Ex-Apple exec is now at Microsoft to help with HoloLens, AI and more

Microsoft seems to be ramping up its team for HoloLens, Mixed Reality, and AI. Bloomberg is breaking the news that Ruben Caballero is now corporate vice president, Hardware Design & Technology at Microsoft, according to his updated LinkedIn page.

Caballero worked for Apple until early 2019, where he had been focusing on wireless tech. Specifically, …" developing wireless technology, such as antennas inside of devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. He also oversaw Apple's global wireless product testing efforts." For the last year, or so, he had been doing advisory work:

It is unclear what work Caballero will be doing at Microsoft. His LinkedIn profile states he is part of Microsoft's Mixed Reality and AI division, focusing on "HoloLens, Special Projects, and more to come...."

The news is particularly exciting because Bill Stillwell, who worked on Xbox until very recently, is also now working on the Mixed Reality team.

In a tweet posted on March 28th, Stillwell noted he was "Moving over to the team that makes HoloLens! Going to focus on producing world-class consumer AR/VR experiences in the MS ecosystem."

Stillwell's LinkedIn profile hints at his work, which is "Driving deep technical engagement and on-boarding for Mixed Reality HW and services, including launching v1 products into nascent markets."

The recent hires of Caballero and Stillwell suggest Microsoft could be moving to a new phase of HoloLens and Mixed Reality, perhaps finally making its long-awaited push into the consumer space.