Apple the iPhone maker is now entering a field that its rival has failed to attract an audience. It last released the watch in 2015. Now, it has released the most anticipated Vision Pro AR/VR Headset. Which means the Ultimate AR/VR Experience comes to life. It has cameras and sensors and is similar to ski goggles. The headset shares the features of VR combined with real-world elements as well. The cost is $3,499 and it would be available in the first quarter of 2024.
Google, Microsoft, and Facebook’s Headset
In 2016, Microsoft released the Hololens headset, but it failed to gain popularity. In 2014, Facebook released two generations of its Meta Quest for gamers. Google released Google Glass, a sleek headset with a camera on board, but it did not gain attraction.
Headset available in 2024
The Vision Pro AR/VR Headset will be available in 2024. CEO Tim Cook announced it at the Worldwide Developers Conference held at Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California. He said, “This is a day that’s been years in the making. I believe that augmented reality is a profound technology.”
Earlier this year, he said in an interview with GQ that this could increase collaboration with different platforms. Apple has also partnered with Disney, in which the streaming service would be available on the device.
Vision Pro AR/VR Headset Features
The headset is called a “spatial computer,” as it has two screens inside with a total of 23 million pixels. A wire is connected to the goggles to a battery pack that fits in the pocket. The battery time is two hours. The dial is similar to the digital crown on Apple Watches. It lets the wearer adjust the levels. M2 chip powers the device. The new processor called R1 is used to make the experience more realistic.
The device is controlled using eye contact. Hand gestures are to be used to select or scroll, and have a virtual keyboard and dictation for typing. When the user puts on the headset, they can see app icons in front of them. They can switch between being fully immersed and seeing other people in a natural environment—while letting people see their eyes through the goggles lens.
The screen size can be customized according to the requirements. For example, a FaceTime video chat can be done with people in both VR or a combination of both VR and reality. The 3D camera will allow users to capture 3D images and videos. Apple has introduced Optic ID verification using the user’s iris. However, this would be confidential and will not be shared with apps and websites.