After years of rumors, Apple has finally announced their Apple Vision Pro, the company first VR/AR headset, however, Apple is calling it the first ever “spatial computer” that is running on an entirely new operating system called, “VisionOS”.
Display
Apple Vision Pro is equipped with a display boasting 23 million pixels for each eye across two micro OLED screens that are the size of a postage stamp. Furthermore, Apple says that the headset’s display also has catadioptric lenses too enable “incredible sharpness and clarity” for jaw -dropping experiences” with wide color and high dynamic range.
As for users who need vision correction, the Apple Vision Pro offers Zeiss Optical Inserts to ensure visual fidelity and eye tracking accuracy.
Performance
The Apple Vision Pro is powered by a dual-core version of Apple’s M2 chipset, which is aided by a new R1 chip that processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six mics to ensure that content appears properly before the user’s eyes.
Moreover, the R1 chip can stream new images to the displays within 12ms, which is apparently faster than the blink of an eye.
Battery
The headset is equipped with two hours of battery backup from an external source, which is a “high-performance” custom portable battery pack. However, the user will have the option to use the headset all day when plugged in.
Headset Controls
You will be able to unlock the Apple Vision Pro using your eyes or more specifically your retina via a system called the Optic ID, which is a secure authentication system for analyzing your iris.
Furthermore, the VisionOS is also controlled using your eyes, hands, and voice with no physical controllers. You will be able to browse through apps by simply looking at them or tapping your fingers to selects, flicking your wrist to scroll or use your voice to dictate.
Apple’s EyeSight
Apple has also introduced the Apple EyeSight, which makes the device feel transparent when someone approaches you with the headset on. Furthermore, the feature allows them to see an image of your eyes, while you can see them too.
However, when you’re immersed in an environment or using an app, the EyeSight gives visual cues to others that you’re busy.
New App Store for VisionOS
There is a new App Store for VisionOS, where you will be able to download from hundreds of thousands of iPhone and iPad apps that will automatically work with the new input system for the Vision Pro.
FaceTime
Furthermore, the headset allows you to make FaceTime calls with everyone on the call shown in live-size tiles and there’s Spatial Audio, which allows you to hear sound like they’re speaking from where they’re positioned.
Digital Avatar / Persona
During a call, all users will have a digital representation of themselves called ‘Persona’, which is created using Apple’s advanced machine learning techniques, reflecting face and hand movements in real time.
Work
Moreover, there is support for Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad too, which allows a user to set up a workspace bringing the capabilities of a Mac to the Apple Vision Pro wirelessly, “creating an enormous, private, and portable 4K display with incredibly crisp text.”
Entertainment
You will have the ability to use your Apple Vision Pro as a personal movie theater with a screen that feels like 100 feet wide with support for Spatial Audio system. You will also be able to play over 100 Apple Arcade games on a screen as large as you want with immersive audio and support for popular game controllers.
Digital Crown
The headset also has the famous digital crown, which allows you to control how present or immersed you are.
Camera and Photos
Apple Vision Pro also has Apple’s first 3D camera that lets you capture, relive, and immerse yourself in your favorite memories with Spatial Audio. Furthermore, you can access your entire photo library in iCloud and view photos and videos at a life-size scale.
Another feature that pops out are panorama shots on iPhone, which wrap around you, creating the sensation that you’re standing right where it was taken.
Design
The headset is made using a custom aluminum frame that curves around the user’s face with a modular system that allows for it to be tailored for a proper fit. The Light Seal is made using a soft textile in a range of shapes and sizes, which flex to the user’s face for a precise fit with flexible straps to ensure audio remain close to the ears.
Moreover, the head band is secured with a simple mechanism allowing for easy swaps to another size or another style. The one that comes with the headset is 3D knitted as a single piece to provide cushioning, breathability and stretch.
Availability
The Apple Vision Pro will be available in the United States early next year for $3,499 and will expand to other countries soon after.
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