So, Apple is marketing this as a new form of (spacial) computing rather than a standard VR/AR headset. Honestly, their approach to this is likely the correct one. Focusing on streamlining the technology, utilizing only hands, eyes, and voice recognition is not something any current competitor actually does, and actually makes the entire experience feel a lot more natural. This is by far the closest we've gotten to any sort of brain to computer interface for mass adoption, assuming the gestures will be seamless with the interface. Damn thing doesn't seem to need headphones or earbuds either for that matter. 4K resolution is also an incredible step.
This was made with eventually replacing everyday computer interfaces in mind, and I can only imagine how things will be when generative AI is added into the mix. Imagine the AI Avatar APIs we've been seeing actually represented within a mixed reality setting, or having your art, music, and eventually videos generated on a seamless platform. Looking at the capabilities, it reminds me a lot of what people were expecting from Magic Leap, only Apple actually delivered. Once it's streamlined further, this is likely what we can expect our future to look like:
I think the Apple headset looks really nice and during the promo video I definitely thought "I want it!" Only rich people will be able to afford this first version of it, but it makes me excited for the future of AR/VR.
Apple is reportedly working on 2 new AR headsets
One of them should be significantly cheaper than the Vision Pro.
Just last week, Apple revealed its first-ever augmented reality headset, the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro. But the company is already hard at work on multiple follow-ups.
This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who shared his thoughts on Vision Pro in the latest instalment of his Power On(opens in a new tab) newsletter. Gurman says that Apple plans to launch a cheaper variant of the headset, and speculates on several ways in which the company could bring down its significant price tag. This includes using lower-quality displays, a less powerful chip than the Vision Pro's M2 (perhaps an iPhone-grade chip, or an older Mac chip), fewer cameras, and a simplified headband design. Apple wouldn't compromise on the Vision Pro's external, "EyeSight" display, or the eye- and hand-tracking systems, he argues.
Apple Vision Pro Will Not Be Immediately Available To Customers After Release, Headset May Only Be Purchased Through An Appointment System
Apple Vision Pro Will Not Be Immediately Available To Customers After Release, Headset May Only Be Purchased Through An Appointment SystemApple Vision Pro Will Not Be Immediately Available To Customers After Release, Headset May Only Be Purchased Through An Appointment System
Requiring an appointment prior to making a purchase is a practice that is not unfamiliar to Apple, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says in his Power On newsletter that the last time the company introduced such a marketing tactic was with the first Apple Watch, which launched back in 2015. With the company building specific areas in its physical outlets for potential buyers to try out the Apple Vision Pro, these spaces will also serve as a hub to take the correct band size, along with other measurements, as stated below.