Apple’s virtual reality and augmented reality headset has been talked about for more than six years. And he’s finally here. At WWDC 2023, the tech giant announced the Vision Pro, a headset intended to take mixed reality experiences to the next level, though it’s not a consumer product like one might expect it.
During its keynote, Apple announced several features that differentiate the Vision Pro headset from the rest of the market. For example the commands of the machine seem to be done only with the eyes and the hands, and not with joysticks. Another difference is a pocket battery to power the machine. And finally, a new operating system – VisionOS – which powers the unit.
Apple Vision Pro with the removable battery pack. Apple
Apple has gone so far as to claim – with its trademark marketing emphasis – that the Vision Pro is “the most advanced personal electronic device ever”.
Apple will sell the headphones for $3,499 (yes the price in Euros is not known), which begs the question: Is it worth it? Here’s everything you need to know about the company’s new product.
Apple Vision Pro battery. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
What does this new AR and VR headset look like?
The design of the Vision Pro is different from many AR and VR headsets on the market. It has an external battery the size of an iPhone that connects to the headphones via a cable.
The user must therefore place the battery in his pocket and make do with a hanging cable when using the Vision Pro.
Thanks to this connected battery system, Apple was able to reduce the weight of the Vision Pro and make it significantly lighter than its competitors. According to Apple, this should solve one of the main problems with virtual reality headsets: discomfort after prolonged use.
The Vision Pro looks like a ski goggle, and its curved front features an external screen that allows the wearer’s eyes to be seen by other people through a feature called Eyesight.
Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
The front of the helmet is made of three-dimensionally formed glass, while the headband is made of a single piece that offers cushioning, breathability and elasticity.
The device has two 4K OLED screens, Apple’s in-house M2 chip and the famous Siri voice assistant. It also features a brand new chip, R1, which works in parallel with M2 to prevent lag and unease during use.
To switch from augmented reality to virtual reality, the headset will have a crown similar to that of the Apple Watch. There is also a button that will allow users to easily customize the fit and a button for taking photos.
Users will be able to control the headset through eye and hand tracking, a feature that is slowly being adopted by other headsets on the market, as well as voice commands. For example, users will be able to pinch to select and click to scroll.
Vision Pro runs on a new Apple operating system, VisionOS, which resembles the iPadOS interface, bringing continuity of Apple’s ecosystem of apps and services to the headset.
What can you do with Apple headphones?
The headset is capable of running most popular Apple apps including Books, Camera, Contacts, Facetime, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Safari, and more in mixed reality – c i.e. a mixture of virtual reality and augmented reality.
According to Apple, the apps will feel like you’re in your natural space and environment. Therefore, moving the apps is a similar experience to moving real objects around you.
Immersive video is one of the main selling points of the device. It allows users to feel like they are physically present in the space where a video is taking place. For example, with the headset, you can stream a movie and watch it as if it’s playing on a giant screen in another environment, like the beach, with immersive spatial sound.
The Vision Pro headset will also be compatible with third-party content to facilitate continuity between your favorite applications and the headset. For example, Disney Plus will be available on the headset from day one.
With its presentation at WWDC, Apple hopes that more developers will start building apps and services for VisionOS, so that third-party support expands further, much like what’s already happening on the market. ‘AppStore.
However, the Vision Pro will also be able to run hundreds of thousands of iPad apps from the App Store, as well as games from third-party developers. The Vision Pro will also have its own app store for apps designed specifically for the headset.
If you want to use the headphones for professional purposes, that is of course possible. The headset can be used as an external monitor for a Mac by reflecting what is on your Mac on the augmented reality interface.
In addition, Facetime for Vision Pro will allow video conferencing in a collaborative environment, allowing you to work on projects with your colleagues at the same time.
The tiles of people on the call will be “life-size” and each person’s audio will come from the position of the individual’s tile, allowing for a more natural conversation.
And call participants will see your “digital personality”, i.e. a 3D persona.
A digital character, called persona. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
To create your character, the headset scans your face, then creates a realistic model that has depth and moves with you to represent you in Facetime calls.
Vision Pro scans a user’s face. Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET
How much does it cost ?
The Vision Pro carries a hefty price tag of $3,499, effectively establishing a premium category over headsets from Meta, HTC, and other manufacturers that offer headsets in the sub-$1,000 price range. We can assume the price includes the headset itself, the battery pack, and the USB-C charging cable.
When will it be available?
Although it was unveiled at WWDC, the Vision Pro headset won’t ship until early next year. It is not yet possible to pre-order it on Apple.com. When it becomes available, Apple says you can head to the Apple Store to get a demo and even customize your model. The helmet will first be available in the United States in 2024 before being available in other countries later that same year.
Learn more about WWDC 2023
Source: “ZDNet.com”