Apple has finally unveiled its long-awaited mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. The device, which is expected to launch in early 2024, is Apple’s first product in a new category of spatial computing, which blends digital content with the physical world.
What is spatial computing?
Spatial computing is a term that describes the ability to interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in the user’s space. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses the user in a completely artificial environment, or augmented reality (AR), which overlays digital content on top of the real world, spatial computing creates a seamless blend of both.
With spatial computing, users can manipulate digital objects with their eyes, hands, and voice, as if they were real. They can also move around and explore their surroundings without losing sight of the digital content. Spatial computing enables users to create, work, play, and communicate in new and immersive ways.
What are the features of Apple Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro is a standalone device that does not require a connection to a computer or a smartphone. It has a sleek and elegant design that features a single piece of laminated glass that acts as an optical surface for the cameras and sensors that view the world. It also has a custom aluminum alloy frame that wraps around the user’s face and attaches to a light seal that blocks out external light.
The device has a dual-chip design that consists of an Apple R1 chip and an Apple M2X chip. It also has a high-resolution display system that packs 23 million pixels across two displays, which is more than a 4K TV for each eye. The display system has a refresh rate of 120Hz and a field of view of 110 degrees. The device also has spatial audio technology that creates realistic sound effects that match the user’s head movements.
It also has a 3D camera system that can capture spatial photos and videos in 3D, as well as track the user’s eye movements and hand gestures. The device also has a microphone array that can pick up the user’s voice commands and filter out background noise.
Vision Pro runs on visionOS, which is Apple’s first spatial operating system. visionOS is built on the foundation of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, and supports various apps and games from the App Store. Users can control the device with their eyes, hands, and voice, using intuitive gestures and commands.
What are the use cases of Apple Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro offers a wide range of use cases for different scenarios and purposes. Some of the examples are:
- Apps: Users can access their favorite apps in their space, such as Safari, Notes, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, Music, Maps, and more. They can arrange apps anywhere and scale them to any size, creating an infinite canvas for multitasking and productivity. They can also use Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad to type and navigate on their apps.
- Entertainment: Users can enjoy movies, shows, and games on their device, transforming any room into their own personal theater. They can expand their content up to any size they want, while feeling immersed in the action with spatial audio. They can also access content from various streaming services such as Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, and more.
- Photos and Videos: Users can relive their memories in a new way with their device. They can capture spatial photos and videos in 3D with their device’s camera system, then view them in stunning detail with spatial audio. They can also view their existing photos and videos at remarkable scale, as well as panoramas that wrap around them.
- Connection: Users can connect with others in a more meaningful way with their device. They can use FaceTime to have life-size video calls with their friends and family, while seeing their expressions clearly with the device’s front display. They can also collaborate with their colleagues on documents and projects using apps such as Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iWork for iCloud, Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, and more.
How much does Apple Vision Pro cost?
Apple Vision Pro will be available in early 2024 in the U.S., followed by other countries later that year. The device will cost $3499 USD for the base model. Users may perhaps also opt for higher storage options for an additional cost.
How to get Apple Vision Pro?
Users who are interested in getting Apple Vision Pro can sign up for updates on Apple’s website. They can also visit an Apple Store or an authorized reseller to try out the device and pre-order it when it becomes available. Users who pre-order the device will receive it as soon as possible after the launch date.