In June 2023, Apple took innovation to the next level when it gave a glimpse of its first-ever Mixed Reality Headset, Apple Vision Pro. The Apple Vision Pro AR-VR Headset is a spatial computer that has taken over 10 years to become a reality. It claims to seamlessly blend digital and physical worlds giving an immersive experience to the user.
The Mixed Reality Headset shows augmented reality content and virtual content in a way that one can block out one’s surroundings. When Apple first showed the headset off in 2023, the company claimed that it would start retailing the same in 2024. Seems like those plans are materializing as a report by Bloomberg claims that the Apple Vision Pro might start retailing in February 2024.
Apple Vision Pro: Launch Timeline
According to the latest report by Bloomberg, Apple is manufacturing Vision Pro at maximum capacity in China. This will allow Apple to get them ready by the end of January and start retailing them in February 2024. This timeline will become successful only if there are no last-minute obstacles in the production of the headset.
The device will first be launched in the US followed by other markets in the next few months.
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Apple Vision Pro: Price
The mixed reality headset has been priced at 3499 USD which means it will cost around Rs. 2,91,500 in Indian currency. The headset will be available via the official Apple website when it is ready.
Apple Vision Pro: Design & Features
In terms of design, the Apple Vision Pro slightly resembles a pair of ski glasses. It has one laminated piece of glass at the front that blends into an aluminum alloy frame. A soft, completely fit light seal magnetically attaches to the frame and blocks out any light coming in when anyone is using the headset. The headset shuts off the cameras so that one is isolated from the world and can focus on whatever they are watching on the screen. This shift is controlled by Digital Crown.
Spatial audio is offered by two audio straps with built-in speakers that are on either side of the headset. This means blending what you are hearing on the headset with real-world noises. The straps are connected to a 3D knitted headband for a better fit around the head. The company has made it soft, stretchy, comfortable, and breathable so that one can use it for long durations and a Fit Dial can be used to adjust the headset around your head.
Coming to display, there are 2 micro OLED panels inside the frame which offer 4K resolution for a total of 23 million pixels. The external display is called EyeSight which lets the people around you know the position of your eyes. This way they can tell if you are using the headset in immersive mode or otherwise. If you use specs, there are custom prescription Zeiss optical inserts that can be magnetically attached to the lenses of the headset.
The Apple Vision Pro does not come with any external controller. It can be controlled by eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands of the user. Any app can be navigated and highlighted by looking at it and tapping the fingers will help browse the app. For example to scroll downwards, one just has to flick his/her fingers.
The Apple Vision Pro is powered by two Apple silicone chipsets-M2 chip and R1 chip. The new R1 chipset is able to process the input from cameras and microphones while the M2 chip runs VisionOS, executes computer vision algorithms, and provides graphics.
There are more than 12 cameras and sensors that map out the world around the user, keeping track of his/her hand and eye movements. The optic ID scans the iris of your eye with infrared lights which is used for authentication. It can be used for unlocking the device, changing passwords, making purchases paying for them, etc.
The built-in camera allows the headset to take photos and videos (that too 3D) by tapping on the top button of the device. Not only can one take new photos and videos in 3D but also existing ones on your devices can be seen on a large scale.
As the content is not restricted to a screen, one can position apps and windows in mid-air and rearrange them as they like. Multiple windows are supported and the canvas to work on is infinite. The apps can be shown in the actual environment you are in or an immersive view can be used that shuts out the world to put content on a virtual background.
As for software, Apple has created VisionOS for the headset. It has a dedicated app store with apps specially designed for the Vision Pro headset. The iPhone and iPad apps can also run on the headset, along with the Mac’s ability to connect to it with the headset becoming a display for the Mac. The Vision Pro works seamlessly with Bluetooth accessories and virtual typing is also enabled.
The Home View includes all the favorite apps like Safari, Photos, Mail, Messages, Music, and more with data syncing via iCloud. The experience for entertainment is expected to be hardcore immersive as content will be expanded to feel like you are sitting in a theater with spatial audio. The Cinema Environment Mode allows you to watch your favorite shows and movies at the frame rate chosen by the creator or on a 100-foot wide screen using Environment mode. The Immersive videos are 180-degree 3D 8K recordings and OTT apps like Disney+, and Netflix are also available on the Vision Pro Headset. Apple Arcade offers 100+ iPad games that can be played on Vision Pro and Bluetooth controllers can also be connected to it.
The FaceTime app has also been redesigned for Apple Vision Pro with people on call being shown in large tiles to the wearer. The wearer is shown as his/her digital profile to the other party. Using FaceTime, one can collab on documents or share experiences with others. Spatial audio ensures that it is clear who is speaking at the moment.
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