The Animus is the device used to relive genetic memories in Assassin's Creed.
In the series’ modern-day story, the Animus lets a person access memories inherited through their DNA from ancestors. The subject enters the machine while its software constructs a navigable simulation of the ancestor’s experiences. This framing device allows the games to move between modern characters and historical settings.
The first game centers on Desmond Miles, who is forced to use an Animus to relive the memories of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Later games introduce different Animus models, including systems developed by Abstergo, the modern corporation descended from the Templar cause. Helix is a later consumer-facing product associated with Abstergo Entertainment.
Eagle Vision is a perception ability, not a machine. The Bleeding Effect is a side effect of prolonged exposure, while an Apple of Eden is a Piece of Eden artifact. These terms are related to the series but are not the memory device.