Apple has announced its new mixed reality headset, called Apple Vision, which is set to be released in early 2024 with a price tag of $3,499. The author had the opportunity to try out the headset and found the experience to be extraordinary, exceeding their expectations. The Vision headset combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, providing a high-resolution and immersive experience. The device utilizes Apple's R1 processor and real-time execution engine to deliver fast and seamless visuals. The author believes that the Vision headset has the potential to replace traditional computing devices like the Mac and iPad, particularly for productivity and consumption purposes. However, the author also raises concerns about the solitary nature of the device and its potential impact on social connectedness.
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.
The second-generation AirPods Pro will support lossless audio and have improved dust resistance, and will be compatible with Apple's new Vision Pro headset launching in 2024.
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed in an interview that the company's Vision Pro headset remains on schedule for release in early 2024 and that he has been using it regularly, including for watching TV shows.
Apple is unlikely to have any major product releases or events for the remainder of 2023, with no new MacBooks, iPads, or accessories expected, although there is a possibility of a new iMac with an M3 chip being announced.
Microsoft has canceled the Surface Headphones and ended development of experimental devices in order to prioritize investment in artificial intelligence, leading to budget cuts and layoffs across the company.
The updated second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case support lossless audio with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset due to the H2 chip's 5GHz support, enabling ultra-low latency and less interference compared to the original AirPods Pro with a Lightning case limited to the 2.4GHz band.
Apple is releasing a revised 2nd Generation model of the AirPods Pro with a USB-C port and improved dust resistance, available for preorder for $200 at Amazon or Best Buy.
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.
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.
Apple announced its own mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, during the World Wide Developer Conference, featuring sleek aesthetics, a custom operating system, spatial software, and a high price tag of $3,499.
### Summary
Apple's lineup of headphones has grown substantially, and the AirPods Pro are considered the ultimate option due to their high-quality features, including active noise cancellation and spatial audio. Refurbished models of the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are available with attractive deals.
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.
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.
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.
Apple is considering releasing a cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, which may have fewer external cameras, no EyeSight feature, and an iPhone chip instead of the current Mac chip, with the aim of reducing the cost to between $1,500 and $2,500.
Apple's upcoming low-cost variant of the Vision Pro headset is expected to omit features like EyeSight and an M-series chip, while also reducing the number of cameras and sensors, in order to lower the price to around $1,500 to $2,500.
Apple's upcoming more affordable version of the Vision Pro AR/VR headset will omit the EyeSight functionality to bring down cost, aiming for a price tag of $1,500-2,500, while other upcoming Apple products such as MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and iPads with new features are in development.
Apple's lower-cost model of the Vision Pro headset could be priced between $1,500 to $2,500, still more expensive than its rivals, but Apple plans to use lower-resolution displays and an iPhone processor to bring down the cost, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset is expected to be an advanced and high-tech device, but its hefty price tag of $3,500 could limit its reach and repeat the same mistake as the expensive original HomePod, leaving customers with the choice of a costly device or no product at all.
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 set to overhaul its AirPods lineup, with updates to the standard AirPods and AirPods Max in 2024 and updates to the AirPods Pro in 2025, including design improvements, better audio quality, and the addition of features such as Active Noise Cancellation and hearing health functionality.
Apple is planning to release revamped AirPods and AirPods Max in 2024 with changes to their design, charging case, and audio quality, while the Pro model will see changes in 2025, including a design and chip change.
Apple is planning to launch two sets of fourth-generation AirPods in 2024 with a new design that combines elements from the third-generation AirPods and the Pro model, but they are unlikely to include replaceable silicone ear tips, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The report also mentions a slight refresh of the AirPods Max in 2022 and a redesign of the AirPods Pro in 2025.
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.
