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Augmented reality brought to business apps
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pple’s commitment to developing its augmented reality (AR) expertise has been on show again. This time it’s due to the company’s partnership with German enterprise software firm SAP, which will see the two work together to help businesses develop AR apps.
According to Reuters, Apple and SAP have made use of Apple’s machine learning tech to build apps to help with accurately stocking store shelves and repairing machinery. These apps will work on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The two companies originally partnered in 2016, aiming to bring Apple’s hardware and SAP’s business apps to increasing numbers of enterprises. Also announced at the time was a software development kit and training to help businesses build native iOS apps for their own uses. An Apple press release stated this would combine the security of Apple’s platforms with
these apps testify to Apple’s expanding role in the field of augmented reality
SAP’s business software acumen.
Now, the partnership is set to focus on Apple’s augmented reality and machine learning capabilities to help businesses build new functionality into their apps.
While these apps will be aimed at business users, they testify to Apple’s expanding role in the AR field. Tim Cook has long touted his enthusiasm for augmented reality, saying it “has the ability to amplify human performance instead of isolating humans,” adding that he is a “huge, huge believer in AR.”
Indeed, Cook was at SAP’s annual Sapphire conference to explain that technologies like machine learning and AR would allow workers to do their jobs on the move, adding that he believes that Apple is “at the front end” of this trend.
In recent times, Apple has made a strong point of promoting the security and privacy of its products, and that was no different at the Sapphire conference. To this end, Cook stated at the conference that “today’s enterprise mobile devices are the jewels that must be protected.”
The future of AR
What can Apple users expect from this? Apple’s ongoing partnership with SAP demonstrates its push to expand its AR prowess and integrate the developing technology into its products. By creating and maintaining software platforms like CoreML and ARKit, Apple is also enabling third-parties to develop apps that are designed for consumers.
For example, Nike recently announced a new AR feature for its iOS app. Called Nike Fit, it helps you to find the perfect shoe size. You find the shoes you like in the app, tap to start measuring, then stand next to a wall and point your iPhone’s camera at your feet. Within a few seconds, the app tells you your exact shoe size.
Both this and the SAP partnership are promising signs for Apple’s ongoing efforts in augmented reality.