What to expect from Apple Vision Pro Mixed Reality Headset retailing in February 2024،
In June 2023, Apple took innovation to the next level by previewing its first-ever mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro. The Apple Vision Pro AR-VR headset is a spatial computer that took more than 10 years to become a reality. It claims to seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds, providing an immersive experience to the user.
The mixed reality headset displays augmented reality content and virtual content in a way that blocks the environment. When Apple first introduced the headset in 2023, the company claimed that it would begin retailing it in 2024. It appears those plans are coming to fruition as a report from Bloomberg claims that the Apple Vision Pro could begin marketing in February 2024.
Apple Vision Pro: launch timeline
According to the latest report from Bloomberg, Apple is manufacturing VisionPro at maximum capacity in China. This will allow Apple to have them ready by the end of January and start selling them in February 2024. This schedule will only be successful if there are no last minute obstacles in the production of the headset.
The device will be launched first in the United States and then in other markets in the coming months.
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Apple Vision Pro: Price
The mixed reality headset has been priced at $3,499, which means it will cost around Rs. 9,999.2,91,500 in Indian currency. The headset will be available via Apple's official website when ready.
Apple Vision Pro: design and features
In terms of design, the Apple Vision Pro slightly resembles a pair of ski goggles. It features a piece of laminated glass on the front that blends into an aluminum alloy frame. A soft, snug-fitting light seal magnetically attaches to the frame and blocks any incoming light when someone is using the headset. The headset turns off the cameras so that one is isolated from the world and can concentrate on what they are watching on the screen. This change is controlled by Digital Crown.
Spatial audio is offered by two audio straps with integrated speakers located on either side of the helmet. This means mixing what you hear in 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 the display, there are 2 micro OLED panels inside the frame that offer 4K resolution for a total of 23 million pixels. The external display is called EyeSight and lets people around you know your eye position. This way they will be able to know if you are using the headset in immersive mode or not. If you're running specs, there are custom prescription Zeiss optical inserts that can be magnetically attached to helmet lenses.
THE Apple Vision Pro does not come with any external controller. It can be controlled by the user's eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. Any app can be navigated and highlighted by looking at it and tapping fingers to help navigate the app. For example, to scroll down, just flick your fingers.
The Apple Vision Pro is powered by two Apple silicon chipsets: the M2 chip and the R1 chip. The new R1 chipset is capable of processing inputs 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 the world around the user, tracking their hand and eye movements. Optical ID scans the iris of your eye with infrared lights which are used for authentication. It can be used to unlock the device, change passwords, make purchases, pay for them, etc.
The integrated camera allows the headset to take photos and videos (also in 3D) by pressing the top button of the device. Not only can you take new photos and videos in 3D, but existing ones on your devices can also be viewed on a large scale.
Since the content is not limited to a screen, you can position applications and windows in the air and rearrange them as you wish. Multiple windows are supported and the canvas to work on is endless. Apps can be displayed in the real environment you are in or an immersive view can be used to cut out the world and place content on a virtual background.
On the software side, Apple created VisionOS for the headset. It has a dedicated app store with apps designed specifically for the Vision Pro headset. iPhone and iPad apps can also run on the headset, as well as the ability for the Mac to connect to it, effectively making the headset a display for the Mac. The Vision Pro works seamlessly with Bluetooth accessories and virtual typing is also enabled.
Home view includes all favorite apps like Safari, Photos, Mail, Messages, Music and more with data syncing via iCloud. The entertainment experience is expected to be immersive, as the content will be expanded to make it feel like you are sitting in a theater with spatial sound. 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. Immersive videos are 180-degree 8K 3D recordings and OTT apps like Disney+ and Netflix are also available on the Vision Pro headset. Apple Arcade offers over 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 displayed as large thumbnails for the user. The bearer is presented as his or her digital profile to the other party. Through FaceTime, one can collaborate on documents or share experiences with others. Spatial audio ensures that it is clear who is speaking at that moment.
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