Apple Unveils “Vision Pro” Headset for Spatial Computing
With the release of its first headset for “spatial computing,” Apple will join the relatively small mixed reality headset market in early 2024. The “Vision Pro” headset will display apps and content in a three-dimensional environment using hand and eye tracking as well as voice commands. It features a rotary wheel for switching between virtual reality and augmented reality. The headset is reminiscent of large ski goggles made of aluminum and projects the wearer’s eyes outwards on another display as soon as another person enters their vicinity.
Use Cases for Vision Pro
Apple sees the Vision Pro headset as a potential tool for video conference calls, working in a virtual environment, and enjoying multimedia content. With a large workspace, familiar iOS apps can be brought into the virtual space, allowing users to create larger mixed reality workspaces. The headset also comes with a virtual keyboard and dictation functionality.
The device can take 3D recordings that can be experienced later in virtual reality. It also features a Face ID function, and the wearer can scan their face as a 3D model before starting a video call. Apple also emphasized the ability to use Vision Pro for entertainment elements, such as watching a feature film embedded in a virtual 3D environment.
Technical Specs of Vision Pro
The battery of the Vision Pro is external and connects via a longer cable. Apple plans to keep the weight of the glasses as low as possible, but the company hasn’t revealed the device’s actual weight. The headset features two displays with a total of 23 million pixels. It runs on Apple’s new “visionOS” operating system, which utilizes well-known components from iOS frameworks. The headset is equipped with touch and face ID, as well as “Optic ID” for authenticating the wearer via iris scan.
Vision Pro is set to hit the US market in early 2024 with a starting price of $3,500. The wearable will come with insert lenses in various strengths for users with poor eyesight. Wearing normal glasses under the headset is not recommended.
