Apple aficionados are likely to believe that everything grown in the Garden of the popular Smartphone (and watch, and tablet!) manufacturer will be fruitful. However, the brand has yet to make its foray into the headset space. This is all set to change on Friday (July 12), with the release of the Apple Vision Pro in Australia. Here’s what you can expect when the masters of Mac release their first first mixed reality headset.
What is the Apple Vision Pro?
The Vision Pro is a high-end mixed reality headset developed by Apple. It integrates augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities, aiming to offer an immersive computing experience. It’s designed to be more advanced than current VR headsets, potentially featuring high-resolution displays, advanced sensors for tracking, and a range of applications from gaming to professional use.
Design and display
The Vision Pro features an ultra-high-resolution display system with 23 million pixels across two displays, ensuring stunning clarity and detail. Its design prioritises comfort. With a custom-fit modular system that includes different sizes of light seals and headbands to accommodate various face shapes and head sizes. The headset is made from lightweight materials, ensuring extended use without discomfort.
Innovative features
One of the standout features of the Vision Pro is its EyeSight technology, which keeps users connected to their surroundings. When someone approaches the user, the headset becomes transparent, allowing for natural interaction. The Vision Pro also includes advanced spatial audio, providing a lifelike sound experience that enhances immersion.
Performance and power
Powered by the Apple M2 chip and the new R1 chip, the Vision Pro delivers exceptional performance, handling complex tasks with ease and reducing latency for a smoother experience. The R1 chip processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, ensuring that content feels like it’s happening in real time right in front of your eyes.
Experiences and applications
Apple Vision Pro offers a wide range of applications, from productivity and entertainment to communication and creative work. Users can enjoy immersive gaming, watch movies and TV shows on a giant virtual screen, and use augmented reality to interact with digital objects as if they were in the physical world. The headset also supports FaceTime with realistic spatial audio, making virtual meetings feel more natural and engaging.
User interface
The Vision Pro introduces a new user interface controlled by eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands. This intuitive system allows users to interact with digital content in a natural and fluid manner, enhancing the overall experience.
Privacy and security
Apple has incorporated robust privacy and security features into the Vision Pro. The device uses Optic ID, a secure authentication system based on the unique characteristics of a user’s iris. This ensure that only the owner can access their content.
The Apple Vision Pro retails from $5999 and is available for pre-order or purchase this Friday, July 12, in Australia.
