Apple gets into the virtual reality market with Metaio purchase

Cupertino stays silent on plans for software company

Apple has invested in an augmented reality software firm called Metaio that offers virtual reality authoring tools for Windows and Mac and lets developers create apps for iOS, Android and Windows PC (x86).

A legal document shared on Twitter confirms the deal with Apple, but there is very little official information to go on.

The Metaio website offers no concrete information about the acquisition, but does advise customers that the software and support will be withdrawn shortly.

"Metaio products and subscriptions are no longer available for purchase. Downloads of your previous purchases will be available until December 15th, 2015, and active cloud subscriptions will be continued until expiration. Email support will continue until June 30th, 2015," the note says.

Apple has confirmed the deal in the usual vague way: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

It appears that the move has frustrated some Metaio developers, who feel that the lack of information rather leaves them in the lurch.

"What is going on with #augmentedreality company #metaio?," posted one. "Did they just close up shop?"

The question of the software's future was raised earlier this week when the official website went through a transition. Customers began debating their position on Twitter, and rivals stepped up to offer their own services.

The purchase will give Apple a route into the growing virtual reality market. Facebook-owned Oculus has completed the purchase of UK startup Surreal Vision, while Google has its Cardboard headset and Microsoft has HoloLens.