It’s practically unanimous in the universe of rumors that the apple augmented/virtual reality headset it’s just a few months away—following years of development and speculation.
Now, the ever-watchful journalist Mark Gurman of Bloombergbrought a compilation of information (some new and some already known) regarding the device, including its functionalities.
According to Gurman, the headset is an “ambitious attempt to create a 3D version of the iPhone operating system“, with eye-tracking and hand-tracking capabilities that might set the technology apart from rival products.
In terms of design, the headset might be made from aluminum, glass e fabric — and will be “reminiscent of the AirPods Max.” As already conceptualized, the device will have a curved screen that can show the user’s eyes, with speakers on the sides and a headband that will help adjust the device around the user’s head.
As for use, the headset will be more geared towards virtual meetings e video conference advanced technologies, aiming to “shake up a VR industry currently dominated by Meta,” according to Gurman.
He also points out that Apple’s goal is to “bring something new to the table”, so eye tracking capabilities will be a major selling point for the device. The headset will also be able to show content from immersive videoserve as a external monitor for a mac connected and replicate many functions of iPhones and iPads.
Here’s how it will work: the headset will have several external cameras that can analyze the user’s hands, in addition to sensors inside the gadget’s box to read the eyes. This allows the user to control the device by looking at an item on the screen — be it a button, application icon or list entry — to select it.
Users then pinch their thumb and index finger together to activate the task — without the need to hold anything. The approach differs from other headsets, which typically rely on a handheld controller.
As already speculated, the headset may have two displays high-resolution cameras — developed in partnership with Sony — and a collection of external cameras to enable a “passthrough mode” between the real world and AR/VR. For this, the device may also have a Digital Crownlike the Apple Watch, which will allow users to switch between these modes.
It is expected that the games are a popular offering from third-party developers, so the headset will include a variation of the M2 chip, as well as a dedicated processor for graphics and mixed reality experiences. This second chip will be called “Reality Processor”according to Apple’s registered trademark applications.
However, all that power brought another concern: overheating the device while in the user’s face. According to Gurman, to solve this problem, Apple decided to remove the drums from inside the headset and put it on separately — fitting in the user’s pocket and connecting via a cable. Another tweak is the inclusion of a cooling fan, as in the latest generation Macs.
The battery, however, must be grande — regarding the size of two iPhone 14 Pro Max stacked on top of each other. However, the headset may last regarding two hours with a full charge, in line with rival products.
Still, the relatively short battery life can create its own annoyances. If users want to watch multiple movies or play games for hours at a time, they may need to buy multiple batteries and change them frequently.
Apple has recognized these challenges internally and is trying to set realistic expectations for the product. One benefit of the device, the company believes, is that it can “encourage customers to visit Apple’s retail stores” — not necessarily to buy the product, but to try it out.
To showcase the new headset, Apple is creating a “shop within a shop” concept — an area within your points of sale dedicated to demonstrating the product. The company did something similar when it launched the Apple Watch, as Gurman recalled.
Back to the features, the immersion ones might end up being the most memorable elements of the headset. When in VR, the user will be fully immersed; when AR is on, the content disappears and is surrounded by the user’s real environment. Apple hopes this will be a highlight of the product in addition to immersive video viewing.
Apple has discussed developing VR content for the platform with regarding half a dozen media partners, including Walt Disney and Dolby Laboratories. And the tech giant is working to update its own Apple TV+ stuff to work with the headset. As part of the push, Apple bought streaming company NextVR in 2020, with the aim of creating sports content in VR.
Apple is planning for the headset to have a dedicated video display feature that can make viewers feel like they are watching a movie on a giant screen in another environment like a desert or outer space. But while the headset’s video will be immersive, its speakers will be less powerful. Therefore, users will need to use AirPods headphones to get full Spatial Audio — a sound effect surround.
The device will also have productivity features, including the ability to serve as an external monitor for a Mac. With this feature, users will be able to see the Mac screen in virtual reality, but still control the computer with the trackpad or mouse and physical keyboard.
The headset’s operating system, called internally “xrOS”, will have many of the same features as an iPhone and iPad, but in a 3D environment. This includes Safari, Photos, Mail, Messages, Calendar, and more.
Gurman also points out that the device will have applications for services from Apple, such as the App Store to install third-party software, Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. The company is also working on health tracking functions.
The experience should feel familiar to Apple users. When they put on the headset, the main interface will be virtually identical to the iPhone and iPad, featuring a home screen with a grid of icons that can be rearranged. Users will be able to pin widgets such as weather, calendar appointments, email and stock market performance to their application icons.
When users need to enter text, they can use the Siri voice assistant or rely on an iPhone, Mac or iPad keyboard. Unlike an Apple Watch though, an iPhone is not required for operation. The company is developing technology that will allow users to type in the air with their hands, but such a feature is unlikely to be ready for initial release.
As for use with FaceTime, Gurman reports that the headset “will realistically render the wearer’s face and entire body in virtual reality.” These avatars will allow two people — each with a headset — to communicate and feel like they’re in the same room. It will also allow FaceTime sessions with multiple people, but additional users will be displayed as an icon or Memoji, he said.
As with some of Apple’s previous big bets, the company plans to start slowly. The aim is to start production of the device in February in China and it is considering launching the product just us usa to begin. The price should also limit the appeal of the product – but, as already speculated, Apple would be working on a cheaper version, which might be launched in late 2024 or early 2025.
In terms of sales, Gurman points out that Apple expects to sell regarding 1 million units your headset in your first year. In a rare move, the company doesn’t plan to profit from the initial version — even with the high price — indicating the company is taking “a long-term view of the platform.”
Given that the headset is still months away from being released, some features may still be canceled or changed. Gurman once more said that Apple plans to launch the device in the first half – so the company would discuss the product at WWDC23 in June to launch it later this year.
Mind-blowing, not? ????