AT&T has announced that it is entering a partnership with the mixed-reality startup, Magic Leap. The new deal sees AT&T offer Magic Leap an equity investment and a retail partnership giving Magic Leap an avenue to market but also gives AT&T exclusive “wireless” distribution rights of Magic Leap products in the United States, meaning other retailers can sell the product, but not other mobile networks.
AT&T said that its customers will be “among the first to experience” a Magic Leap product when its is launched later this year. Select AT&T stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco will carry the mixed reality device.
AT&T Communications CEO, John Donovan, discussed the news:
“AT&T is excited to pair our pioneering technologies, unmatched network, content platform, and vast customer ecosystem with Magic Leap"s efforts to build the next generation of computing. We"re designing and offering the future of entertainment and connectivity, and this exclusive arrangement – in combination with our 5G leadership position – will open up new opportunities and experiences.”
It’s very interesting to see AT&T do this, as it could signal the end of quad play with the introduction of a fifth element - AR, VR or mixed reality. Magic Leap will be hosting a live stream on Twitch at 6pm UTC today to discuss the specs of the Magic Leap One and provide a demo.
Are you excited for the Magic Leap One and will you buy one?
Source: CNBC