Introduction:
After many years of development, Apple is ready to showcase a new line of products – a mixed virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headset. Its name is Vision Pro, but there are still many open issues about the same exceeding specified device and its future on the tech market.
Article:
On the global level, the strength of the Apple Inc. brand is one that needs no introduction and which has few direct competitors. Even outside of the IT and tech industries, this company is so well-known that its recognizable logo falls among the most famous businesses on the planet. But, like any other domain of business, the rewards and risks often come hand in hand. With the Apple Vision Pro headset, the company is making one of its biggest leaps into the unknown in this decade. The main reason for this is simply the fact that the domain of mixed reality experience – which includes both AR and VR – is so demanding. Even companies that have been in the same field for years, like Oculus, now part of the Meta family, are used to challenging circumstances.
A newcomer like Apple, despite its big potential and overall tech experience, can expect an even bumpier ride with their new product. However, all of this was known to the Apple team when they began the development of Vision Pro and the headset thus comes with a very interesting set of benefits and capabilities. Thanks to these, the same device is likely going to find its way to many homes and even some places of business – even if it does not manage to do this very fast. Here is an overview of the key facts behind the Apple VR/AR headset and what precisely it brings to this competitive and notoriously difficult market at its very early entrance to this domain.
Device onto its Own
The first interesting thing about Vision Pro is that it is – technically – not a headset. At least, it is not according to Apple. Instead, the company calls it a spatial computing device. Yet, as a device that is carried on the user’s head and which projects images on its embedded display, the fact remains that this is a VR/AR headset regardless. So, as a headset, the unique feature it offers is its combined augmented and VR capability. It carries an external camera and many sensors that can shoot and project the real world in real-time for augmented reality features. The device can also shut down the camera and use the inner display to present a virtual reality visual environment. Creating something like this took a lot out of the R&D team at Apple, which had been working on it for more than 10 years. That is why Apple is launching in January 2024 its first new product category in nearly a decade, following the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. So, for the company, Vision Pro is no small feat, neither technologically nor business-wise.
User Interface and Design
Having in mind the undeniable dedication to design excellence that Apple brings to its product line, Vision Pro looks fantastic. It is more similar to snorkeling or skiing goggles than to the bulky setup of regular VR headsets. It is made from a front laminated glass and a body of aluminum alloy used for its basic frame. The headband holds the device on the user’s face and Audio Straps offer built-in surround sound speakers. On-device controls include what Apple is calling a Digital Crown as the main point of physical interaction. Besides it, the device comes with voice commands, hand gestures, and finally eye tracking as well. In other words, Vision Pro comes with no external physical controllers or other similar devices.
Vision Pro Display
As with any other VR/AR device, the most important element from the user’s perspective is the display. In the case of Vision Pro that is a dual setup of micro-OLED displays. These provide a steady (and even surpass) the 4k resolution mark. Together, they offer 23 million pixels for the user’s viewing. The display also offers an external screen that projects the user’s eyes so that people outside can see when the user is in AR mode and when they enter VR mode. The potential of the OLED setup is impressive enough, but the external screen is just as interesting a design decision. It was used heavily in the Vision Pro promotional material, including videos, which is why many were quick to label it a gimmick. However, in a context where these devices are regularly used in both modes, having this feature of displaying eyes very much makes sense.
Processing Power
The Apple headset is a self-contained device, meaning it operates using its internal and embedded processing power. It has a pair of microchips both from Apple. The main unit is the M2, which began its life cycle in MacBook Air 2022 versions. It runs the visionOS, processes content, offers graphic calculation, and executes the headset’s applications. The secondary unit is Apple’s R1 chip. It deals with the data coming from sensors, microphones, and cameras located in Vision Pro. That includes a stream to the internal screen with a 12-millisecond delay, which is, as Apple states it, a lag-free direct video stream of the world outside of the headset. However, another interesting fact is that all of this processing power demands a lot of actual electrical power, but the Vision Pro comes without an internal battery. Instead, it has to be connected to the power supply with a braided cable, connecting to the side of the headband. The connection can go either directly to a power outlet or use a Vision Pro battery that can be carried along with the user. It offers around 2.5 hours of independent operational time.
Vision Pro Applications
There are a range of use-case scenarios that Apple envisions for Vision Pro. That includes taking 3D photos and videos of the real world, superimposition of digital content on real-world spaces (called aptly the “infinite canvas”), and other special and interactive AR options. At the same time, the headset can run both iPad and iPhone apps, including things like messages, music, and browser features. It provides a redesigned version of FaceTime and its multimedia library already has over 150 3D releases and over 100 games that will be available through Apple Arcade, offering a fully enclosed VR mode. All of this is possible with a stand-alone Vision Pro mode, while the device can connect to a regular Mac desktop unit and offer additional options.
VisionPro Launch
The Apple headset should become available in the US on February 2, 2024, which will come after the opening of the pre-order period beginning on January 19, 2024. The device, first accessible only in the US, will start with a price tag of $3,500 for a version with 256GB of storage. Other territories should see Vision Pro launches later in the year. All of this makes Vision Pro a very niche product, especially having in mind its astronomical price. The later versions, potentially already out in 2024 will push the price somewhat down, but right now, the headset is nothing more than a curiosity of well-off Apple aficionados. This, combined with the fact that the headset and its ecosystem are still to be ironed out – some issues will arise – shows that Vision Pro is only for those who do not mind many potential problems and appreciate a few major improvements to regular AR and VR headsets.
Autor:
Ivica Milaric
Game designer and game design teacher at the Academy of Arts, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia