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 Apple's new mixed reality headset called Vision. The key points are:
1. The Vision headset is a combination of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
2. The hardware and experience of the Vision headset exceeded expectations.
3. The headset utilizes advanced technology, including eye tracking and a real-time execution engine.
4. The Vision Pro has the potential to replace traditional devices like the Mac and iPad.
5. The societal impacts of the Vision headset are complex, with concerns about isolation and loneliness.
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'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.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has outlined the company's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and clean energy goals, with investments in solar energy projects and a focus on making environmental choices that also make economic sense.
Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledges the existence of anti-Semitism on Twitter but believes in the importance of the platform for discourse, while also asserting that the Vision Pro and Apple's environmental initiatives are on track.
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.
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.
Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the company's use of artificial intelligence and its cautious approach to generative AI, emphasizing the importance of privacy and the company's commitment to being the best in gaming during a visit to London.
Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that spatial computing is the future and has described his experience with the upcoming Vision Pro headset as an industry-defining "aha" moment.
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 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.
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.
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 CEO Tim Cook has defended the company's practice of releasing a new iPhone every year, emphasizing the value of constant reinvention, and hinted at what future iPhones might look like, including the goal of carbon neutrality within 20 to 30 years. Additionally, Cook addressed allegations of "greenwashing" and highlighted Apple's commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
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 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.
