Intel reportedly working on an augmented reality headset based on RealSense

A report on the Wall Street Journal indicates that Intel is working on an augmented reality headset that leverages Intel’s own RealSense 3D technology. The headset that they’re working on is being built as a technology demonstrator rather than as a commercial product.

RealSense is an Intel technology that uses a dual-camera system to observe, track and scan objects in three dimensions. The technology is available commercially, but it hasn’t really caught on. We’ve rarely encountered this technology outside of demo rooms and prototype devices. Regardless, when it comes to augmented reality (AR) applications, something like real sense makes a lot of sense. The cameras can track your hand movements, map objects in 3D and even work as a form of collision detection.

While Intel refused to comment on exactly what they’re working on, they did add that they regularly work on developing prototypes for demoing their product. Which is most likely the case here. “We have to build the entire experience ourselves before we can convince the ecosystem,” says Achin Bhowmik in an interview with WSJ. Bhowmik is vice president and general manager of the perceptual computing group at Intel Corporation.

The company has apparently been working on a whole range of hardware (proprietary CPUs and sensors) for wearables and drones. A new line-up for augmented reality might just be what Intel needs to nudge its way into the mobiles and wearables space.

Intel do have a strong presence in the desktop and laptop space, but that segment is dying a long, slow death and Intel has no presence to speak off in the mobile space.