Twitter Trying To Cash In On VR, Hires Former Apple Asset

On some level, it’s almost comical how tech companies are tripping over themselves to be the first to integrate some of the newest technologies to come out lately. After pushing for live streaming and fighting over messaging supremacy, social media sites are now setting their sights on virtual reality and augmented reality. Twitter is showing particular grit in embracing this new technology, even going so far as to hire a former Apple employee and forming a team dedicated to implementing VR integration to their platform.

As part of their effort to establish a team that will be focusing on VR/AR technology, Twitter hired Alessandro Sabatelli, according to Tech Crunch. Sabatelli is a former designer for Apple who worked for the company for five years. After leaving the tech giant, Sabatelli then founded the startup called “IXOMOXI,” which worked on a VR app that provided an almost psychedelic filter for when users are at music festivals.

This is why Twitter wanted Sabatelli on their team since he has experience in allowing users to be in the moment in special ways with the use of VR. More than that, the social network has fallen behind on this industry and has a lot of catching up to do. The leading brand in this sector is Snapchat, with its AR supremacy making it top dog.

Of course, this is new territory and there are still a lot of uncertainties when it comes to VR/AR technology, particularly where social media giants like Twitter is concerned. The Verge compiled a list of questions that are relevant to the topic, particularly since it will have a massive impact on how people will eventually interact with the world.

For the longest time, humans have had to deal with how mundane the real-world is; coping with the dull moments with fantastical outlets such as books, plays and eventually, TV and movies. Through VR and AR technology, people can essentially walk around and literally view the world through rose-tinted lenses.