Apple's US stores have kicked off sales of their Vision Pro, the mixed reality eyewear priced at $3,499. This marks the tech giant's major launch since the debut of the Apple Watch nine years ago. Let's dive into how to use these futuristic specs.
The arrival of Vision Pro is a milestone for fans of virtual and augmented reality, seeing this tech as the next chapter in internet life after smartphones. Apple Vision Pro is like a space computer, blending digital content and apps into your physical space, letting you navigate using eyes, hands, and voice. It provides "augmented reality" instead of "virtual reality," allowing users to see the world around them while using it, rather than being confined to a completely virtual environment.
In the US, this cutting-edge device comes with a price tag of $3,499, reflecting its advanced technology and potential to reshape the market.
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a laminated glass front display, an aluminum frame covered with a flexible cushion, and an adjustable headband. The frame houses five sensors, six microphones, and 12 cameras. Users look through lenses with two micro-OLED screens totaling 23 megapixels, each the size of a postage stamp. Eye tracking is facilitated by LEDs and infrared cameras, forming the basis of the device's iris scanner called Optic ID (used for authentication, similar to the iPhone's Face ID). Custom optical inserts for prescription glasses wearers are supported; these lenses magnetically attach to the main lens and are developed in partnership with Zeiss. The device's speaker is inside the headband, placed directly over the user's ears, providing surround sound.
Powering the Apple Vision Pro is the Apple M2 processor and a new Apple R1 processor specifically designed for the device's sensor input processing, cooled by a gentle fan. A custom pack battery connected via cable enables a 2-hour runtime, or the device can be plugged into an external power source.
Setting up the Apple Vision Pro involves scanning the user's eyes and hands during the configuration process, mapping the surroundings. A familiar iOS-like interface appears, allowing users to start using the device.
Once initiated, users should note that instead of a traditional mouse, object selection is done using hands by pinching the thumb and index finger. This gesture allows users to navigate in and out of selected applications. Additionally, the interface is set up to use voice commands, enabling users to ask Siri to search for content.
The revolution of Apple Vision Pro: TV, PC, and 600 applications
These glasses enable users to view images and videos in real size and also magnify them, creating a cinematic experience. Simultaneously, users have the option of spatial photography for a more realistic 3D experience.
The company ensures the availability of 600 applications and games specifically designed for Vision Pro, along with a million compatible apps. Apple partnered with Disney, promising 150 3D movies at launch.
The Disney+ app immerses viewers in four environments, allowing them to watch "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" from the seat of a fictional X-34 landspeeder on Tatooine or "Avengers: Endgame" from inside the Avengers Tower in the heart of Manhattan. Viewers can enjoy 42 Disney movies in 3D, including blockbusters like "Avatar," "Black Panther," and "Inside Out."
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, mentioned that Vision Pro will be available in other countries by the end of this year. According to analysts from Wedbush Securities, Apple is expected to sell around 600,000 units in 2024.