Apple has done it again. The world of AR & VR will never be the same. The ‘Vision Pro’ release date in the United States is February 2, 2024.
In the dynamic world of technology, Apple has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. The introduction of the Apple Vision Pro marks another milestone in their journey, offering a cutting-edge mixed reality experience. This product review provides the Apple Vision Pro's specifications, software capabilities, pricing, and release dates in the US and Australia, providing an in-depth look at what sets this device apart in the tech market.
Apple describes the headset as a “revolutionary spatial computer” with a big emphasis on how a user will be able to stay present in the physical world while wearing it. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the Vision Pro as “the beginning of a new era for computing” at the WWDC in June 2023.
This is a wearable computer. The real breakthrough feature of the device is the intuitive controls that scan your eyes and hands so you can use them as cursors. To click on an app, you just look at it directly, and the button will light up so you know it's being selected. To click it, you tap your index finger and thumb together, and one of the cameras on the headset will log what your hands are doing. You can also pinch and slide your hand to scroll across a web page.
Product Specifications
The Apple Vision Pro, a state-of-the-art mixed reality headset, is a fusion of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), designed to deliver a seamless and immersive experience. It represents a significant leap forward in mixed reality technology.
Key Features:
Display: The headset boasts dual 4K micro-OLED displays, ensuring sharp, vibrant visuals. The high pixel density provides an incredibly realistic image, reducing the screen-door effect often seen in lesser VR headsets.
Field of View: With a 120-degree field of view, users are treated to a broad and immersive visual experience, significantly wider than many existing VR headsets.
Weight: The Apple Vision Pro is designed for comfort, with a balanced, lightweight build that reduces strain during extended use. It is 1.3 to 1.4 pounds (600 to 650 grams).
Audio: Incorporating spatial audio technology, the headset offers a rich 3D sound environment, heightening the sense of immersion.
Sensors: A suite of advanced sensors enables precise motion tracking and a deep understanding of the user's environment, enhancing interaction and immersion.
Hardware Specs
The Apple Vision Pro's hardware is a blend of power, efficiency, and innovation, designed to deliver a top-tier mixed reality experience.
Processor: The heart of the Vision Pro is Apple's custom-designed chipset, which offers exceptional processing power and energy efficiency, ensuring smooth, high-fidelity experiences. The Vision Pro uses the Apple M2 system on a chip. It is accompanied by a co-processor known as Apple R1, which is used for real-time sensor input processing.
Apple Vision Pro has a laminated glass display front, an aluminum frame covered by a flexible cushion, and an adjustable headband.
The frame contains five sensors, six microphones and 12 cameras.
Two micro-OLED displays with a total of 23 megapixels usually running at 90 FPS from a maximum of 96, each with a size of a postage stamp, will be seen by the user through the lens.
The eyes are tracked by a system of LEDs and infrared cameras, which form the basis of the device's iris scanner named Optic ID (used for authentication, like the iPhone's Face ID). Custom optical inserts are supported for users with prescription glasses; these lenses will attach magnetically to the main lens and are developed in partnership with Carl Zeiss AG.
Ports: A USB-C port provides versatile connectivity for charging and data transfer, supporting a wide range of accessories and peripherals.
Battery: The Vision Pro is equipped with a high-capacity battery, designed to support two hours of continuous use without the need for frequent recharging.
Charging: Fast charging technology allows for quick power-ups, minimizing downtime and enhancing usability.
Connectivity
Wireless: The device supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Software Specs
The software ecosystem of the Apple Vision Pro is robust and user-friendly, offering a range of applications and features that leverage the device's hardware capabilities.
Operating System
Apple Vision Pro runs visionOS (internally called xrOS), which is derived primarily from iOS core frameworks (including UIKit, SwiftUI, and ARKit), and XR-specific frameworks for foveated rendering and real-time interaction.
The operating system uses a 3D user interface navigated via finger tracking, eye tracking, and speech recognition. For example, the user can click an element by looking at it and pinching two fingers together, move the element by moving their pinched fingers, and scroll by flicking their wrist. Apps are displayed in floating windows that can be arranged in 3D space. visionOS supports a virtual keyboard for text input, the Siri virtual assistant, and external Bluetooth peripherals including Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and gamepads. Calls can be presented via windows of participants's personas.
Graphics: A dedicated high-end GPU is tailored for demanding VR and AR applications, capable of rendering complex scenes and effects with ease.
Applications
App Store: Users have access to a vast library of VR and AR apps through the Apple App Store, ranging from immersive games and educational tools to productivity applications and social experiences.
Integration: The Vision Pro integrates seamlessly with other Apple services, including iCloud, Apple Music, and more, allowing users to access their content and services in a mixed reality environment.
Features:
Hand Tracking: Advanced hand tracking technology enables natural, intuitive interactions within the virtual environment, allowing users to manipulate objects and interfaces with their hands.
Voice Control: Integration with Siri provides hands-free control, enabling users to navigate and interact with the device using voice commands.
User Experience
The Apple Vision Pro is designed with the user experience at its core. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, while the intuitive interface makes navigation and control effortless. The high-resolution displays and wide field of view immerse users in a vivid and expansive virtual world, while the spatial audio adds depth and realism to the auditory experience.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to existing VR and AR headsets in the market, the Apple Vision Pro stands out in several areas. Its superior display technology, wider field of view, and advanced hand tracking capabilities set a new standard in the industry. Additionally, Apple's ecosystem integration offers a level of convenience and functionality that is unmatched by competitors.
Potential Uses
The Apple Vision Pro has a wide range of potential applications, from entertainment and gaming to education, training, and professional use. In the gaming sector, it offers an immersive experience that brings games to life like never before. In education and training, it provides a safe and interactive environment for learning complex procedures and concepts. For professionals, it offers new ways to visualise data, design products, and collaborate remotely.
Future Implications
The release of the Apple Vision Pro is not just a milestone for Apple but for the entire tech industry. It pushes the boundaries of what's possible in mixed reality and sets the stage for future developments. As the technology evolves, we can expect even more immersive experiences, new applications, and a continued blurring of the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
Pricing
As a premium product, the Apple Vision Pro's pricing reflects its advanced features and capabilities.
United States Price: In the US, the Apple Vision Pro is priced starting at USD $3,499 with 256GB of storage, positioning it as a high-end device for enthusiasts and professionals.
Australia Price: Australian customers can purchase the Vision Pro for around AUD $5,300,
Release Dates
The release of the Apple Vision Pro is highly anticipated in both the US and Australia.
United States Release Date: The device will be available Friday, February 2, at all U.S. Apple Store locations and the U.S. Apple Store online.
Australia Release Date: In Australia, Apple has not announced Australian availability of the Apple Vision Pro.
The Apple Vision Pro is a groundbreaking device that showcases Apple's commitment to innovation and excellence. With its advanced hardware, intuitive software, and premium pricing, it is poised to redefine the mixed reality landscape. As it becomes available in the US and Australia, the Apple Vision Pro is set to captivate users and open new possibilities in the realm of immersive technology.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Karl Vogel
15+ years senior Sales & Marketing leading teams.
Sales & Revenue Growth, Customer Success, Customer Experience Specialist.
Communication & Loyalty Marketing Expert.
International & Australian Awards for Marketing performance and excellence. ECHO awards from ANA (Association National Advertisers USA) London International Advertising, New York Festival, ADMA (Australian Direct Marketing Association).
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