Apple made a significant step forward on Monday by officially introducing the Apple Vision Pro, signaling a new chapter for the company based in Cupertino. This milestone represents the tech giant's inaugural venture into mixed reality glasses. Despite the wide array of announcements at the WWDC 2023 developer conference, the primary highlight was undoubtedly the Apple Vision Pro headset, representing Apple's cutting-edge mixed reality technology. This advanced device, often referred to as a "spatial computer," boasts an impressive range of innovative features that significantly enhance the mixed reality experience. We will now delve into some of the standout features of the Apple Vision Pro. So relax and get ready to explore the exciting possibilities that await us in the future.
Design Specs:
Design Specifications |
Description |
Lens |
A singular piece of three-dimensional polished laminated glass that acts as the primary lens. |
Cameras and Sensors |
An extensive array of cameras and sensors providing an unprecedented view of the world. |
Frame |
A seamless and lightweight frame featuring a button for capturing photos. |
Control Interface |
The device includes a digital crown that functions as a home button and allows for adjustments. |
Material |
The frame is made of a custom aluminum alloy that gently curves to wrap around the face. |
Comfort |
Soft textiles are used for enhanced comfort and wearability during extended usage. |
Straps |
The flexible straps conform to the user's head, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. |
Adjustments |
Micro adjustments can be made to personalize the fit and improve user comfort. |
Battery |
When plugged in, the device can be used throughout the day. It can also provide up to 2 hours of usage on its battery. |
Battery Connection |
The battery can be connected to the device using a cable. |
Audio System |
The Vision Pro utilizes a Spatial Audio system, enhancing the immersive audio experience. |
Chip |
The device is powered by Apple Silicon, featuring a dual-chip design for optimal performance. |
Top 5 Features of New Apple Vision Pro:
1.Innovative VisionOS:
Apple recently unveiled visionOS, the operating system specifically developed to power their upcoming Vision Pro headset. According to Apple, visionOS has been meticulously designed to cater to spatial computing, starting from scratch.
The announcement of visionOS took place during the Worldwide Developers Conference 2023, where Apple made several significant reveals. This operating system places its primary emphasis on overlaying digital components onto the physical environment. In a demonstration video, Apple showcased how icons and windows can appear to float over real-world spaces, showcasing the innovative capabilities of visionOS.
2.Dimensional Responsive Design
Despite the prevalence of mixed-reality headsets, many of them struggle to effectively overlay digital elements onto the real world. However, Apple's Vision Pro headset stands out from the rest by seamlessly integrating a 3D layered user interface. This overlay effortlessly blends with the natural environment using advanced technology. The standout feature of this three-dimensional interface is its dynamic nature, allowing it to react to natural light and create virtual shadows on surfaces.
This impressive capability is made possible by a sophisticated LiDAR sensor and front cameras that perform 3D mapping of the user's surroundings. The intricate layering of the 3D interface provides an immersive experience that blurs the line between the real world and the augmented one. Furthermore, this responsive design can be easily adapted for various applications such as work, entertainment, and gaming, making it highly versatile.
The immersive experience delivered by the Apple Vision Pro is unparalleled in the mixed-reality market. If the hands-on experience matches the impressive demonstrations, the exceptional 3D design will undoubtedly be one of the standout features of the Apple Vision Pro headset.
3.Environments Support
Even though the Apple Vision Pro functions as a mixed-reality headset, it possesses the inherent ability to transform your physical surroundings into a virtual realm. While the headset overlays a user interface onto the real world, it offers the option to replace it with visually stunning landscapes.
One notable feature of the Vision Pro is referred to as "Environments." By twisting a dedicated digital crown, users can access these immersive and aesthetically pleasing landscapes that encompass the wearer's field of view.
The level of immersion provided by these environments can be adjusted using the crown, allowing users to customize their experience from minimal virtual elements to a fully virtual world. The advantage is that the foreground activities continue uninterrupted, regardless of the user's actions. Whether you're watching a movie on an airplane or engaged in a meeting, a simple twist of the crown enables you to make the real world behind you fade away.
4.Ultra-HD SuperVision
The Mixed and Virtual Reality Headsets headset is equipped with two micro-OLED panels, which together have a remarkable 23 million pixels, displaying an exceptional level of pixel density. Additionally, these displays offer support for a broad range of colors and high dynamic range. Although the specific resolution and brightness details were not disclosed, the company asserts that each display surpasses the resolution of a 4K TV. This enhancement is highly appreciated since a satisfactory visual experience is crucial for realizing the promised potential of the MR headset.
5.Unique 'Eyesight' Feature
While getting fully immersed in the environments of the Vision Pro is effortless, Apple has taken care to prioritize the attention given to people outside of the headset. A notable feature called "Eyesight" has been incorporated into the MR headset, which allows the user's eyes to be visible to those around them. This functionality is enabled by an external display that illuminates, creating the illusion that the Vision Pro has become transparent.
Apple Eyesight is designed to activate intelligently when it detects someone nearby who is not wearing the headset. It even provides visual cues to non-wearers, informing them about the activities of the person using the headset. Simultaneously, the Vision Pro user can see the outside person with complete clarity, with their image seamlessly integrated into the user's existing environment and user interface.
Apple has explicitly expressed its intention to ensure that people around the Vision Pro wearer can maintain a connection with them, even when they have the headset on. This forward-thinking approach makes Apple Eyesight one of the standout features of the Vision Pro.
Price & Release Date
Apple has announced that the starting price for the Vision Pro headset will be $3,499 (equivalent to approximately £2,800 / AU$5,300). This implies that there may be more expensive options available, but currently, the specific features and benefits of these higher-priced models remain unknown.
Regarding the release date of the Vision Pro, Apple has provided a vague indication of "early next year." This timeframe is later than anticipated, as previous leaks had suggested a launch within the next few months, possibly alongside the iPhone 15. However, as we approach 2024, it is likely that Apple will provide an update on the exact availability of the Vision Pro headset.
Interestingly, Apple's website only mentions a release in the United States. It is yet to be confirmed whether the Vision Pro will be launched in other regions outside of the US and when that might occur.