with former Apple colleagues.
In recent years, Fadell has been somewhat candid about his time at Apple and his thoughts on the company as it exists today. Last year, after iOS chief Scott Forstall was ousted from Apple, Fadell said he felt Forstall "got what he deserved."
Though he no longer works at Apple, Fadell has a continuing relationship with the company, as his Nest thermostats are sold in the company's retail stores.
Comments
Of course it wasn't! Oh, that's great. All this pre-keynote news is wonderful.
I like this part from Gadi Amit:
As always, Apple does it first ... google, samsung and the rest run to their copy machines department.
Now we know where Google copied the Google Glass concept from.
"There are a thousand betas for every 'yes'."
iVisor
Now we know where Google copied the Google Glass concept from.
Another product concept taken from Apple when Eric Schmidt was on Apple's board
"It's easier to say Yes and throw a beta tag on it, then it is to say No and not have a we're-first product to brag about." - excerpt from The Google Way, a fictitious book by Sir Gay Bryn
vs laser focus and doing those things you do really well, which SJ tried to impart to other tech company founders. How many have followed his advice?
I'm glad Apple decided to not pursue the Glass type design, they would have been the laughing stock if they did. I still can't figure out what the big deal is with Google Glass, I think it's a joke. I'm sure it might make some money, but I wouldn't buy the product. I think it's too dumb and not something I want to be seen using. there are enough distractions as is.
Personally I disagree (about Google Glass). I don't own one, but if it (or similar products) get cheap enough I'll own one for photo and video capturing alone. There are plenty of times where I will see something that would be a great photo or video and by the time I pull out my iPhone the moment is gone. Just being able to wink or whatever and get the shot would be great.
And here ya go. [SIZE=2](Can't do this with a Bing search
https://www.google.com/patents/WO2008046075A9
https://www.google.com/patents/US8212859
Konica Minolta actually applied for a patent on an implementation that actually is somewhat similar to Google Glass IMO, and predating Tony Fadell's submissions. I believe Apple references them as a matter of fact.
https://www.google.com/patents/US20060120247
Interesting stuff, particularly another Apple patent submission in 2012 for a concept device along the same lines as Google Glass but trying to claim a priority date for Fadell's old 2006 patent app. Hmmmm. . .
I'm glad Apple decided to not pursue the Glass type design, they would have been the laughing stock if they did. I still can't figure out what the big deal is with Google Glass, I think it's a joke. I'm sure it might make some money, but I wouldn't buy the product. I think it's too dumb and not something I want to be seen using. there are enough distractions as is.
Of course it can be perceived as a laughable product but it is more about the first iteration of a concept than it is about the current design. Whether it is smart contact lenses, watches or more regular looking smart glasses, the wearable and integrated wear shall become more and more ubiquitous.
I'm glad Apple decided to not pursue the Glass type design, they would have been the laughing stock if they did.
But Apple WAS the laughing stock when they released the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad. Don't you remember? It was all over the tech media. The laughing and snickering was loud and vocal. Steve Ballmer had a big belly laugh over the iPhone. There's even a video of it.
Apple is used to being the laughing stock of the tech world. Happens every time they release a product. Just watch today's event and you'll see.
Another product concept taken from Apple when Eric Schmidt was on Apple's board
Google earns money from publicity.
Publcity stunts is on Google´s blood, i am sure Google knows as much as Apple thjat it does not worth it physicaly as a product.
I wonder if The BBC, The Guardian or The HuffingtonPost will post this.
What? Apple didn't see the value in making people look like morons walking around with shit stuck to their face? Say it isn't so.
Yeah, much better to work on iPhone 4 v4.0 (aka iPhone 5S) than something new.
Not an Apple hater... just want a darn 5" iPhone... dang it!
... And frustrated.
Shh. No lies, only dreams now.