What Apple’s ‘Redefining’ VR headset would do

“The era of spatial computing has arrived,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

As news over Apple’s new headset being available for pre-order this Friday kicks in, we take a look at what the Apple Vision Pro has in store for VR technology.

Software Features

Apple Vision Pro is powered by visionOS, built on the foundation of similar Apple systems in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. According to Apple, visionOS strives to deliver powerful spatial experiences, unlocking new opportunities at work and at home. 

The headset features a brand-new three-dimensional user interface. The Vision Pro also includes an intuitive eye-tracking system to watch the user’s eyes as input. Thus, inputs are controlled entirely by a user’s senses, like their eyes, hands, and voice. 

This would make navigation feel very futuristic and smooth! Some of the Vision Pro’s intuitive gestures include:  Interacting with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select options, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type. 

Another feature that seems impressive are Environments. These are dynamic, beautiful landscapes, which include places like Haleakalā, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite national parks, and even the surface of the moon! This helps users focus or reduce clutter in busy spaces, making living spaces feel more wide open in unbelievable environments.

App Enhancements

With the Three-dimensional space provided by the Vision Pro, it allows developers to be more creative for immersive experiences for users. This allows users to experience daily tasks and entertainment in a new way!

The headset is a productivity powerhouse, working with multiple collaboration apps like Fantastical, Freeform, JigSpace, apps from Microsoft 365, and Slack. The display works just like macOS’ screen, with options to arrange apps like windows for the ideal workspace. By integrating it with the included virtual Magic Keyboard and the Mac Virtual Display, you can create a portable 4K display for all your working needs!

As for entertainment and games, a micro-OLED display with higher resolution than a 4K TV  would be amazing for all sorts of stuff! Streaming services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ can be watched there. Alongside 3D movies integrated with Apple Immersive Video, allowing for ultra-immersive experiences in sight and sound! You can encounter dinosaurs with this! Games also can be played with the Vision Pro’s support with game controllers. Some games even take advantage of the technology to create engaging experiences, so be on the lookout for that!

With an emphasis on Spatial technology, the Apple Vision Pro also enhances photography. On the go, if you capture any videos with the latest iPhones like the iPhone 15, you can relook at them on the Vision Pro, providing higher detail and audio than ever! Panoramic photos can wrap around the user, immersing them in the photo!

Also, FaceTime now feels more immersive, as if the person you’re calling is right there with you! Using technology called Persona, the Vision Pro can track a user’s facial features and expressions in real-time! Uncanny!

Design

Apple’s emphasis on design for comfort wins again with this! Despite the amount of technology included, Apple has managed to fit it all in a compact way for peak comfort. 

Apple has made sure that the Vision Pro could be personalised and thus used by everyone. A singular piece of laminated glass gently curves around the user’s face and flows into the custom aluminium alloy frame. Also, the light seal used for displays is made from a soft textile and comes in a range of shapes and sizes.  Flexible straps ensure audio remains close to the user’s ears, while the included Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band allow users to find the optimal fit for them. 

For those with myopic eyes, ZEISS Optical Inserts are available too! Combining it with a prescription of the user, these devices magnetically attach to Vision Pro, to ensure anyone can access the brilliant displays of the Vision Pro! 

EyeSight and Other Users

To help a user stay connected to the people around them, Apple designed a groundbreaking new feature called EyeSight.

When a person approaches someone wearing Vision Pro, the device looks transparent — letting the user see them while also displaying the user’s eyes. When a user is immersed in an Environment or using an app, EyeSight gives visual cues to others about what the user is focused on.

The whole device is powered by Apple silicon in a unique dual-chip design. One chip performs standalone performance, similar to many other high-performance apple devices. Another brand-new chip processes input from sensory devices to integrate it with the headset.

Of course, with all this information stored about facial features and retina displays, surely this better be secure, right? Well, Apple assures that it will be with Optic ID. Your eye tracking information is not shared with Apple, third-party apps, or websites. EyeSight also includes a visual indicator that makes it clear to others when a user is capturing a spatial photo or video. So it’s safe, for now!

Other information

As with all Apple products, powerful accessibility features have been built right into visionOS. You pretty much can access the device in any combination of your eyes, hands or voice! Another cool feature includes pausing on an element of visionOS for a few seconds to simulate a tap using Dwell Control. You also can just use voice commands for activities across Vision Pro! If input from both eyes is not an option, visionOS also allows eye tracking with one dominant eye. Really inclusive move by Apple!

Like with modern brands today, Apple designed the Vision Pro with the environment in mind. All metals used are 100% recycled. Vision Pro meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and is free of any hazardous materials. Even the packaging is 100 percent fiber-based!

Conclusion

So, the device is incredibly pricey, just like every Apple product. US$3500 is the price listed, or basically SGD$4700! And as of now, the device is only available on the 2nd of February this year, and only in the United States. But preorders start this coming Friday (19/1), and I’m sure that resellers can come in handy, albeit for an even higher price. But if you’re in for a breakthrough piece of technology by Apple, which could make-or-break the way you work, then I guess there’s no risk in trying it out!

Visit Apple’s site to find out more!