The main topic is Samsung's decision to abandon its XR headset prototype after the unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro.
Key points:
1. Samsung and Google were collaborating on an XR device, but Samsung decided to start over after seeing the Vision Pro.
2. Leaked photos and specs of the Samsung XR headset prototype revealed similarities to the Vision Pro, but it relied on an Exynos 2200 chipset with documented issues.
3. Samsung may need to go beyond mobile chipsets to compete with the Vision Pro and other high-performance XR headsets.
Apple's ARKit developer framework, which was built with the intention of allowing developers to build AR experiences, may have been developed in conjunction with the company's Vision Pro headset, suggesting that Vision Pro was a consideration in the development of ARKit.
Apple's new Vision Pro headset will run "hundreds of thousands" of iPadOS and iOS apps, with developers having the option to modify their apps for compatibility, but some apps that rely on specific features or peripherals will not be compatible.
Apple has filed a patent for a set of smart glasses that would serve as a heads-up display and incorporate features similar to the Apple Watch, suggesting that the company may be working on a more standard version of smart glasses alongside its recently unveiled Vision Pro headset.
Apple is set to announce new iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, during its upcoming keynote, with rumors suggesting the use of titanium frames for the "Pro" models and the adoption of a USB-C port to comply with EU regulations. Additionally, there may be a new Apple Watch and a mention of the Vision Pro VR headset. Livestreams of the event will be available on YouTube, Apple TV, and the Apple Events section of the website.
Apple's recent product launch event focused on the new iPhone and other devices, leaving little information about the upcoming Vision Pro headsets, which are promised to be a leap forward in technology but won't be available until early next year.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook uses the upcoming Apple Vision Pro augmented-reality headset and claims to have watched a full season of "Ted Lasso" on it, while acknowledging that the product is more complex than the iPhone and requires innovation in both development and manufacturing; Cook also discussed Apple's considerations regarding advertising on Twitter and its environmental-sustainability initiatives.
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Apple has introduced new software updates for the AirPods Pro 2, including Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness modes, as well as improved switching speed and Vision Pro connectivity for their upcoming spatial computing headset.
Apple has reportedly canceled plans to produce a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, potentially affecting shipment growth in 2025, but a second-generation version is expected to go into production by the first half of 2027.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the shipments of Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset in its first year will fall below market expectations, and he also questions the possibility of a low-cost version being released the following year.
Meta has unveiled its new Meta Quest 3 headset, featuring improved performance, mixed-reality capabilities, and a sleek design, in an effort to dominate the augmented reality market and compete with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has incorporated the use of the Vision Pro headset into his nightly routine, finding it to be a potentially game-changing product, as he also expresses Apple's seriousness about its role in gaming.
Apple is reportedly delaying the launch of the next MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models due to slower sales, the completion of the Mac's transition to Apple Silicon, and the company's focus on other products like the iPhone and the Apple Vision Pro headset.
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The upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset will support screen mirroring via AirPlay or FaceTime, allowing users to share their display with others or mirror it to an external monitor or TV, while also introducing features like the ability to reset EyeSight data and share Personas during FaceTime calls.
The Apple Vision Pro headset uses built-in cameras to create a personalized "Persona" for users in video chat apps, but the technology is unable to account for glasses, and instead offers users a selection of eyewear options.
Meta is planning to release a follow-up to the Quest 3 and aims to compete with Apple's Vision Pro by introducing a VR headset without controllers next year, focusing more on practical uses like gaming and productivity rather than the metaverse.
Apple is reportedly considering making its future virtual reality headset smaller and lighter, with the ability to customize each unit for people with impaired vision.
Apple is working on making its next generation Vision Pro headset lighter, as weight and prescription lenses are concerns for the company, according to Mark Gurman's newsletter. The current headset weighs about a pound and Apple wants to reduce the weight and make it slightly smaller, while also considering the option of shipping headsets with pre-installed custom lenses. The Apple Glasses project, which was reportedly put on hold, is expected to be resumed at some point.
The Meta Quest 3 and Apple's Vision Pro are mixed reality headsets with significantly different price points and target audiences, but while Meta dominates the market in terms of market share, Apple's entry into the space has garnered considerable attention and increased competition.
Meta is gearing up to compete against Apple in the mixed-reality headset market, with employees reportedly feeling the pressure as they enter the "afraid of Apple" stage, while Apple positions its Vision Pro as a productivity and entertainment device with gaming as an added bonus.
Apple's second-generation Vision Pro headset is focusing on reducing size and weight, as well as improving user experience for those who need prescription lenses, with considerations for simpler purchases and direct lens installation, but the product is not expected until 2025 to 2027.
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Apple has been granted a patent for a head-mounted display that includes a rear counterweight to reduce neck strain, despite initial concerns about the weight of its Vision Pro headset.
Apple is already working on a next-generation version of its Vision Pro headset to address early complaints about the first-generation model, including reducing its weight and considering built-in prescription lenses.
The fourth generation of Apple's Beats Studio Pro headphones, which have significant improvements on the inside, are currently priced at $180 on Amazon, making them a highly recommended option for both Apple and Android users.
Apple is hosting a training event in early 2024 for select retail store employees to learn about the Vision Pro headset before its launch, with the attendees expected to provide training and support to their colleagues upon returning to their home stores.
Apple is reportedly considering using its upcoming Vision Pro augmented reality headset to diagnose and treat mental illness, utilizing its array of sensors and cameras to measure users' emotions and stress levels, and potentially displaying images and sounds to alleviate those conditions.
