After much anticipation, Apple finally unveiled its first Augmented Reality (AR) headset called the Vision Pro at the WWDC 2023. This is not only a new product for Apple, but it represents a whole new product category within the company’s ecosystem. The Vision is a high-end headset that as per Apple will mark the beginning of “spatial computing.” The headset is its first major new product since the Apple Watch in 2014.
The Vision Pro will allow users to interact with apps in a new way. Users can use their eyes and hands to navigate through apps, and they can use their voices to search for information. This new way of interacting with apps will make them more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Introducing the Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s First Augmented / Virtual Reality Headset
Apple Vision Pro is a new augmented reality (AR) headset that can also be used for virtual reality (VR). It has a dial that allows you to switch between the two modes. The headset is controller-free, so you can browse apps by looking at them. You can tap to select and flick to scroll. Meanwhile, users can also give voice commands. Vision Pro supports Bluetooth accessories and lets you connect your Mac to use inside the headset.
Inside the Apple Vision Pro Headset
The Vision Pro is a stylish and comfortable head-mounted display (HMD) that features a single sheet of glass in the front, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a soft textile strap. The HMD also includes a baffle around the face to block out light, integrated audio pods, and Zeiss lenses for vision correction. The battery provides up to 2 hours of use, but it can also be plugged in for continuous use.
Moving on, the display is a Micro LED screen with 23 million pixels across both eyes. It also has a sensor array that provides eye tracking, lidar 3D scanning, head tracking, and hand tracking. All of this data is processed by the Apple M2 chip and a new chip called the R1.
The M2 chip is responsible for the overall performance of the headset, while the R1 chip handles the sensor array, camera inputs, and six microphones. This allows the headset to provide a more immersive experience by tracking your eye movements, head position, and hand gestures.
No Controllers Needed
Apple’s new headset does away with the need for a controller, relying instead on your eyes, hands, and voice to interact with the virtual world. To select an object, you can simply look at it and tap your finger. To scroll, you can flick your hand.
Apple is using a new technology called EyeSight to allow others to see your eyes on an external screen. This helps to keep you connected with the people around you, even when you’re immersed in virtual reality.
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The VisionOS
Apple’s new operating system for its augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset will be similar to iOS and iPadOS. Called VisionOS, you will have a home screen that can be customized with app icons and widgets. The operating system will also include something called “Home View,” which allows users to place apps in their physical space. Apps in Home View will appear to float in the air and will also respond to light and shadows, creating a more immersive experience. Users can also scale apps and place them anywhere in their space.
Apple Vision Pro and VisionOS will have their own app store, which developers can create apps for the platform. This will allow Vision Pro users to access a wide range of apps, including productivity tools, games, and entertainment apps. The Vision Pro will also support digital personas, which are virtual representations of users that can be used in apps like Webex and Zoom. This will allow users to have a more immersive experience when using these apps, and it will also make it easier for users to collaborate with others.
Microsoft Office will also be optimized for Vision Pro devices. This will allow users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on a larger screen with more precision.
Apple Vision Pro For Productivity
For productivity, you get something called “canvas for apps.” This allows you to place your apps anywhere on the screen, creating a floating version of your Mac with web browsing and other productivity apps always within reach. You can simply turn your head to move from app to app. Or even put 3D objects in front of you and see them from any angle.
Vision Pro is also compatible with Bluetooth accessories, such as the Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard. You can also use your Mac to mirror your Mac’s screen onto the headset, creating a massive 4K display.
Vision Pro also includes a new version of FaceTime that lets you see digital versions of other people in one-on-one calls. When new people are added to the call, their avatars simply float in front of you. You can even share apps with others while on a call.
Apple Vision Pro For multimedia
Apple also showed off Vision Pro as a multimedia machine for use when you’re not working. Photos float in mid-air, and panoramas taken from your iPhone can be viewed in 360 degrees. You can also take photos or videos with the press of a button, and Vision Pro will blink to let others know that you are taking images.
In addition to its multimedia capabilities, Vision Pro also works as a personal movie theater. You can adjust the size of the screen to fit your space. The operating system will automatically dim the surrounding area and add spatial audio. It even lets you add an “environment” to make it feel like you are in a massive movie theater, even if you are watching a movie at home. You can also use the Vision Pro to play Apple Arcade games with game controller support. Apple is also touting TV content on the headset, including premium content from Disney.
Apple Vision Pro Pricing and Availability
Apple’s Vision Pro will be available for purchase in early 2024 for a price of $3499. While you wait for the launch, Apple will be hard at work developing more apps and experiences for the Vision Pro.