Speculation has been building that Apple and Google might be gearing up to produce consumer 3D printers (along with other tech giants).  Indeed, analysts have been urging Apple to do so.

Apple, of course, was primarily responsible for the desktop publishing phenomena, and has recently filed for several 3D printing patents.  That, coupled with their extensive experience with high tech materials and complex manufacturing, makes a compelling argument for them to enter the market.  Google, meanwhile is getting into everything, whether or not they have existing expertise.  MakerBot and Cube have big head starts among consumers, but the market is about to get crowded.  And, as someone very successful once said, “you don’t want to be first to market, you want to be last.”