Apple hires augmented reality/virtual reality expert

Variety reports that Apple has hired Arthur van Hoff, a founding executive of the Disney-backed VR startup Jaunt. He started in a senior architect position this month, according to his Linkedin profile.

Van Hoff could be helping with the “Apple Glasses” project. The rumored device — expected to launch next year — will be a head-mounted display for augmented reality/virtual reality games and applications. Code-named T288, it will purportedly include an 8K display for each eye and won’t have to be tethered to a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. 

Jaunt developed a VR camera and related capture technology as well as a VR content distribution platform. The company also produced its own VR content.

Van Hoff founded Jaunt in 2013, serving as its chief technology officer until late last year. In 2016, he briefly stepped into the CEO role, but ultimately returned to the CTO position. Jaunt was focused on creating cinematic virtual reality content, but ultimately laid off a large portion of its staff in October of 2018. It then pivoted to focus on mixed reality. Jaunt has raised over $65 million in funding from the likes of Disney.