Apple unveils Vision Pro, its $3,500 headset
On Monday, Apple revealed its inaugural mixed reality headset, challenging Meta, the company owned by Facebook, in a market that has yet to captivate users beyond video gamers and tech enthusiasts.
The launch marked Apple’s most significant product introduction since the unveiling of the Apple Watch in 2015.
The Vision Pro, which received generally positive feedback on Monday, will carry a hefty price tag of $3,499 and will be exclusively available in the United States starting early next year, according to the company.
Welcome to the era of spatial computing with Apple Vision Pro. You’ve never witnessed anything quite like this before! tweeted Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, along with a captivating video demonstration.
There are certain products that redefine the way we perceive technology and its role in our lives, declared Apple CEO Tim Cook as he presented the sleek virtual reality device, reminiscent of ski goggles.
We firmly believe that Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary product with unparalleled performance, immersion, and capability that only Apple can deliver, he added.
This headgear, referred to by Apple as a spatial computer, made its debut at the conclusion of an Apple event in Cupertino, California, where the company announced an extensive list of product updates.
Years of development at Apple have gone into the creation of this product, which will primarily focus on gaming, video streaming, and conferencing.
Apple executives are steadfast in their belief that the Vision Pro offers an unrivaled experience, despite the fact that mixed reality technology has yet to capture the hearts of the general public.
In contrast to its competitors, the Vision Pro provides mixed reality technology that clearly situates the user in their environment, explained Yory Wurmser, the principal analyst at Insider Intelligence.
While Meta Quest and other devices prioritize virtual reality, Vision Pro keeps the user grounded in the present and emphasizes the mixed reality features—unless the user decides otherwise, he further elucidated.
The Vision Pro enables wearers to twist a watch-like crown to seamlessly transition from interactive imagery augmenting one’s surroundings to a fully immersive, rich 3-D experience that replicates being in a video or on a sports playing field, as demonstrated hands-on.
Apple has gone to great lengths to maintain its iconic design minimalism, to the extent possible given the technology integrated into the Vision Pro.
The device features a glass front, an aluminum frame, five sensors, 12 cameras, a display for each eye, and a fan-cooled computer system.
With a smaller form factor than a scuba diving mask, the Vision Pro is primarily powered by connecting it to a power source, ensuring a sleek design.
A battery pack attached to a cord, which can easily slide into your pocket, provides a maximum usage time of two hours.
The Vision Pro optics are precisely calibrated to each wearer’s eyes, eliminating the need for eyeglasses during usage and also providing optical identification for user verification, as demonstrated.
Impressed by the experience, tech analyst Carolina Milanesi of Creative Strategies, who was initially skeptical of virtual reality, exclaimed, As a non-VR believer, I was truly astounded by the seamless nature of the experience.
While wearing the Vision Pro, users can not only see who is nearby but also establish eye contact and engage in conversations.
Disney collaborated with Apple for the launch, and the entertainment giant teased immersive content from Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports that will be available on the device.
Apple announced that over 100 video games will be accessible on the day of Vision Pro’s release.
This release pits Apple directly against Meta, which had gained a head start in doubling down on virtual worlds.
Just days before Apple’s event, Meta expanded its lineup of more affordable Quest virtual reality headsets.
A next-generation Quest 3, priced starting at $500, will hit the market later this year.
Despite Meta’s prominent position in the emerging metaverse sector, the company’s experience has been humbling, as evidenced by significant layoffs and a renewed focus on its social media foundations.
Read More: Apple M2 MacBook Air 15-Inch: Enhanced Battery Life and Performance
