While it’s no secret that Apple Inc. is interested in virtual reality and augmented reality –as shown by this patent filing from last year for a “head-mounted display” or “goggle system” –this latest advertised job opening from Apple certainly seems to indicate that it is serious about entering the augmented and virtual reality space.

Posted on the weekend, the job listing says that Apple is looking for a software engineer “to develop UI and applications to create next generation software experiences.” It is not possible to know exactly what Apple sees as “next generation software experiences”, in this context, from the limited information available, but the job listing does give some clues as to what would be expected from this individual: “This engineer will create high performance apps that integrate with Virtual Reality systems for prototyping and user testing.”

It goes on to list some requirements for the candidate, such as: “Familiarity with 3D Graphics programming; OpenGL, DirectX” and “VR/AR development”, which appear to indicate strongly at software development aimed specifically at virtual reality and augmented reality.

Along with the above mentioned “goggle system”, Apple’s previous forays into the virtual reality and augmented reality space includes patents for a motion-sensing virtual 3D user interface for iOS devices as well as 3D ‘Hyper-Reality’ displays.

Apple may be late to the party, with the likes of Oculus Rift and Samsung’s Gear VR already well known and supported; however, as seen with NFC payments recently, Apple’s entry into a market is prone to spark renewed or increased user attention and adoption.

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