Could this change the way we work?
The highly anticipated Vision Pro, which Apple refers to as a “spatial computer” rather than using any of the terminology established by other headset makers, is the tech giant’s first major new product category since the Apple Watch almost a decade ago. It uses a dial above the user’s ear to adjust the mix of real world and computer imagery in their view, and also has a screen on the outside to display the user’s eyes to other people, although this changes to a colourful pattern if the user is fully immersed.
The headset is controlled by a user’s movement, eyes, hands and voice, with no controllers required. It connects to a pocketable battery pack via a cable, letting it run for up to two hours, Apple said. It can also be connected to a power source for longer use.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing,” said Apple chief executive Tim Cook.
“Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and [the] iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing.
Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before.”
Apple showed off several of its own apps in spatial mode, including Photos, FaceTime and Safari, as well as third-party apps that will be available from the App Store.
Users will also be able to capture and replay immersive video using the headset, or connect to a Mac computer to use virtual displays. The device works with Bluetooth accessories such as keyboards and controllers.
In the US, the headset will be available in early 2024 and will cost $US3500 ($5290), with Apple saying it will arrive in other countries later in 2024. Specific launch details for Australia have not been announced.
Link to the full article by Tim Biggs of The Age:
Apple Vision Pro: New headset, 15-inch MacBook Air at Apple launch (theage.com.au)
