FaceTime avatars with full bodies could be included in Apple's mixed reality headset.
January 25, 2023 By Awanish Kumar
(Image Credit Google)
In the coming months, Apple is expected to unveil its long-awaited mixed reality headset. The product has been in the works for some time, and it will be Apple's first new product category since the Apple Watch in 2015.
The rumor mill has provided a wealth of information regarding the device. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has provided some additional details regarding what to anticipate from the product, which may be referred to as Reality Pro, despite the fact that the majority of the information in his most recent piece on the headset has already been reported.
It is said to be a standalone device that offers the option to pin widgets to the home screen and has an interface that is comparable to that of the iPhone and iPad. Alternatively, a connected Mac can use it as an external display.
According to the report, users will be able to type on the so-called "xrOS" operating system using a Mac, iPhone, or iPad keyboard in addition to Siri voice commands. Apple is said to be working on a way for users to type while in the air, like in many sci-fi movies, but that likely won't be available when the headset launches.
It is anticipated that third-party app installation and health-tracking features will be available. The company is said to be focusing on virtual reality video, adding support for Apple TV+ content. Apple is said to have discussed VR content with Disney, Dolby, and other media partners.
It is possible that users will be able to watch videos on virtual screens in places like space or the desert. If users want to fully immerse themselves, they may need to wear AirPods or other supported headphones for spatial audio. Additionally, gaming may play a significant role in the device.
Apple's approach to hand and eye tracking could be the headset's main selling point. The device is thought to have several external cameras that can track hand movements and sensors that can follow the wearer's eyes. The report says that the idea is for users to be able to select something, like an app icon or button, by looking at it and then squeezing their thumb and index finger to do that.
Wearers would not need to use hand controllers, which are typically required by rival headsets, if this strategy works as expected. In the meantime, there might be a screen on the front of the headset that shows the wearer's eyes, which might be a little distracting for some people.
It is anticipated that the device will be able to switch between augmented reality and virtual reality using a digital crown resembling a watch. For augmented reality (AR) use, Meta's most recent headset, the Quest Pro, offers full-color passthrough, and Apple is expected to offer a function similar to this.
Apple may be thinking about customers who need glasses with a prescription. VR and augmented reality headsets have been uncomfortable for many people who wear glasses. On the other hand, it is said that Apple will provide bespoke lenses for the headset, which could make it more comfortable to use.
How the headset will handle one-on-one FaceTime calls is an intriguing feature that does not appear to have been discussed previously. Previously, it was thought that other callers would be represented by an icon or Memoji.
For group calls, that is still likely to be the case. The report suggests that FaceTime will render realistic versions of each participant's face and body for one-on-one conversations when both participants wear Reality Pros. This feature does not appear to be available for group calls due to processing limitations. Meta and other businesses, for example, typically depict users in a cartoonish manner (and do not yet include legs).
The headset is still months away from being available for purchase, so any of these features could change. Reality Pro, on the other hand, is thought to be powered by an M2 chipset. It is anticipated that graphics and mixed-reality experiences will be handled by a second chip known as the "Reality Processor."
Apple is said to be building Reality Pro out of aluminum, glass, and cushions, giving it a look that is similar to the AirPods Max headphones. In contrast, other headset manufacturers typically opt for a plastic body. However, it is unlikely that the battery will be integrated into the device.
According to Gurman, the battery will be contained in an external pack that is carried by the user in their pocket and connects to the headset via a cable. This and a cooling fan may assist in preventing the headset from overheating, but they may also result in an imbalance in weight. It is said that the battery can run for about two hours.
Before the Worldwide Developers Conference in June this year, Apple may reveal the device and release it in the fall. However, many people who might otherwise be interested in Reality Pro may be turned off by the price. It has long been anticipated that the headset will cost approximately $3,000 at retail. That's double what the Quest Pro costs.
As Apple enters a new market that has not yet seen widespread adoption, this is a gamble. According to the report, Apple anticipates selling approximately 1 million units in the first year and even anticipates that the initial version of Reality Pro will not generate a profit.
It is said that another version, which will cost around $1,500, is on the way, but it might not come until late 2024 or early 2025. In order to save money, the less expensive model might use lower-resolution displays instead of the Reality Pro's 4K ones.
By Awanish Kumar
I keep abreast of the latest technological developments to bring you unfiltered information about gadgets.
