Apple has acquired the Los Angeles-based AR headset startup, Mira. The startup develops augmented reality headsets for other companies such as arcades as well as for the US military. The announcement was made via Mira CEO’s Instagram account and was subsequently confirmed by Apple.

News of the acquisition came just a day after the company unveiled its much-awaited Vision Pro headset which will cost $3,499. Apple has pitched its AR headset as a new “spatial” computing platform.

Mira Prism Headset
Mira Prism Headset

Apple didn’t divulge details on how much it paid for the AR startup. Mira has so far raised about $17 million in funding.

Apple design chief Jony Ive has previously served in an advisory capacity at the startup, The Verge reported, citing anonymous employees familiar with the matter.

Regarding the acquisition, Apple provided the generic statement that typically characterizes its new acquisitions, stating that it buys smaller technology companies “from time to time” and that it generally does not discuss its purpose or plans for the acquisitions. It isn’t clear whether Apple will proceed with Mira’s military contracts. However, based on Apple’s modus operandi, it is likely to terminate those contracts.

Mira currently has a number of military contracts including a small contract with the US Air Force as well as a $702,351 contract with the US Navy, based on information on government records along with recent press releases.

Mira Headset customized for Mario Kart Ride
Mira Headset customized for Mario Kart Ride

Mira’s Air Force contract involves the use of its Prism Pro headset to display stuff such as heads-up equipment instructions for military pilots at the Travis Force Base.

On its website, Mira says it develops the “most scalable augmented reality hardware + software solutions in the market” that enable frontline workforces to have communication tools as well as information when it is most needed.

Mira also has a contract with Nintendo World that involves the use of its headsets for the Mario Kart ride at Nintendo’s theme parks across Japan and in Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Mira’s headset can display virtual characters and items from the game and leverage these to augment the wearer’s real-life ride as they progress through it.

Eleven of Mira’s employees are coming on board as part of the acquisition according to Mira CEO Ben Taft’s post on Instagram.

https://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mira-Prism-Headset-600x420.pnghttps://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mira-Prism-Headset-150x90.pngRob GrantAcquistionsBusinessApple has acquired the Los Angeles-based AR headset startup, Mira. The startup develops augmented reality headsets for other companies such as arcades as well as for the US military. The announcement was made via Mira CEO's Instagram account and was subsequently confirmed by Apple. News of the acquisition came just...VR, Oculus Rift, and Metaverse News - Cryptocurrency, Adult, Sex, Porn, XXX