Bose Audio-Focused AR Tech

Bose, a high-end technology company, is interested in the augmented reality (AR) business but in a different way than other companies involved in this tech segment. 

For example, most of the AR industry is concentrated on a visual product, but Bose goes a step further and includes sound along with vision in their product development. 

They are providing $50 million in funds to startups who can help them build this new platform. Bose’s strength, focus and history revolves around audio, and many of their audio apps can be added to their new visual products now being developed. 

The company’s first prototypes are Bluetooth-compatible glasses that use visual and audio information captured by the glasses, and can be controlled by voice commands, and head and touch gestures. Sensors in the glasses integrate with IOS or Android devices to track location and motion in application built into the wearables. 

Bose has invested in companies specializing in novel wearable technology including Embr Labs, Qleek and Vesper. MIT’s Media Lab and the NYU Future Reality Lab are also working on prototypes.