This Apple AR/VR headset we’ve been writing about for months and Apple seems to be pushing its release for months. Months of tracking down the small pieces of information that allow, in the absence of official communication, to understand the meaning of Apple’s project in terms of virtual reality and augmented reality. So why such a mystery, and such delays in development? Here are the 4 reasons.
1. A helmet that divides internally
On the one hand because the headphones from Apple divide internally. Some employees today still remain skeptical about the launch of the AR / VR headset from the apple brand. A recent New York Times article mentions that Apple employees quit development teams “because they aren’t confident the product will appeal to customers.”
2. Features for professionals
Then, the headphones from Apple should be aimed primarily at professionals. Apple should present the product in June, during the traditional WWDC developer conference. It would be a “co-presence” device, allowing above all videoconferences and meetings in augmented reality. The product can also be used as a creative tool, in particular to edit images and videos in a 3D space.
3. A high price
The product will be very expensive. Admittedly, Apple could integrate personal television functionality into this headset, with dedicated content. But what characterizes this helmet is ultimately its price. It is not known, but it should be important, and based on a limited series of product, unlike the iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Some analysts say Apple expects to sell just 1 million units in the first year.
4. Not the ideal product, but rather a great prototype
The helmet will be the first iteration of a product category. This sneaky launch could be seen as the first step in a long product journey for Apple. For what ? Because with the current state of technology, it is not possible to create the ideal product. The ideal product? Lightweight and portable augmented reality glasses. But Apple executives decided it was better to enter the fray now rather than wait years for the perfect product to be achievable.
Unlike other headsets which feature hand-held controllers, the device – which is expected to be called Apple Reality Pro – is expected to allow users to manipulate their augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) environments using only their hands. and their eyes. The new headset’s external cameras will track the user’s hands, while the device’s sensors will track their eyes. The user will be able to control the device with his gaze or by pinching his thumb and index finger together.
Given the processing power required for the new device, Apple would have chosen to drain the battery of the headset itself. According to Bloomberg, it will be in an external box that will slip into the user’s pocket and connect by cable.