Apple Hires ‘Cyber Paint’ Creator Amid Apple Glass Development

As Apple wages on with its behind-closed-doors development of advanced new hardware and software systems for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, a new report published this week highlights one of the company’s most recent high-profile hirings in the burgeoning AR/VR space.

VR Expert, Cyber Paint Creator

Adding to its growing panel of VR experts, Apple allegedly hired Sterling Crispin (a developer whose app “Cyber Paint” was among the first to take advantage of VR headset technology) back in May of this year.

Crispin then took the role of Apple’s “prototype researcher,” according to his LinkedIn profile, Variety reports. 

It’s not entirely clear what Crispin’s duties entail as a so-called prototyping researcher, but, given his prior role as lead developer and designer at his self-made VR software company, it’s reasonable to assume the dev is helping Apple move forward with its AR/VR projects. 

Prior to being hired by Apple, Crispin was an employee with DAQRI — a Los Angeles, California-based firm specializing in AR projects for industrial applications — prior to launching his own firm and creating the popular VR painting app Cyber Paint.

Cyber Paint, as shown in the demo video below, is an advanced digital painting app that taps into the power of mobile VR headsets, allowing users to “paint 2D artwork on a canvas or in 360-degree space.” The app is similar to Google’s Tilt Brush app, and works in conjunction with an array of VR hardware products like the Google Daydream, Samsung GearVR, or HTC Vive Focus, among others.

Apple Glass

According to his LinkedIn profile, Crispin has also served as a consultant for several AR and VR startups, including his involvement with “significant SDK development for a head mounted augmented reality device,” which is particularly interesting given his new role at Apple — a company widely believed to be developing a head mounted AR hardware device of its own.

While many of the technical details remain under wraps, iDrop News recently compiled an in-depth analysis of what Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset might look like, documenting its potential features, functionalities, and advanced technologies for AR/VR applications. 

The product, known internally as T288 and often referred to in reports as Apple Glass, is rumored to integrate a number of cutting edge technologies, including two ultra-high 8K resolution eyepieces and the ability to connect wirelessly via next-generation WiGig.

The device is also expected to feature advanced gesture and motion controls, Siri voice commands and other key Apple technologies thanks to a re-engineered version of iOS, dubbed ‘rOS’, which is supposedly being designed exclusively for the headset.

Other details including specifications remain shrouded in secrecy — though we’ll likely know more as we inch closer towards the headset’s anticipated 2020 debut.