Apple has acquired a startup focused on making lenses for augmented reality glasses, the Colorado-based Akonia Holographics. The company confirmed the acquisition to Reuters but did not provide further details.
Akonia was founded in 2012 by a group of holography scientists and had originally focused on holographic data storage before shifting its efforts to creating displays for augmented reality glasses. Akonia said its display technology allows for "thin, transparent smart glass lenses that display vibrant, full-color, wide field-of-view images." The firm has a portfolio of more than 200 patents related to holographic systems and materials, according to its website.
Akonia raised USD 11.6 million in seed funding in 2012 and was seeking additional funding. With Apple's backing, Akonia could play a role in developing AR/VR glasses for Apple, a project long-rumoured to be underway at the company.
