Introduction
In a grand unveiling at Apple's WWDC, the tech giant showcased its groundbreaking innovation, the Vision Pro Spatial Computer. This cutting-edge device is poised to revolutionise the way we interact with augmented reality (AR) and marks a significant milestone in Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological advancements.
With its advanced features and sleek design, this innovative device is set to transform the way we interact with digital content. From stunning visuals and spatial audio to enhanced sensors and ergonomic design, the Vision Pro Spatial Computer offers a truly immersive experience like never before - converging the gap between virtual and reality seamlessly. Whether you're a professional in need of cutting-edge tools or a gamer seeking next-level excitement, Apple's latest offering is poised to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in augmented reality.
Design
The Apple Vision Pro headset has been meticulously designed to embody the immersive experience of spatial computing with an ultra-high resolution display offering stunning visuals with vibrant colours and exceptional clarity.
Using a singular piece of 3D formed laminated glass flows into an aluminium alloy frame that gently curves to block out light to fully immerse the user into the environment. The Vision Pro headset uses an array of advanced cameras and sensors including downward and side cameras, IR illuminators and a True Depth camera. Including a LiDAR scanner, the Vision Pro can better understand and interact with the surrounding environment. This enhanced sensing capability enables precise depth perception, object recognition, motion detection, and spatial mapping, laying the foundation for advanced natural AR experiences. Similarly on the inside, Apple have surrounded the custom micro‑OLED eye displays with IR and LED illuminators to deliver 23 million pixels - more than a 4K TV to each eye. The incorporation of state-of-the-art eye-tracking technology ensures precise motion detection and enables more natural interactions.
Apple's commitment to delivering immersive experiences extends to audio as well. The Vision Pro Spatial Computer utilises spatial audio technology, allowing users to perceive sound from different directions, creating a truly three-dimensional auditory experience.
Apple's meticulous attention to detail is evident with a lightweight and ergonomic form factor to ensure comfort even during extended usage periods. The Head Band provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch and the Fit Dial precisely adjusts the Vision Pro to the user's head. We see design features from the Apple Watch like the Digital Crown and the Top button implemented in the Vision Pro for a more easier physical control to switch between virtual and reality.
The power delivery for the Vision Pro is only 2 hours with a single charge to use wireless but we are set to see some improvements in this area.
Apple have incorporated their two silicon chips inside Vision Pro - the M2 chip and a new R1 chip. The M2 chip runs visionOS to execute computer vision algorithms and provides graphics, while the R1 chip processes input from the cameras, sensors, and microphones.
Key Features and Capabilities:
Computing: As of currently, Apple have created a new operating system, vision OS built on the groundwork of macOS and iPadOS. VisionOS currently only supports Apple apps like Safari, Photos, Mail etc. in its Home View but is set to add a new list of applications upon its release to purchase in early 2024. Data can be synced through iCloud to extend the display interface whilst using the Vision Pro.
With Apple Vision Pro, content is displayed in the space around you. You can position apps and windows in mid-air, rearranging them as you see fit, with multiple windows supported. Apple says there's an "infinite canvas" to work with as apps can be displayed in the actual environment that you're in so you can stay present with what's going on around you, or you can use a more immersive view that shuts out the world and puts content on a virtual background called an Environment.
The interface of visionOS can also support display from your Mac using a mirroring feature to copy work from your physical desktop to your virtual desktop in Vision Pro. Using Bluetooth, accessories like the keyboard can be used for visual typing and control.
Connections: The FaceTime feature on the Apple Vision Pro headset revolutionises the way we connect and communicate. With its advanced camera and microphone technology, FaceTime on the Vision Pro delivers an immersive and lifelike video calling experience. The high-resolution camera captures every detail, ensuring crystal-clear visuals, while the spatial audio technology creates a sense of presence by accurately positioning the sound around the caller.
One may wonder how users with the Vision Pro will be viewed by other participants in FaceTime. Apple utilised advanced technology in order to create a Persona — a digital representation of themselves created using Apple’s most advanced machine learning techniques to reflect face and hand movements in real time. Users can do things together like watch a movie, browse photos, or collaborate on a presentation.
Apple have created an extraordinary innovation that allows Vision Pro users to still connect with individuals around them physically. When a person approaches someone wearing Vision Pro, the device feels transparent letting the user see them while also displaying the user’s eyes - known as EyeSight.
Entertainment: A massive capability of the Vision Pro is for the user's entertainment. Using the design features and spatial audio, Apple have created what they call a Cinema Environment on the Vision Pro. The Cinematic Environment feature transports users to a whole new level of audiovisual immersion. Users can maximise the screen view to 100 feet wide, adjust the frame rate and even turn their current surroundings into a full cinematic experience making it feel as if you're in the midst of the action.
The Vision Pro also supports Apple Arcade with 100 iPad games to be available at launch where Bluetooth game controllers can be connected to the headset.
Whether you're exploring virtual worlds, enjoying your favourite films, or diving into immersive storytelling experiences, the Cinematic Environment feature is set to deliver an unparalleled level of realism and engagement. It's an extraordinary blend of technology and design that allows users to escape into captivating audiovisual experiences from the comfort of their own headset.
Privacy and Security: Face ID was introduced to iPhone in 2017 to support the privacy of iPhone users on top of the current passcode feature. Now in 2023 we see Optic ID for the Vision Pro.
Optic ID is a new secure authentication system that analyses a user’s iris under various invisible LED light exposures, and then compares it to the enrolled Optic ID data to ensure the correct user to its subsequent Vision Pro headset. Apple prioritises the confidentiality and integrity of user interactions so the Optic ID data is protected by the Secure Enclave to instantly unlock Apple Vision Pro safeguarding information and preventing unauthorised access.
Apple's privacy-focused approach means that user data is not collected or stored without explicit consent, and strict privacy policies govern the use and handling of any collected information.
By maintaining stringent privacy and security standards, Apple empowers users to fully immerse themselves in the Vision Pro experience with confidence, knowing that their privacy is respected and their data is safeguarded.
Pricing
Pricing of the Apple Vision Pro is set currently as $3,499. The Vision Pro will be available in early 2024 on apple.com and at Apple Store locations in the U.S., with more countries coming later next year.
Apple's Vision Pro Spatial Computer represents a remarkable stride in the world of augmented reality, combining cutting-edge hardware and software to deliver an immersive and seamless experience. With its advanced features, ergonomic design, and limitless potential across industries, this device paves the way for a future where augmented reality becomes an integral part of our daily lives. As developers harness the power of the Vision Pro Spatial Computer, we can expect an influx of innovative applications that will redefine how we interact with technology and the world around us. The future of augmented reality has arrived, and Apple is leading the charge.
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