Have you ever heard of Virtual Reality (VR)? It's an incredible technology that allows you to experience a simulated reality, replacing the real world. You can explore virtual worlds using personalized avatars and immerse yourself in them. Additionally, Augmented Reality (AR) combines the real world with virtual elements, creating a unique and blended experience.
It can be frustrating to know that accessing VR/AR requires specialized hardware such as glasses. But it's no surprise that this technology has captured the attention of many innovators. Although companies like Oculus Quest have introduced high-end technology to the market, it's understandable that many fans are eagerly waiting for Apple's entry into the industry to revolutionize the experience.
In June 2023, Apple unveiled a new product called the Apple Vision Pro at the developer conference WWDC, an augmented reality headset. The new device, which is shaped like a pair of ski goggles, seamlessly blends the real and digital worlds and can be controlled using your eyes, hands, or voice. The starting price is set at $3,499, and it will be launched early next year.
THE DREAM
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid—and it finally happened!! I am SO unbelievably proud to have contributed to this. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. ☁️🌈✨ #AppleVision #visionOS” Meritt Thomas @merittthomas
The Unbelievable Features
Indulge yourself in a whole new level of virtual reality with the new Apple Vision Pro. It sounds like the Vision Pro is an incredible device that seamlessly blends the digital world with our everyday lives. Its advanced technology allows for a virtually limitless range of apps, all of which can be accessed through the most natural and intuitive inputs possible - our hands, voice, and eyes.
It's exciting to think about all the possibilities that come with such an innovative piece of technology, and I can only imagine how connected and engaged users must feel when using it.
VisionOS “Creating our first spatial computer required invention across nearly every facet of the system” Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Technology Development Group.
According to the Verge, Everything we know about Apple’s Vision Pro headset, the latest headset is equipped with visionOS, the operating apple operating system, and powered by two Apple Silicon chips, M2 Ultra and R1. It can run for two hours with a tethered battery pack or indefinitely when plugged in. Additionally, Apple's new Optic ID uses iris details for biometric security authentication to unlock the Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
Unleashing Your Imagination
The Apple Vision Pro is an amazing device that allows you to talk to your friends remotely and use spatial audio to FaceTime on “video tiles” around the room. This new feature involves a facial scan that creates a 3D avatar of the user, which can then be displayed during video calls.
There are many ways to use your Apple Vision Pro beyond just video calls. You can immerse yourself in your favorite premium content from Disney, become a hero in your own adventure, or simply focus on getting some work done. The possibilities are endless!
Apps Redefined: It Takes Entertainment to Another Level
With Apple Vision Pro, you have access to an amazing interface that lets you use all your favorite apps side by side, in any size you want. It's like having an infinite amount of screen space!
Plus, you can use the Magic Keyboard and Trackpad wirelessly to create the perfect workspace, no matter where you are. And, with the 3D canvas for apps, you can take your work and home projects to a whole new level!
Apple's visionOS SDK enables developers to create groundbreaking apps. They can also request developer kits to accelerate development and test on Apple Vision Pro. According to the press release, the development frameworks are powered by already known technologies such as Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight.
Real-World Applications
Apple's device blurs reality and virtual reality, providing a new and captivating experience. Nevertheless, is not only about entertainment. Apple Vision Pro is aming to take learning experiences to a different level, by providing immersive and interactive simulations. Apple expect developers who have been creating 3D apps and games using Unity's authoring tools to jump into the new ecosystem and help build robust apps.
Stephen Prideaux-Ghee, who is the chief technology officer of AR/VR at PTC, said AR solutions will empower manufacturers to work together on important business matters by incorporating interactive 3D content into real-life settings. With this technology, companies can bring to life a single product or even an entire production line.
The Future of Manufacturing “With Apple Vision Pro, stakeholders across departments and in different locations can review content simultaneously to make design and operation decisions. This capability will unlock a level of collaboration previously not possible.” Stephen Prideaux-Ghee, PTC’s chief technology officer of AR/VR
The Future is still uncertain
Some critics predict already the failure of Apple Vision Pro, the target price segment $3,499 mixed-reality headset is not for everydays user. Of course, maybe some High-Tech-Geeks are lining up to get their hands on it and wear it. However, there is evidence that wearing such a device over prolong periods of time is cumbersome and interrupting user’s social interaction.
Some Apple’s employes are very skeptical on the new device too. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, they didn't release any pictures of Tim Cook or other top executives wearing the device.
It's almost like they're keeping it under wraps for some reason. Who knows, maybe they just don't want to risk looking goofy themselves!
Why Tim Cook didn't were it? “For sure a calculated move. There is no reason other than meme control for Tim Cook to be standing next to the biggest product of his tenure rather than wearing. In fact, it just looks strange to not be wearing it” @markgurman (Mark Gurman)
Apple’s Vision Pro entry into the VR/AR market promises exciting possibilities for innovation, with its past success for pushing technological boundaries. Its impact on the industry could be significant, driving attention from consumers to the AR/VR and fueling further development. Apple Vision aims to lead the way in the evolution of technology, let’s wait to next year to get the new Apple’s headset and see how the story goes.