Apple Glass? Apple Reality Pro? All these names are misnomers because this morning Apple Vision Pro is the official name used for the first mixed reality headset from Apple. Also unlike all the previous leaks, Vision Pro has a see-through mode that allows the real world to merge with the virtual reality world.
It will float a virtual interface in the air complete with it having shadows on real world objects when viewed through Vision Pro. Control is done using voice through Siri or finger gestures. In the demo shown, users can watch Apple TV+ content, make FaceTime calls and browse the web all in three different floating windows.
A rather unique feature is EyeSight. When interacting with other people around, they can see the wearer's eyes on the external screen. With this issue, the user's eyes cannot be seen by the surrounding people, which makes the interaction feel awkward and does not happen.
The most interesting thing is that when it realizes that there are individuals nearby, they will be visible in the internal display automatically. Vision Pro wearers use a rotary knob on the side to set the level of penetration. They can fully immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality or allow the outside world to be seen in Vision Pro fully in mixed reality (MR) mode.
Vision Pro can also be used with a Magic Keyboard or tethered directly to a MacBook by simply viewing the laptop screen. The contents of this MacBook are displayed in a giant virtual screen that can only be seen by Vision Pro users.
Another amazing feature is that Vision Pro can record video in 3D through an external camera which is then also viewed in 3D in Vision Pro. In addition to videos, video games and Apple TV+ content in 3D mode will also be offered.
All of these are not new ideas that already exist on Quest Pro. The difference is that Vision Pro is easily integrated with various products in the Apple ecosystem. One prediction that came true is that the Vision Pro uses a wired connection to a battery pack that is not placed in the headset. This battery is connected to the left side of the head through a magnetic system like an Apple Watch charger. Apple says the Vision Pro's battery allows it to run all day.
There are two screens of the Micro OLED type with 23 million pixels. For those who wear glasses, Apple has partnered with Zeiss to offer lenses so that nearsighted users can use the Vision Pro without glasses. A pair of speakers are placed on the side of the head built into the Vision Pro strap.
Also revealed is Vision Pro using Apple M2 and Apple R1. These two chips are required to collect data from the 2D camera, infrared camera, LiDAR, audio sensor, accelerometer, eye movement tracker and 3D camera used.
The same sensor as Face ID is intentional because the Vision Pro uses the new biometric system Optic ID. Optic ID scans the user's pupil to unlock the device. According to Apple each pupil is unique and different even in twins.
All of this is then controlled by the new operating system VisionOS. iOS and iPadOS apps can be used directly in VisionOS from day one. So there is no issue of Vision Pro not having an application when it is launched later at a price of $3499 (~RM16,016) starting in 2024.