philip lelyveld The world of entertainment technology

These 2 Chipmakers Could Get an Augmented Reality Boost

One way to tap this huge opportunity is through chipmakers such as Himax Technologies (NASDAQ:HIMX) and Finisar (NASDAQ:FNSR), which are already developing the hardware to enable AR experiences on smartphones and other platforms. Augmented reality overlays digital information on a user's real-life environment.

Himax is gaining traction in AR

Himax Technologies has been looking for its next big play after the death of Alphabet's Google Glass project, and AR could turn out to be a much-needed catalyst.

But Himax seems to have made a good display of its AR capabilities with this product, which is considered the most developed AR device on the market. Additionally, the HoloLens is gaining traction in the commercial space.

Himax could soon tap the mass-market AR opportunity on the back of its recent partnership with Qualcomm.

Finisar has started making moves

Finisar's moves in the AR space aren't as visible as those of Himax, but it could make a big splash very soon as some expect Finisar to land the 3D sensing chip spot in the upcoming Apple iPhone.

CEO Jerry Rawls has already talked about receiving purchase orders for its 3D sensing solution powered by vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology. The chipmaker believes that it could start shipping its 3D sensing chips from the current quarter after receiving customer approval.

See the full story here: https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/10/06/these-2-chipmakers-could-get-an-augmented-reality.aspx