Apple has recently introduced the Vision Pro, a revolutionary AR headset that harnesses the power of spatial computing through eye, voice, and hand control. This groundbreaking product marks Apple’s most significant innovation since the iPhone’s inception over a decade and a half ago, ushering in a new era of personal technology.
What is Vision Pro?
Unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the Vision Pro is a highly advanced headset that sets itself apart from others by offering unique control options.
Apple CEO Tim Cook described it as the first Apple product that users look through rather than at. With its concept of spatial computing, the Vision Pro introduces an entirely new dimension to the realm of personal technology.
The headset features a high-resolution, 23 million-pixel glass screen that covers the upper part of the wearer’s face, reminiscent of oversized ski goggles. Its adjustable facial interface ensures a snug and comfortable fit, surpassing the competition in terms of user experience. Crafted with aerospace-grade alloys, glass, and fabric, the headset incorporates five sensors, 12 cameras, dual 4K displays for each eye, and a cooling fan to maintain optimal performance.
What can it do?
Functionally, the Vision Pro serves as an augmented reality (AR) headset, seamlessly blending the real and digital worlds. By using a dial, users can effortlessly switch between augmented and full virtual reality (VR) experiences. While Apple refrained from explicitly using terms like “mixed reality” or “virtual reality” during the presentation, the device offers the ability to consume and create content in innovative ways within the user’s physical surroundings. Users can enjoy 3D movies with spatial audio, view images and videos, and engage in video gaming.
The Vision Pro excels in overlaying apps onto the real world, allowing users to navigate through options and scroll by tapping or flicking their fingers together. Apple also demonstrated how users could interact with others during FaceTime sessions, showcasing the headset’s potential for social engagement.
What’s the technology?
Powering the Vision Pro is Apple’s M2 processor, the same chip found in their Macs. The device incorporates a proprietary R1 chip, enabling silent operation and lag-free image streaming. The R1 chip also introduces EyeSight, a remarkable feature that projects realistic graphics of the wearer’s eyes to those around them, enhancing the social interaction while using the headset. Additionally, EyeSight enables users to see the person they are conversing with through the headset, distinguishing the Vision Pro from other headsets in the market.
The Vision Pro utilizes a customized operating system called visionOS, designed exclusively for spatial computing. While architecturally similar to macOS and iOS, visionOS includes an additional real-time subsystem dedicated to processing interactive visuals. Apple plans to offer a dedicated App Store for the Vision Pro, featuring apps specifically optimized for the headset’s 3D interface. These apps will leverage eye tracking and optic ID capabilities, allowing users to utilize Apple Pay and autofill passwords. Apple has assured users that no personal data will be shared without their consent.
Apple has addressed the needs of glasses wearers by partnering with Zeiss to create custom optical inserts that magnetically attach to the lenses. The functionality and experience of this feature will become clearer as more individuals with glasses begin using the headset worldwide.
Accessibility and Availability
It’s important to note that the Vision Pro is not suitable for children, as Apple recommends users be at least 13 years old. The headset’s ruggedness and water resistance ratings have not been disclosed by Apple.
One notable aspect is the headset’s battery life, which requires an external battery pack and lasts for approximately two hours of continuous use. Apple’s decision to incorporate a separate battery pack indicates their commitment to keeping the headset as lightweight as possible. In comparison, Meta’s Quest Pro headset includes a battery within the device, resulting in a bulkier design.
Pricing and Release Timeline
With regard to pricing, the Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499, approximately Rs 2,90,000 at the current exchange rate. In contrast, the Quest Pro mixed reality headset by Meta is priced at $1,000 (Rs 83,000).
While Apple plans to commence sales of the Vision Pro in early 2024, initially restricted to the United States, it is expected to expand its availability to other countries, including India, later in the same year.
