Virtual reality has been in the pipeline for years right well. Actually it's been decades and while some devices in limited ways have offered consumers a teasing glimpse of that long-promised transcendental immersive experience, nobody has quite pulled it off. But with Apple reportedly about to enter the arena with its long-awaited consumer VR device, All that could soon be about to change. So join us today as we strap on a pair and ask exactly what we can expect from Apple's VR headset.
The first thing to get your head around is the fact that for Apple at least this kind of technology is actually nothing new according to those rare and precious rumours that escape the tight-lipped Cupertino firm. Apple has been quietly beavering away at the problem of VR and its close cousin augmented reality or AR for at least a decade now. Indeed it's said that a secret Apple team numbering in the hundreds has been working tirelessly to clear those fiendish technical and aesthetic hurdles required to launch a virtual reality product that meets Apple's exacting standards. At the higher echelons of Apple's corporate hierarchy, chief hardware engineer Dan Riccio was reportedly moved into a new executive role overseeing VR and AR development within the company and the firm certainly hasn't been shy of making acquisitions in the VR and AR space.
Buying up motion capture firm Face Shift and AR software startup Mateo in 2014 and facial recognition upstarts In Motion the following year. As recently as 2020, Apple also bought up Californian virtual reality developer Next VR and they've even roped in AR and VR. Experts from the world of academia with noteworthy hires including one Doug Bowman a computer science professor at Virginia Tech and author of seminal text 3d user interfaces theory and practice.
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In 2017 Apple made its commitment even clearer by launching Arkit a platform designed to help developers make the most of the AR capabilities within Apple's existing suite of devices and while you the end user wouldn't necessarily know that ARkit is at work fun applications like Minecraft earth are built entirely on Arkit's ability to use ipad or iphone's existing cameras and motion sensors. So Apple technology can already comfortably recognize and virtually manipulate horizontal planes and walls in any given real-world space.
So what's this headset actually going to be like? Reliable sources with access to internal documents report that Apple is currently working on two separate AR and VR products. The so-called Apple Glasses an AR-only device about which pressure's little is known won't be released until at least 2024 according to trusted Apple analyst Ming Chi Quo. But thrillingly a so-called mixed reality headset configured to offer both VR and AR functionality could be in the shops as soon as 2022. Ming chi Quo reckons this headset which customers can expect to resemble a sleeker version of Facebook's oculus quest. Device will incorporate no fewer than 15 cameras eight of those cameras will be used to offer an image transmissive AR experience by capturing surroundings in nuanced depth. A further six will reportedly serve an innovative biometric system to monitor eye movements and expressions and the final camera will apparently scan the immediate environment around the header although details on this are of course sketchy.
Analyst Quo claims his information is based on supply chain movements. He's identified by looking into the activities of long-time Apple supplier Lagan, a firm that will likely be integral to the ultimate manufacture of the device in terms of screens.
The headset will reportedly incorporate two high resolution 8k screens which will help users focus on fine details like small typefaces as well as helping them view real people standing both in front of and behind virtual objects in an AR scenario.
This revolutionary suite of sensors and screens will draw processing horsepower from a newly developed chip which is said to pack even more oomph than Apple's celebrated M1 shipped in the 2020 generation of Mac computers. This seems likely to include a LIDAR or light detection and ranging sensor as well. The headset's wraparound visor will make a point of seamlessly blocking out any peripheral vision in order to stop light leaking into the field of vision and ruining the AR or VR effect.
Some estimates predict this visor will also include an outward facing screen which could let the wearer display graphics or communicate with others in the vicinity according to those in the know the current prototype being worked on in Cupertino and just up the road at Hush Apple labs in Sunnyvale.
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Weighing at somewhere between 200 and 300 grams however it's expected the final production version will tip the scales at a much leaner 100 to 200 grams. Opinion is divided as to whether the headset will be a wholly self-contained affair or if it might require a separate box akin to a conventional desktop computer tower.
The advantage of a separate box would be to help manage Wireless comms and some of the heavy lifting processor-wise whilst reducing some of the stubborn clunkiness on the visor itself the headband that will hold the visor in place is in itself the subject of much speculation.
One leading theory is that the headband will feature spatial audio technology familiar to Airpods pro. Customers that already offers a compelling surround sound-esque sonic experience the headband it's reckoned might also be swapped out for an alternative chunkier band that provides extended battery life on the go and Apple being Apple the bands will no doubt come in an array of groovy colors.
One particularly intriguing recent Apple patent has analysts excited. Imagine a pair of rings that users wear on their thumb and index fingers in order to manipulate objects or possibly menus in the AR or VR space! Pretty handy Devices that fit so snugly over customers heads always run up against the challenge of users who need spectacles.
Apple watches have speculated that this forthcoming headset could let such users insert custom prescription lenses into their headset over the VR screens. Apple may well even offer this service for free not that the device itself will be cheap estimates on price oscillate anywhere from three thousand dollars a pop to a much more modest one thousand dollars per unit. Early internal projections suggest Apple don't expect to sell millions but a modest goal of 250000 in the first year would help cover costs and foster that all-important word of mouth and fomo cache around the product.
So in sum the headset will is believed incorporate 15 cameras two 8k screens and a changeable headband that can play surround sound or beef up that all-important battery life according to taste maybe at long last AR and VR will actually become a reality.
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What do you think is Apple's new mixed reality headset about to usher in a new dawn of immersive entertainment or is it a clunky stop gap on the road to ever more elegant VR solutions? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to hit share this with your friends and family and also explore more world enhancing tech content only on Techronicle.
Update June 2023
Apple's AR/VR Headset Latest Update June 2023
Introduction
Apple has been making waves in the tech industry with its innovative products, and the latest buzz surrounds its upcoming AR/VR headset. This article provides a detailed summary of the display specifications of Apple's highly anticipated AR/VR headset. We'll explore the display size, resolution, brightness, and other exciting features that set this headset apart from the competition. Additionally, we'll discuss the potential applications of Apple's AR/VR headset and the impact it could have on the way we interact with technology.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Display Size and Resolution
- Brightness: 5000+ Nits for HDR
- Processor: Apple's M2 Chip
- Camera System for Tracking and Capturing
- Battery Life
- Pricing
- Release Date
- Potential Applications of Apple's AR/VR Headset
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Display Size and Resolution
Apple's AR/VR headset is set to feature two displays, each measuring 1.41 inches diagonally. This compact size ensures a comfortable fit for users while maintaining a high-quality visual experience. The displays boast an impressive resolution of 4,000 pixels per inch, ensuring exceptional clarity and sharpness in the virtual environment.
Brightness: 5000+ Nits for HDR
One standout feature of Apple's AR/VR headset is its exceptional brightness. The displays are rumored to achieve over 5000 nits of brightness, surpassing many other headsets currently available on the market. This high brightness level allows for an immersive experience, especially when it comes to HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. With HDR capability, the headset can deliver a wider range of colors and brightness levels, providing users with stunning visual fidelity.
Processor: Apple's M2 Chip
Powering the AR/VR headset is Apple's next-generation M2 chip, expected to be released in 2023. This chip is set to be up to 18% faster than the current M1 chip found in Apple's MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. With the M2 chip's enhanced performance, users can expect seamless and fluid experiences in AR/VR applications.
Camera System for Tracking and Capturing
To ensure precise tracking and interaction, the headset will incorporate a total of 10 cameras. This camera system includes four front-facing cameras, two rear-facing cameras, and four cameras dedicated to tracking eye movement. The cameras will capture the user's head and hand movements, enabling a highly responsive and immersive experience. Additionally, users will have the ability to capture images and videos within the virtual environment, further enhancing their engagement with the AR/VR content.
Battery Life
While the battery life of Apple's AR/VR headset is estimated to be around 2 hours, it still offers a sufficient duration for short gaming sessions or enjoying a movie. Although it may be shorter compared to some other VR headsets, Apple's focus on optimization and power efficiency ensures an immersive experience without compromising on portability.
Pricing
The anticipated cost of Apple's AR/VR headset is around $3,000. While this price may be higher than some other VR headsets on the market, it is still more affordable than high-end gaming laptops. Apple aims to provide a premium VR experience that justifies the investment for consumers and businesses alike.
Release Date
Apple's AR/VR headset is expected to be released in 2023, creating significant competition for the current market leader, Meta's Quest 2 headset. With Apple's reputation for innovation and user-centric design, the release of their AR/VR headset is highly anticipated and could have a profound impact on the industry.
Potential Applications of Apple's AR/VR Headset
In addition to its impressive technical specifications, Apple's AR/VR headset opens up a world of possibilities in various applications:
- Gaming: The headset can provide an immersive gaming experience, surpassing the limitations of traditional screens and offering unparalleled interactivity.
- Entertainment: Users can enjoy movies and TV shows in a virtual theater, bringing a new level of immersion to the entertainment industry. Virtual field trips can also provide unique educational experiences.
- Education: The headset can revolutionize the way students learn by providing immersive and interactive educational content. It can transport them to historical events, distant locations, or even microscopic worlds.
- Business: Apple's AR/VR headset has significant potential for businesses. It can be used for training employees, enabling collaborative virtual meetings, and providing remote assistance in real-time.
- Medical: Medical professionals can utilize the headset for training surgeons, simulating medical procedures, or assisting patients with disabilities through virtual therapy sessions.
Conclusion
Apple's AR/VR headset is poised to be a game-changer in the way we interact with technology. With a compact display size, high resolution, outstanding brightness, and the powerful M2 chip, the headset offers a truly immersive experience. Its camera system ensures precise tracking and capturing capabilities, and though the battery life may be shorter than some competitors, it remains suitable for short sessions. Despite the higher price point, Apple's AR/VR headset is expected to make waves in the market upon its release in 2023.
FAQs
1. When will Apple's AR/VR headset be released?
Apple's AR/VR headset is expected to be released in 2023.
2. How much will Apple's AR/VR headset cost?
The anticipated cost of Apple's AR/VR headset is around $3,000.
3. What are the potential applications of Apple's AR/VR headset?
Apple's AR/VR headset can be used for gaming, entertainment, education, business, and medical purposes.
4. Will the AR/VR headset support HDR content?
Yes, the headset's displays will be HDR-capable, delivering a wider range of colors and brightness levels.
5. How long is the battery life of Apple's AR/VR headset?
The battery life of Apple's AR/VR headset is estimated to be around 2 hours, suitable for shorter sessions.
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